Delta-8 THC: Structure, Synthesis and Safety

If you’ve ever had an experience with recreational cannabis products with a high THC (delta-9) content, delta-8 THC is often described as the milder, more mellow cannabinoid. 

For those who are completely new to these compounds, delta-9 THC is the main psychoactive component of the cannabis sativa plant, whereas delta-8 is a minor cannabinoid, meaning it’s not found in large quantities naturally. However, it’s still a naturally occurring compound. This is very important for its legal classification, which we’ll discuss. 

In this article, we’ll cover the molecular structure of delta-8 THC and how it compares to the more popular cannabinoids CBD (cannabinol) and delta-9 THC. We'll also discuss how it is used, its complex legal status, and some of its effects. 

What is Delta-8 THC? 

Delta 8 THC is a naturally occuring isomer of THC characterized by a double bond on its eighth carbon chain, hence its name, delta-8. It's found in very low concentrations in nature—typically less than 1%, which is significantly less compared to delta-9 THC and CBD [2]. Psychoactive effects are similar to those of Delta 9 THC, as they occur by binding to cannabinoid receptors located in different areas of the brain.

Delta-8 THC  was first discovered by the late Israeli scientist and prominent cannabis researcher Raphael Mechoulan in the early 1960s [1]. 

When hemp products and its cannabinoids became legal with the 2018 Farm Bill, many doors opened to the possibilities of cannabis use, and since high delta-9 THC cannabis products remain federally illegal, delta-8 derived from hemp became an intriguing option for many cannabis users and businesses as a legal means to experience the psychoactive nature of cannabis. 

Is Delta-8 THC Psychoactive? 

Yes, delta-8 THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid. 

Delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC have a nearly identical chemical structure. The difference lies in the location of the double bond in their carbon chain. 

This subtle variation affects the cannabinoids’ interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

Our favorite way to visualize this is to compare the receptors in the ECS (CB1 and CB2) as locks and the different cannabinoids as keys. The subtle variation in the shape of the cannabinoids affects their ability to bind to these receptors. 

As a THC variant, it has an affinity for CB1 receptors concentrated in the central nervous system. Yet, the change in the double bond location means it’s not an exact fit for the intensity of effects compared to delta-9 THC. This is why many people describe the high from delta-8 THC as much more mellow and clear-headed. 

What Does Delta-8 THC Feel Like? How Does It Compare to Delta-9, Delta-10, and CBD?

Delta-8 vs. Delta-9

Cannabinoids can affect individuals differently depending on tolerance level, experience with cannabinoids, dosage, and method of administration. However, generally, delta-8 THC is often described as a milder, manageable high compared to delta-9 THC. 

Thanks to its interactions with the CB1 receptors, users report feeling relaxed and uplifted with slight changes in perception. Still, it’s not as stimulating as delta-9 THC, which, at higher doses, can lead some people to experience temporary anxiousness or paranoia.

Because of this, delta-8 THC has become many people’s preferred option for THC as it has a lower intensity.

Delta-8 vs. Delta-10

Delta-10 THC is another minor cannabinoid that’s characterized by having a double bond on the tenth carbon chain. 

Compared to delta-10, delta-8 is slightly more potent regarding psychoactive effects. While there isn't concrete evidence explaining this difference, many users find delta-10 THC more suitable for daytime use, while delta-8 is preferred for evening relaxation.

Delta-10's milder psychoactive properties may make it more uplifting. It’s said to enhance mood and energy without the risk of making users feel overly stoned, which can interfere with daytime activities. On the other hand, delta-8's more pronounced effects can be ideal for unwinding and relaxing in the evening.

Delta-8 vs. CBD

CBD, or cannabidiol, stands apart from the THC variants. 

This cannabinoid is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you high because it doesn’t have a bind to CB1 receptors. Instead, CBD is known for its calming and immune-supporting properties. 

CBD works a little differently in the ECS. It’s been found to support the endocannabinoid system by possibly slowing the breakdown of endocannabinoids (the body’s own cannabinoids). This support helps the ECS maintain homeostasis, or balance, across various systems involved in mood, immune function, sleep, appetite, and more.

Since the 2018 US Farm Bill made hemp and CBD more accessible, CBD products have become popular for a variety of uses. People turn to CBD to support stress management and mild discomfort and promote healthier sleep patterns, among other benefits.

How Do You Use Delta-8 Products

Like CBD and delta-9 THC, you can consume delta-8 THC in various forms that are sold online. We’ll review the most common methods and a few pros and cons for each. 

Vaping Delta-8 THC Pens

Delta-8 THC pens are portable, handheld devices designed for vaping delta-8 THC distillate. These devices have a heating coil that turns concentrated delta-8 into a vapor at lower heating temperatures than combustion (smoking), which means it’s much gentler on the lungs. 

