
As delta 8 THC explodes in popularity, more cannabis products containing this intriguing cannabinoid are hitting the market. Delta 8 provides users with a mellow and clear-headed high that’s less anxious than traditional THC. It’s become a favorite among both recreational and medical cannabis consumers. However, the rapidly expanding Delta 8 industry remains unregulated. Without oversight in place, the quality and safety of these products vary wildly. As a consumer, you’ll want to know what to look for when selecting Delta 8 items to ensure you have a positive experience.
Understand what delta 8 THC
Before diving into product selection, it’s important to understand exactly what delta 8 THC is. Delta 8 is one of over 100 compounds called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. The most well-known cannabinoid is delta 9 THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis that gets you “high.” Chemically, delta 8 and delta 9 THC contain the same atoms. The only difference lies in the arrangement of their molecular bonds. This slight variance results in some key distinctions in how these two THC analogs interact with the human body.
While delta 9 THC boasts a potent, euphoric high, delta 8 exhibits a much milder effect. Instead of intense psychoactivity, the best delta 8 brands offer light euphoria with lower anxiety. It allows users to remain productive and clear-headed. The differences between delta 8 and delta 9 come down to their chemical structures and shapes. In the cannabis plant, delta 8 THC only exists in miniscule concentrations and must be chemically derived from CBD or delta 9 THC. Reputable brands extract and isolate pure delta 8 to infuse into cannabis products.
Assess lab testing and results
With cannabis products like Delta 8, verifying quality through third-party lab testing is essential. Always check for recent Certificates of Analysis (COAs) before purchasing any Delta 8 product. Reputable companies post lab reports on their sites. COAs confirm several key details about a Delta 8 product.
- Delta 8 THC Purity – A lab report will state the actual Delta 8 content to show its purity. Watch for products with delta 8 concentrations below 95%, which likely contain contaminants or cutting agents.
- Contaminants Testing – Properly tested delta 8 undergoes screening for solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, microbes, and other contaminants. COAs should show “ND” or not detected.
- Delta 9 THC Levels – Legally, delta 8 items must not exceed 0.3% delta 9 THC. Labs test and confirm amounts.
Without passing third-party testing, delta-8 products could contain mystery ingredients, toxins, and unsafe levels of delta-9 THC. Testing also verifies potency, so you know the true strength of a product.
Examine the source of extraction
Understanding where a company sources its delta 8 extract adds another layer of safety. Delta 8 doesn’t occur naturally in large enough amounts for direct extraction. Instead, it must be derived from CBD or delta-9 THC oils. Most companies convert CBD into delta 8 through a chemical process called isomerization. Lower-quality brands often skip third-party testing of this synthesized delta 8, increasing contamination risks. For greater safety and potency, look for delta 8 extracted directly from locally grown delta 9 THC cannabis. It provides pure, USDA Certified Organic delta 8 born from premium cannabis rather than made in a lab.