You can find many different types of cannabis flower on the market these days — it’s no longer just Mary Jane! In various states across the U.S., residents now have access to Delta-8 flower, a new type of bud that people are falling in love with because of its subtle properties and supportive effects.
However, since Delta-8 flower was only introduced within the past few years, many people have questions about where it comes from, how it’s made, and whether it’s considered natural or synthetic.
Below, we’ve answered everything you need to know about how Delta-8 flower is made and so much more. But first, let’s start with the basics: what is Delta-8 flower in the first place?
What is Delta-8 Flower?
You may not have heard of Delta-8 flower because it was only introduced to the mainstream cannabis market a few years ago. This type of flower is actually hemp flower infused with Delta-8 distillate.
The Delta-8 cannabinoid is found in minuscule amounts within the cannabis plant. As you can tell by the name, it’s a THC variant; however, it’s quite different from Delta-9 THC. Delta-8 has about half the potency of Delta-9 THC, creating a milder psychoactive experience for users. However, it is still psychoactive.
This means that Delta-8 flower is also mildly psychoactive. Some strains will be stronger than others depending on how they’re made and the type of distillate used to infuse them. We’ll talk more about how Delta-8 flower is made in a moment.
Delta-8 flower is just as enjoyable as any other type of cannabis flower. Many users prefer to grind it up and smoke it, while others prefer pre-rolls for ease and convenience. The choice is yours!
Is Delta-8 Grown or Made?
What makes Delta-8 flower significantly different from typical cannabis flower is that it isn’t grown. While the cannabinoid is naturally present in the plant, it’s found in about 1% or less of the plant. This makes it incredibly difficult to breed plants that naturally have high Delta-8 THC levels. Therefore, cannabis cultivators don’t grow Delta-8 flower; instead, they grow hemp flower, which is then infused with Delta-8 distillate.
This can be done by adding certain acids that are accessible to the general public, including ethanol, battery acid (37% sulfuric acid), muriatic acid (30% hydrochloric acid), and vinegar (5.4% acetic acid).
Technically, this means Delta-8 flower is made, not cultivated.
In the future, with some advancements in cannabis science, this may change, and we might see naturally grown Delta-8 flower. But for now, the Delta-8 flower you buy online or from local shops is made in labs across the country. Because of this, getting your hands on the COAs (Certificates of Analysis) for the Delta-8 products you buy is integral to knowing what’s in your flower.
How is Delta-8 Flower Made?
Now that you know what Delta-8 flower is and that it’s made and not grown, let’s talk about the most pressing question: how is Delta-8 flower made?
As we’ve mentioned, Delta-8 flower is technically hemp flower at the base. Curators take the hemp flower and dip or coat it in Delta-8 THC distillate.
To make Delta-8 distillate, professionals will take hemp-derived CBD cannabinoids and transform their chemical composition through a process called isomerization. This process doesn’t require any chemical additives; it simply involves rearranging the molecules at a chemical level.
Once the CBD molecules have gone through this process, they’re no longer cannabidiol; they’ve transformed into Delta-8 THC.
From there, professionals can curate a Delta-8 distillate, isolating the cannabinoid from other cannabinoids and terpenes. They can then infuse this distillate into hemp flower. Many manufacturers choose to dip their flower in Delta-8 extract, while others prefer to use powdered Delta-8 distillate to coat their hemp flower. Some companies also coat the buds in a layer of kief for an added, enhanced experience.
Each company will have a slightly different way of producing Delta-8 flower, which comes down to preference, lab space, cost, and other factors. Some flower may be coated in kief, while others may not.
Is Delta-8 Flower Legal?
Earlier, we mentioned that Delta-8 flower has mildly psychoactive properties. So, is Delta-8 flower legal, or is it regulated like Delta-9 THC?
Most Delta-8 products are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Because hemp is used to produce the cannabinoid, it contains a maximum of 0.3% THC by volume. If the product doesn’t follow those regulations, it would no longer be federally legal.
However, Delta-8 THC’s legality isn’t as straightforward as it may appear. Many states have begun regulating Delta-8 products on their own terms. Some states have banned Delta-8 entirely, making it illegal to purchase, possess, or use these products.
The following states currently prohibit Delta-8 THC:
– Alaska
– Colorado
– Delaware
– Idaho
– Iowa
– Montana
– New York
– Nevada
– North Dakota
– Oregon
– Rhode Island
– Vermont
– Utah
– Washington
Arizona, California, Minnesota, and Mississippi also don’t have clear laws surrounding Delta-8, so availability may be limited.
Delta-8 THC laws change all the time, so it’s essential to keep up with regulations in your area before making a purchase.
Delta-8 THC Flower vs. Delta-9 THC Flower
Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC may be related cannabinoids, but they are far from the same compound.
From a technical standpoint, Delta-8 and Delta-9 have similar chemical structures, but the big difference is where the double bonding occurs on the structure itself. For Delta-9 THC, the bonding happens around the ninth atom, while for Delta-8 THC, it occurs around the eighth.
This difference in double-bond location is believed to directly affect the potency of these cannabinoids. Delta-9 THC can work more closely with CB receptors in the body than Delta-8, making it about twice as potent.
Delta-8 THC is ideal for those with lower tolerances, beginners, or users who may have found Delta-9 THC too powerful in the past.
Is Delta-8 Flower Safe?
Whenever you’re buying Delta-8 online, whether it be concentrates, gummies, or tinctures, you must ensure you’re purchasing high-quality, safe options.
Delta-8 THC is generally not regulated in the U.S., so you’ll have to conduct a bit of research to ensure that the brand you’re buying from meets your quality standards.
Look for Third-Party Lab Test Results: Certificates of Analysis (COAs) should test for cannabinoid potency, as well as impurities like heavy metals and pesticides.
Read Customer Reviews: Customer reviews offer insight into product quality, customer service, and more. Unaffiliated reviews provide unbiased opinions.
Check the BBB: See if there have been substantial complaints about the company. This can reveal problems with mislabeling or unsafe products.
How is Delta-8 Added to Flower?
The way Delta-8 is added to flower depends on the brand and how the manufacturer chooses to do it. The base of it all is Delta-8 THC distillate.
Some brands use powdered Delta-8 THC distillate to coat the hemp flower, then add a layer of kief for a high-quality, easy-to-use product. Others leave the Delta-8 distillate in an oil form and dip the flower into the distillate before coating it with kief.
Is Delta-8 Natural or Synthetic?
Whether Delta-8 THC is a natural or synthetic cannabinoid is up for debate. Delta-8 THC naturally occurs in the cannabis plant, but it’s present in minimal amounts.
The Delta-8 products you buy are man-made and produced in labs, but the process doesn’t rely on chemical additives. Some people consider Delta-8 THC to be “semi-synthetic,” while others believe it’s entirely synthetic.
Choose GreenDoor for Safe and High-Quality CBD Products
Delta-8 flower has quickly gained popularity for its subtle effects and supportive results, but finding a reputable source for any cannabinoid product is crucial. It’s important to note that many of the novel cannabinoid products on the market today, such as Delta-8-THC, THC-O, and HHC, actually start out as CBD that has been chemically converted. While a few of these compounds can be found naturally in small amounts, most are created synthetically through various acid-catalyzed reactions.
With so many brands and products on the market, it’s important to choose a company that prioritizes quality, safety, and transparency.Partner with GreenDoor for your CBD needs and explore our curated selection of safe, high-quality CBD products.
Discover the GreenDoor difference today and unlock a world of natural wellness!
