Delta-8 and other forms of THC
What are cannabinoids? And when you hear about delta-9 THC, what does that mean? You’ve probably heard about the effects of delta-9 THC – like euphoria and increased appetite, but with all these new cannabinoids on the market, you may find yourself asking what is delta-9 THC, and how is it different from other cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC, HHC, and even THC-O?
To start, we’ll explain what Dose of Chill does not make or sell: delta-9 THC from its many other names such as“weed,” “pot,” etc. Delta-9 THC is just the chemical name for the highest-concentration psychoactive ingredient found in the Cannabis L Sativa plant. Marijuana is not to be confused with hemp – a cannabis plant that has been harvested prior to the conversion of CBD to delta-9 THC, defined as containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight.
However, Dose of Chill makes hemp-derived cannabinoid products such as delta-8 THC and HHC. Hemp plants have been used for thousands of years in various industries, including textiles, engineering, and medicine. As hemp grows, the cannabinoids within the plant convert to other cannabinoids. For example, CBD converts from CBG, and delta-9 THC converts from CBD. These reactions can be done in a lab, but it is important to note that like delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC and HHC are cannabinoids that are also converted from CBD naturally in the plant, albeit in smaller concentrations than delta-9 THC, depending on when the plant is harvested (the longer the growth period, the more THC).
The Farm Bill of 2018 established federal legality for naturally occurring minor cannabinoids such as CBD, delta-8, and even HHC. CBD is allowed to be on the market, and can be researched, because it is naturally occurring in the hemp plant. This is true as well for delta-8 THC (also known as just delta-8), HHC, and delta-10 THC. This is NOT TRUE, however, for THC-O, (aka THC acetate ester) , as these molecules have not been identified in the hemp plant. Unlike delta-8 THC and HHC, THC-O is NOT naturally occurring in the hemp or marijuana plant, and therefore is not covered by the farm bill. Despite its chemical similarities (not to mention its confusingly-similar names), THC-O (including delta-8 THC-O and delta-9 THC-O) must be synthesized in a lab to exist.
HOW IS DELTA-8 THC MADE?
Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring compound, but it’s produced in only tiny amounts by hemp and cannabis plants, though some hemp varieties are now grown with higher delta-8 content. More commonly, delta-8 is produced in the lab from hemp derived CBD through gentle proprietary conversion processes, keeping the product natural and not synthetic. Delta-8 THC, or its more common name, delta-8, is NOT THE SAME as delta-8 THC-O.
“High levels of delta-8 THC are produced artificially by chemically converting CBD or delta-9 THC through a process known as isomerization. All delta-8 THC products are manufactured by some form of chemical conversion,” says nonprofit cannabis legal advocacy group National Organization for the Reform of Cannabis Laws (NORML), describing the typical process used to obtain delta-8 molecules in the lab.
What is THC-O and Why it is Illegal in the United States
You may have seen THC-O on the shelf at your local smoke shop, or on your favorite CBD website. But what is it, and how is it different from regular THC? THC-O is also known as THC-O acetate, and is a THC acetate ester. Recall your highschool chemistry class; THC-O has an acetate group bonded where the far more famous THC would have a hydrogen bond. Unlike isomers of THC such as delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC, where a double carbon bond can naturally occur in two orientations (the latter being more favorable), there is no THC-O isomer that is naturally occurring in the plant. It is important to also note that THC-O can be marketed as delta-8 THC-O, and delta-9 THC-O. THESE ARE NOT THE SAME AS DELTA-8 THC (aka delta-8 THC) AND DELTA-9 THC (aka delta-9 THC, or just THC). For this reason, there are no THC-O isomers that are federally legal as protected by the farm bill, while many THC isomers are protected.
Further, THC-O, due to its acetate component, has been linked to ketene formation, a respiratory poison. The formation of ketene was not found with any THC isomers.
Where can I purchase legal cannabinoid products?
Because the farm bill protects cannabinoids derived from hemp that contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC and are already found naturally in the hemp plant, the Dose of Chill brand DD8 portfolio does not include THC-O or any of its isomers. DD8 only carries the highest-quality legal cannabinoids, including delta-8 THC and HHC.
The ingredients in DD8 brand delta-8 vape pen and cartridge extracts are simple and natural, 950mg (+/-5%) hemp-derived delta-8 THC oil and 5% strainspecific terpenes for experience and aroma.
DD8 brand HHC vape cartridges contain a concentration of 95% (+/-5%) hemp-derived hexahydrocannabinol oil blended with 5% strain-specific terpenes.
Dose of Chill plant extracts contain less than 0.3% of delta-9 THC, which is the federal legal limit for hemp cannabinoid products. Additionally, Dose of Chill extracts do not contain cutting agents, artificial ingredients, MCT/coconut oil, or Vitamin E acetate, a filler ingredient that was implicated as a possible cause of serious respiratory syndrome EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping use associated lung injury).
Furthermore, DD8 products are third-party lab tested for batch purity and potency, and for contamination from unwanted substances including cannabinoid concentrations, terpene profile analysis, residual solvents, heavy metals, microbial contaminants (yeast & mold), mycotoxins, pesticides, filth and foreign materials.