These pens come in two main types: disposable and refillable/rechargeable. Disposable pens or cartridges are pre-filled with delta-8 THC extract and are designed for single use. Once the oil is depleted, the entire pen is discarded. 

When you inhale cannabinoids, the effects are fast-acting (within minutes), as the THC is absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. Still, it does tend to have a shorter duration of effects (1-3 hours) compared to ingesting cannabinoids. 

Pros:

• Quick onset: Effects are felt almost immediately.
• Control: Users can easily control their dosage by adjusting their inhaled amount.
• Portability: Vapes, in particular, are easy to carry and use discreetly.

Cons:

• Shorter duration: The effects last a shorter period, typically 1-3 hours.
• Health concerns: Inhalation can irritate the lungs and respiratory system, especially with long-term use.
• Odor: Vaping can still produce a noticeable odor, which may not be ideal for discreet use.

Delta-8 THC Edibles

Delta-8 THC edibles are made by combining a treat like gummies, chocolates, drinks, or baked goods with delta-8 THC extract and usually come in pre-set dosages. 

When ingested, delta-8 THC is metabolized by the liver, leading to a slower onset of effects, but typically lasts more than a few hours. 

Pros:

• Discreet: Edibles are easy to consume without drawing attention.
• Long-lasting: The effects of edibles can last much longer, often 4-8 hours or more.
• No lung irritation: Since edibles are ingested, they don't pose the respiratory risks associated with smoking or vaping.

Cons:

• Delayed onset: Effects can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, making it challenging to dose accurately.
• Varied potency: The effects can be stronger and more unpredictable, especially for those new to edibles.
• Calories and additives: Some edibles might contain sugar, artificial flavors, or other additives that users may want to avoid.

Delta-8 THC Tinctures

Tinctures are liquid extracts of delta-8 THC that are typically administered sublingually (under the tongue). This method allows the delta-8 THC to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissues in the mouth, giving users a smoke-free but fast onset of action. 

Pros:

• Flexible dosing: Tinctures come with droppers, allowing for precise dosage adjustments.
• Fast onset: Effects are usually felt within 15-45 minutes when taken sublingually.
• Discreet and convenient: Tinctures are easy to use and can be incorporated into food and beverages.

Cons:

• Taste: Some users might find the taste of tinctures unpleasant.
• Moderate duration: The effects typically last 4-6 hours, shorter than edibles but longer than inhalation methods.
• Potential for spills: Liquid form can be less convenient for on-the-go use than solid edibles or vapes.

Dosage of Delta-8 THC

There’s no standard dosing for delta-8 THC for everyone because it's so varied based on individual tolerance and desired effects. Still, we’ll do our best to give you an idea for a starting point — like most cannabis products, you can expect to experiment and tweak the doses to suit your needs. 

Microdosing Delta-8 THC

Microdosing involves taking very small amounts of delta-8 THC to achieve subtle effects without experiencing the full psychoactive impact. 

This method is popular for those who want to enjoy the benefits of delta-8 THC, such as enhanced focus, creativity, and mild relaxation, without getting high.

• Typical Microdose Amount: 1-5 mg of delta-8 THC
• Effects: Subtle mood enhancement, improved focus, mild relaxation
• Pros: Low risk of side effects, allows for normal daily functioning
• Cons: Effects may be too mild for some users seeking more noticeable benefits

Standard Dosing of Delta-8 THC

Standard dosing is when you might want to take a moderate amount of delta-8 THC to experience a more pronounced high. This dosage level is often used for relaxation and mild euphoria.

• Typical Standard Dose Amount: 10-40 mg of delta-8 THC (depending on one’s weight and desired levels of effects) 
• Effects: Noticeable relaxation, euphoria, altered perception, potential drowsiness
• Pros: Used for relaxation, sleep, chill social settings, and mild discomfort
• Cons: Higher risk of temporary side effects like dry mouth, red eyes, and increased heart rate

The advice with taking any cannabinoid for the first time is to start at the lower range of doses before taking more until the desired levels of effects are reached. It’s always best to take more, but once you’ve taken too much, there’s nothing you can do but let the high run its course. 

How is Delta-8 THC Made? 

You can find delta-8 naturally in the cannabis plants, but it's in very small quantities. To have enough delta-8 THC for commercial use, delta-8 is often made by converting other cannabinoids, such as CBD or delta-9 THC, from hemp through a chemical process like isomerization. 

So, what does this process look like? 

CBD or delta-9 THC is extracted from hemp or cannabis plants. The most popular methods include CO2 or ethanol extraction— these clean methods don’t leave behind potentially harmful by-products and isolate cannabinoids from the plant material. 

Once we have a pure cannabinoid extraction, an acid catalyst, hydrochloric acid, or p-toluenesulfonic acid is added to the solution. This step rearranges the molecular structure of CBD or delta-9, turning it into delta-8 THC. 

