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On Alternative Cannabinoids:
Unraveling Delta THC: From 0.3% Hemp Definition to Manufacturing Insights
In recent times, the discussion around Delta THC, particularly Delta-8 THC, has surged, with these cannabinoids becoming more accessible in states with strict cannabis regulations. The roots of Delta THC trace back to the commercial CBD boom, where the term "hemp" began to signify cannabis containing 0.3 percent or less THC by dry weight.
The 0.3% Conundrum
The 0.3 percent THC threshold finds its origin in Ernest Small's 1979 book, "The Species Problem in Cannabis: Science & Semantics." Small proposed this seemingly arbitrary number to distinguish hemp from cannabis due to the lack of taxonomical differences. The 0.3 percent rule later shaped the legal definition of hemp in the Agricultural Act of 2018.
Hemp's Legal Landscape
The 2018 Farm Bill transformed the hemp landscape, making it legal to grow hemp throughout the United States, provided it contained less than 0.3 percent THC. This legislation also paved the way for federally legal hemp-derived CBD products. However, marijuana, with more than 0.3 percent THC, remains federally illegal, while state laws on cannabis usage vary widely.
Vital Elements in Delta-8 THC Manufacturing
The production of Delta-8 THC demands meticulous attention to key elements:
Starting Material: High-quality hemp free from contaminants.
Extraction: Careful extraction methods like CO2 or ethanol extraction.
Isomerization: Controlled process to prevent unwanted byproducts.
Refining and Purification: Techniques like chromatography for a pure extract.
Testing and Quality Control: Rigorous testing to ensure purity, potency, and safety, with a growing body of evidence supporting the relative safety of Delta-8 THC.
Delta-8 THC: The Conversion Process
To produce Delta-8 THC, CBD is extracted from hemp, preferred for its low THC levels. Two crucial steps in the conversion process are isomerization and chromatography.
Isomerization:
Isomerization is the chemical process through which CBD is transformed into Delta-8 THC by rearranging its molecular structure. This reaction typically involves exposing CBD to a catalyst, such as an acid or a metal catalyst. This controlled process is essential for achieving a consistent and high-quality Delta-8 THC product. Isomerization is a pivotal step in the manufacturing process, facilitating the conversion of the non-psychoactive CBD into the mildly psychoactive Delta-8 THC.
Chromatography:
Chromatography is a refining technique used to purify the Delta-8 THC extract obtained from the isomerization process. This method separates different compounds based on their chemical properties. By passing the Delta-8 THC extract through a chromatography column, unwanted compounds can be effectively removed, leaving behind a more pure and concentrated Delta-8 THC extract. This refining step is crucial for ensuring the final product meets rigorous standards of purity, potency, and safety.
Exploring Other Cannabinoids
Beyond Delta-8 THC, the cannabis plant houses a plethora of cannabinoids, each with its unique properties and potential applications. THC-A, THC-O, HHC, and others have garnered attention for their distinct effects. THC-A, the non-psychoactive precursor to Delta-9 THC, is being explored for its potential therapeutic benefits. THC-O, a synthetic cannabinoid, has gained popularity for its purported intensified psychoactive effects. Hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is another emerging cannabinoid with reported euphoric effects. As the cannabis industry evolves, ongoing research explores the diverse uses and production methods of these cannabinoids.
In Conclusion
The journey from the 0.3% THC definition to the rise of Delta-8 THC unveils the complexities of cannabinoid regulation and production. As the industry navigates legal landscapes and explores novel compounds, acknowledging user experiences and the evolving understanding of safety considerations becomes an integral part of the conversation.
Here at Beyond Smoke, we make a point of evaluating the products we carry. We prefer to buy from manufacturers that are known for their responsible practices, and we stock products that have been evaluated by a third party laboratory to verify their purity and quality. Our employees test products and we always seek opinions from our customer base as well. We want to make a higher quality of life available to all our customers through the products we carry, and part of doing that is having standards and integrity as a retailer. Come see us and we’ll tell you all about it!
