Is Tech Making Delta 8 Better or Worse?

Contrary to common perception, not all compounds derived from hemp or marijuana are psychoactive or hallucinogenic. Unlike THC, which produces the feeling of high, cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a non-psychoactive compound with several therapeutic benefits. 

Similarly, high-quality THC Delta 8 is a secondary derivative that possesses several medicinal properties when used right. Around the world, analysts and scientists are working to unravel the mysteries behind Delta 8 THC. Advances in technology have brought several changes to the cannabis industry by impacting the production of high-quality THC Delta 8. But has this impact helped improve the industry or worsen it? Read on to find out how technology influences the cannabis industry and where it is heading.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol is a THC variety derived from hemp or CBD that possesses many THC’s medicinal properties. However, this compound has a lower psychoactive potency ensuring a less hazy and milder high.

Delta-8 can have the same therapeutic effects as THC because it interacts with the same cannabinoid receptors. While our body metabolizes it similarly, it produces significantly milder effects. As a result, users experience a calmer high as compared to THC. Learn more about delta 8 THC here.

What Makes Delta 8 THC So Special?

Scientists have been trying for decades to understand the full impact of Delta 8 THC. The first study to focus on the Delta compounds go back to 1974, wherein research studied the effect of Delta-9 and 8 THC on mice.

While the researchers attempted to prove the detrimental effects of Delta compounds on the body, they ended up proving the opposite. The study concluded that Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC might have the potential to kill cancerous cells. Mice administered these compounds showed smaller tumor dimensions, indicating possible anti-cancer properties.

Additionally, Delta 8 and 9 THC also helped alleviate discomfort associated with chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting. Further research concluded that high-quality Delta-8 THC works as a treatment for several ailments. The compound helps improve the production of Acetylcholine, which is a vital neurotransmitter.

A study in 2004 concluded that Delta 8 THC helps improve the user’s appetite, while another highlighted its effect on anxiety. A 2018 preclinical study showed that Delta-8 THC helps reduce the ache and swelling associated with corneal trauma in mice. Hence, over the years, the research regarding the effects of Delta 8 THC has expanded, thanks to technology.

Delta-8 Vs. THC and CBD

1. Both Delta-8 and THC, which essentially is Delta-9, have double bonds within their chemical structure.

2. While Delta-8 has the bond on its eighth atom, as the name suggests, THC has it over the ninth, leading to higher psychoactive potency.

3. Delta-8 interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, whereas THC binds with only CB1 receptors.
4. Meanwhile, CBD also binds with both receptors but does not possess any psychoactive tendencies. Hence, Delta-8 THC acts as a cross-over between THC and CBD.
5. While ingesting THC can trigger dry mouth, anxiety, cloudy thinking, and paranoia, Delta-8 induces none of these negative feelings.
6. Delta-8 THC produces a mild and calm buzz that has an uplifting effect on the body. Additionally, Delta-8 takes longer to act but lasts only half as long as THC, ensuring the trip is enjoyable and not exhausting.
7. Delta-8 offers all the same benefits that CBD does, but with the added advantage of being mildly psychoactive.

Dark Side of Technology Within the Industry

Last year, reports stating that several popular Delta 8 THC products on the market contained bleach came out. The news came as a shock to users, with experts claiming that this was not a singular case but rather a widespread problem. Advancements in science have made it easier to produce Delta 8 THC. The compound has gained popularity within the industry as it provides the same effects as THC but without any functional impairment. However, the substance occurs in only trace amounts in marijuana, making it difficult to extract and commercialize.

However, technology has made it easier to extract and isolate the strain, leading to the large-scale manufacture of Delta 8 THC. But, it is this commercialization that has led to the encroachment of bleach within the compound. Manufacturers check the quality of distillates by seeing how clear the liquid is after distillation.

However, since Delta 8 distillate is naturally tinted a rose color, and most manufacturers use bleaching agents to clear it. The addition of bleach lowers the pH of the liquid, making it acidic and unstable. Since the industry prefers a clear distillate, the use of bleach has become rampant, leading to slow contamination of Delta 8 THC.

How Can Technology Be an Ally?

The bleaching of Delta 8 THC is a process undertaken due to a lack of awareness regarding products within the industry. Consumers and manufacturers need to educate themselves on quality production methods to ensure that the end products are safe and healthy. Consumers should opt for Delta 8 THC distillates that are rose in color since these are natural and chemical-free. Similarly, companies manufacturing products using THC distillate also need to make sure they purchase organic distillate over the bleached alternative.

Additionally, consumers need to talk with business owners and ask them what type of distillate they use in their products. Manufacturers synthesize Delta 8 THC from CBD rather than extracting it from hemp. Hence, quality is a rising concern within the industry. Improvements in technology can make it easier for authorities and consumers to gauge the quality of products sold in the market. Legally, there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the synthetically derived THC variants such as Delta-8. While the Delta-8 harvested from hemp is safe and natural, current technology does not make such extraction economically viable. However, experts are confident that technological advancements will make it possible to extract such compounds from hemp naturally and feasibly.

Final Thoughts

Technology, like all other things, possesses both a good and bad side. It is up to the individuals who utilize technology to decide what effect they want it to have. High-quality THC Delta 8 is an excellent choice for those who want something more effective than CBD but not as intense as THC. Given its superior therapeutic benefits, the demand for this hemp derivative is rising. Most studies indicate that the market for Delta-8 might hit $6 billion in the years to come, while it remains a largely untapped market opportunity for now.

Technology can help make the Delta-8 production system much more efficient and effective. However, it also has the power to contaminate and poison production, leading to sub-par products. Hence, it is up to the consumers to know what to look for and buy trustworthy products. Are you looking for high-quality Delta 8 options? If so, follow this space for updates regarding companies that manufacture safe Delta-8 products!