A Guide to Hemp-Derived THC

Products that have been recently making huge waves in the cannabis industry are delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC. However, what makes these products different from marijuana aka weed is in the way that they’re produced. In this guide, we’ll explain how these products are different, how they’re made, and where they’re available at. 

Hemp-Derived Extracts

A hemp-derived extract means that a certain cannabinoid in the hemp plant was extracted and then isolated. The end result produces products like CBD, delta-8 THC, and delta-10 THC. This might leave you wondering if delta-8 and delta-10 are weed, because they are a form of THC.

The answer is no, delta-8 and delta-10 are not considered weed, although they are very similar. Weed produces delta-9 THC, which is classified as a schedule I drug. Delta-8 and delta-10 products have less than 0.03% of delta-9 THC. Therefore, delta-8 and delta-10 are considered hemp-derived extracts.

Delta-8 THC

The name delta-8 comes from the location of the double in the THC’s chemical composition. Delta-8’s double bond is located in the eighth carbon atom; while the double bond in delta-9 is located in the ninth carbon, and delta-10 is in the tenth carbon.

This small chemical difference produces a different type of high for its users. Unlike CBD, delta-8 is psychoactive, which means it can get you high. Although it’s not as potent as delta-9 THC (weed) it can still pack a punch. It’s been often stated that if weed takes a consumer two hits to get high, delta-8 will take three. 

Delta-10 THC

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This type of THC is fairly new to the cannabis industry because it exists in small batches within the hemp plant. Also, the type of high it produces depends on how you consume it and with what added terpenes and flavonoids. However, when THC is combined with flavonoids and terpenes it is known to cause an entourage effect. This is a stimulation of natural cannabinoids found in hemp that are thought to enhance the high from THC. 

The type of high that delta-10 is associated with is more of a sativa high. Sativa is known to cause a more euphoric and energetic type of high. This means you’ll feel more of a head high vs. a body type of high. However, if you encounter an indica-dominant strain, you might feel a euphoric, body high; this type of high is usually associated with a Hybrid strain.

CBD

Although CBD is not considered THC it still has small traces of delta-9 THC. The legal limit amount of THC any product can have is less than 0.3% of delta-9 THC. In some cases CBD-infused formulas can have 0.3% or less but are rarely completely 100% THC-free. This is because hemp naturally produces high amounts of CBD and low amounts of THC. Therefore, regardless of the extraction process you may still find small to undetectable amounts of THC.

The biggest reason why CBD is so popular is because it has most of the benefits from the hemp plant without the high. This means that no matter how much CBD you take it can’t get you high. But, you’ll want to make sure you purchase your CBD from a reputable company like Savage CBD; or, any company that offers third party lab test results and are transparent about their extraction process.

How Hemp-Derived THC is Made

As stated earlier — delta-8 and delta-10 THC are extracted from the hemp plant. Then the cannabinoid is isolated. Also, this process is not so simple because hemp produces more CBD than THC, and even less of delta-8 and delta-10. There are two popular extraction processes that make hemp-derived THC, which include: CO2 extraction and ethanol extraction.

CO2 Extraction

This process includes using pressurized carbon dioxide to extract the THC from the hemp plant. It’s important to note that this process is a more expensive way of extracting THC, but it’s a lot cleaner. This means it reduces the amount of solvents and chemicals in the final product; also, it makes the extract a lot more potent.

Ethanol Extraction

This process includes mixing hemp with alcohol and then distilling it until all the ethanol has been evaporated. This process is most cost-effective but the finish product tends to be less potent and can leave small traces of solvents. Although this process is not completely bad, you’ll discover that less potent products are made this way.

THC Distillate

Once the THC has been successfully extracted, the THC is then isolated so that the end product is only delta-8 or delta-10. This results in a THC distillate that is able to be either vaped or infused with another product. The distillate is typically very sticky, kind of like molasses. Also, the end product typically lacks any flavors and is very potent. So, for this reason terpenes are added to give it that great flavor.

Where Hemp-Derived THC Is Available

Online stores like Delta Effex are one of few websites that have both delta-8 and delta-10 THC available at this time. However, many local vape shops and smoke stores carry products like CBD, delta-8, delta-10, etc. A simple search on Google can help you find a local store that carries these products.

One interesting thing to keep in mind is that you don’t need a special license to purchase hemp-derived THC. Although some states like Alabama don’t allow the use or sale of hemp-derived THC; you will still find more states that are pro-hemp vs anti-hemp. 

Final Thought

In conclusion, the most important thing to remember is that delta-8 and delta-10 THC are not considered weed. They are hemp-derived extracts that have less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. These small differences in the chemical compositions produce a different type of high in its users, and different extraction processes produce different potencies in their products.