Introduction to Hemp-Derived THC Products:
In our last article, we learned to distinguish between over-the-counter, hemp-derived THC products and medical marijuana by understanding the 0.3% rule. This article delves deeper into how various cannabinoids become available from hemp and explores their effects.
Delta-6 THC:
Delta-6 THC is the most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, accounting for more than 40% of all cannabinoids. It offers a range of medicinal benefits, including anxiety and pain reduction. It constitutes a significant portion of cannabis-derived products and is known for its psychoactive effects and diverse biological activities, showing evidence of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-anxiety, anti-nausea, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant and anti-depressant effects.
Delta-8 THC:
Delta-8 THC, a synthetically produced psychoactive cannabinoid, provides a milder high than delta-9 THC. Its consumption is explored as an alternative to delta-9 THC, and it is considered a milder alternative with fewer of the side effects (paranoia, hunger, fatigue) sometimes associated with THC use. It is medicinally beneficial in the same ways as other cannabinoids, but does not occur naturally in great quantities and so must be synthesized from other cannabinoids such as CBD.
Delta-9 THC:
The landscape of THC has evolved since the 2018 Farm Bill, with delta-9 THC subject to varying laws nationwide. It is one of the most commonly occurring cannabinoids, first discovered in the 1960’s and studied (and enjoyed) extensively since. Thanks to its abundance it requires a minimal amount of processing. Hemp-derived delta-9 THC, sourced from legal hemp plants, shares the same properties as THC from marijuana (as hemp and marijuana are both cannabis) but differs in the extraction process.
Delta-10 THC:
Delta-10 THC, an isomer of delta-9 THC, exists naturally in small quantities in cannabis plants and is often synthesized from hemp-derived CBD. Positioned in a legal grey area, it is reported to offer stimulating and uplifting effects with fewer chances of inducing anxiety. It is popular amongst students and professionals for its energizing and euphoric effects.
Delta-11 THC:
Delta-11 THC, a minor cannabinoid, is an isomer of delta-9 THC and is synthesized from cannabidiol (CBD). Users report intense euphoric feelings, heightened relaxation, and an elevated mood, making it a sought-after cannabinoid. It shares a commonality of effect and potency with Delta 10.
HHC:
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a lesser-known THC relative, is produced from hemp-derived CBD in a lab. While not technically a THC, it produces very similar effects, and its unique advantages include enhanced stability and resistance to breakdown. Users report a euphoric, long-lasting high, beneficial for energy, focus and mood; with few of the side effects normally experienced alongside THC use. Interestingly, there is some evidence to suggest that HHC will not appear on traditional panel drug tests, as it does not metabolize in the same way THC does… But further study on the subject is necessary.
THCA:
THCA, the precursor to THC, is abundant in fresh cannabis plants and known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. It can be obtained by enjoying raw, organically produced cannabis in culinary products such as smoothies, fresh juices or salads. While non-psychoactive, it undergoes decarboxylation into THC, which means that heating THCA will convert it into THC, offering a potent high from smoking or vaping.
THCV/THCP/THCB:
THCV, a relatively rare compound, has effects such as appetite suppression and neuroprotection and is significantly more potent than THC alone. THCP, discovered in 2019, exhibits psychoactive potential surpassing THC by a significant margin. THCB, discovered alongside THCP, shows medicinal promise with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, though further studies are needed on all three minor compounds
In Conclusion:
There are many benefits to hemp-derived cannabinoids and as the industry expands in response to demand, there are an abundance of products to choose from. It is crucial that consumers choose reputable retailers for their hemp-derived THC products, sourced responsibly from from quality manufacturers who can provide third-party lab results, ensuring transparency and product integrity. Here at Beyond Smoke, we pride ourselves on our merchandise quality and informed, educated customer service. Stop by for all your over-the-counter cannabis needs!