After the reaction, a base like sodium bicarbonate is added to neutralize the acid. The solution is then purified to remove leftover solvents, acids, and impurities. This purification often involves distillation (heating and cooling to separate substances) and chromatography (separating substances based on how they move through a medium).

Reputable delta-8 manufacturers conduct independent third-party lab testing to verify the purity and delta-8 concentration, verifying that the final product is safe for consumption and free from residual acids and other contaminants. 

Is Delta-8 THC Synthetic? 

Technically, delta-8 THC is considered semi-synthetic. This means that while the starting materials are natural, the final product is achieved through human intervention and a chemical synthesis process.

This process involves rearranging the molecular structure of the cannabinoids without adding any artificial or foreign compounds. 

So, while delta-8 THC is not entirely synthetic since it originates from natural cannabinoids, it does require a lab-based conversion process, making it semi-synthetic. 

Delta-8 THC is not the same as synthetic cannabinoids like K2 or Spice. 

These synthetic cannabinoids are entirely man-made, often sprayed onto plant material, and are designed to mimic the effects of THC. However, they are known to be dangerous, causing significant public health concerns in the early 2000s, and are illegal in the United States. 

Delta-8 THC’s Legal Status

For a while, delta-8 THC flew under the radar as a legal way to experience similar psychoactive effects to delta-9 THC but derived from hemp. 

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives, provided they contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. This loophole allowed delta-8 THC, which can be made from hemp-derived CBD, to be sold legally in many states. However, as delta-8 THC gained popularity, lawmakers started recognizing its psychoactive effects and the potential risks associated with it.

One significant concern is that the isomerization process used to produce delta-8 THC isn't standardized. 

This lack of regulation means that the quality and safety of delta-8 THC products can vary widely, leading to the potential for dangerous batches. Because of this, some states have moved to ban delta-8 THC altogether to protect consumers.

As of 2024, delta-8 THC is illegal in the following states:

• Alaska
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Nevada (technically could be approved for the marijuana industry)
• New York (isomerization banned, could theoretically be sold for adult use)
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Utah (possible in the medical industry)
• Vermont
• Washington
• West Virginia

Potential Dangers and Side Effects of Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC is generally considered safe and non-toxic, but there is still a lack of long-term research on its effects. As with any psychoactive substance, delta-8 THC can impair judgment and coordination, increasing the likelihood of making poor decisions or having accidents.

Some of the temporary effects associated with delta-8 THC include:

• Dry mouth
• Red eyes
• Increased heart rate
• Drowsiness
• Anxiety or paranoia (in higher doses)
• Altered mental state (e.g., euphoria, relaxation)

These side effects are typically mild and temporary, but it’s important to be aware of them, especially when trying delta-8 THC for the first time.

The biggest concern with delta-8 THC, which also applies to any cannabis product, is the quality of the extract. 

The isomerization process used to create delta-8 THC isn’t standardized, which means there’s a large variation between quality and safety. Low-quality delta-8 THC products can contain harmful contaminants, such as residual solvents, heavy metals, or pesticides.

This is why it’s so important to shop for delta-8 THC from reputable brands that opt for independent third-party lab testing. 

These tests verify the brand's statements, ensuring that the product contains the marketed concentration of cannabinoids and is free from potentially harmful substances, reducing the risk of adverse effects associated with poor-quality delta-8 THC.

Does Delta-8 THC Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes, delta-8 THC can show up on a drug test. 

Most standard drug tests are designed to detect THC metabolites, and delta-8 THC produces similar metabolites to delta-9 THC, which is virtually indistinguishable from most drug tests. 

If you suspect you’re going to take a drug test, it’s best to abstain from all forms of THC. 

The Takeaway: What is Delta-8 THC?

The effects of delta-8 THC are similar to the main psychoactive cannabinoid delta-9 THC but are reportedly much milder, which appeals to those who want a more chill and less intense experience with cannabis.

Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring minor cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, but there's not enough of it extracted naturally to make a lot of products. To get around this, manufacturers usually convert CBD from hemp into delta-8 THC through a chemical process. This makes delta-8 THC a bit like a semi-synthetic cannabinoid.

However, since there's no standard way to make delta-8 THC, some states have decided to ban it out of safety concerns. That's why it's important to check your local laws and buy from trustworthy sources that test their products for quality and safety.

Resources: 

1. Crippa, J. A. S., Guimarães, F. S., Zuardi, A. W., & Hallak, J. E. (2023). Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, cannabis and cannabinoids research pioneer (November 5, 1930–March 9, 2023) and his legacy for Brazilian pharmacology. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 45, 201-202.
2. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). 5 Things to Know About Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol: Delta-8 THC. Missouri Medicine, 119(1), 21.