Delta 8 distillate is a cannabis extract that has been purified or distilled to remove all plant material as well as other contaminants. The compound achieves a viscous residue form during the manufacturing process, which can then be used in a variety of ways. Delta 8 distillate is derived from hemp, which contains less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. Delta 8 distillate is different from delta-9 THC in that it has a slightly altered chemical structure, which makes it less potent and more stable. Delta 8 distillate is also legal in most states, unlike delta-9 THC, which is federally illegal.
In this article, we will explore what delta 8 distillate is, how it is made, what are its potential benefits and risks, and how to use it safely and effectively.
How is delta 8 distillate made?
Delta 8 distillate is made by extracting CBD from hemp and then converting it into delta 8 THC through a chemical process called isomerization. This process involves exposing CBD to an acid catalyst, such as citric acid or sulfuric acid, and heat. The acid catalyst rearranges the atoms in CBD to form delta 8 THC, which has a double bond on the eighth carbon atom instead of the ninth. The resulting product is then distilled to remove any impurities and excess acid.
Delta 8 distillate can also be made by extracting delta 8 THC directly from hemp plants that naturally produce it in small amounts. However, this method is less common and more expensive than the CBD conversion method.
What are the potential benefits of delta 8 distillate?
Delta 8 distillate has similar effects to delta-9 THC, but they are milder and more manageable. Some of the potential benefits of delta 8 distillate include:
- Euphoria: Delta 8 distillate can produce a pleasant and uplifting mood without causing anxiety or paranoia that some people experience with delta-9 THC.
- Relaxation: Delta 8 distillate can induce a sense of calmness and relaxation without making you feel too sleepy or couch-locked.
- Pain relief: Delta 8 distillate can act as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, which can help with chronic pain, muscle spasms, headaches, and menstrual cramps.
- Nausea relief: Delta 8 distillate can stimulate appetite and reduce nausea and vomiting, which can be helpful for people undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from eating disorders.
- Neuroprotection: Delta 8 distillate can protect brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can prevent or delay neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
What are the potential risks of delta 8 distillate?
Delta 8 distillate is not without its drawbacks and risks. Some of the potential risks of delta 8 distillate include:
- Side effects: Delta 8 distillate can cause some of the same side effects as delta-9 THC, such as red eyes, dry mouth, rapid heart rate, trouble with coordination, slowed reaction times, memory loss, and anxiety. However, these side effects are usually less severe and more tolerable with delta 8 distillate.
- Contamination: Delta 8 distillate is not regulated by the FDA or any other agency, which means that there is no guarantee of its quality, purity, or safety. Some products may contain residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, or other harmful substances that can pose health risks. Some products may also contain delta-9 THC or other cannabinoids that are not listed on the label.
- Drug interactions: Delta 8 distillate can interact with some medications and supplements that affect the liver enzymes that metabolize cannabinoids. This can alter the effectiveness or increase the side effects of these substances. Some examples of medications that can interact with delta 8 distillate are blood thinners, antidepressants, antihistamines, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and anticonvulsants.
- Legal issues: Delta 8 distillate is legal at the federal level under the 2018 Farm Bill, but it is still illegal in some states that have not adopted the language of that bill. It is also unclear how law enforcement agencies will distinguish between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC products, which could lead to legal troubles for consumers and sellers.
How to use delta 8 distillate?
Delta 8 distillate can be used in various ways depending on your preference and desired effects. Some of the most common ways to use delta 8 distillate are:
- Vaping: Vaping is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to consume delta 8 distillate. You can use a vape pen or cartridge that contains delta 8 distillate oil or add some drops of delta 8 distillate to your favorite e-liquid. Vaping delivers delta 8 directly into your lungs and bloodstream, which means that you will feel the effects within minutes.
- Dabbing: Dabbing is another way to inhale delta 8 distillate using a dab rig or a wax vaporizer. You can use a syringe or a dab tool to apply a small amount of delta 8 distillate onto a heated nail or coil and inhale the vapor. Dabbing produces more potent effects than vaping but also requires more equipment and experience.
- Edibles: Edibles are one of the easiest and most discreet ways to consume delta 8 distillate. You can buy ready-made edibles such as gummies, chocolates, cookies, or brownies that contain delta 8 distillate or make your own by adding some drops of delta 8 distillate to your favorite food or drink. Edibles take longer to kick in than vaping or dabbing but also last longer.
- Tinctures: Tinctures are liquid extracts that contain delta 8 distillate mixed with a carrier oil such as MCT oil or hemp seed oil. You can use a dropper to place some drops of tincture under your tongue or add them to your beverage of choice. Tinctures are easy to dose and have a faster onset than edibles but a slower onset than vaping or dabbing.
- Topicals: Topicals are products such as creams, balms, salves, or lotions that contain delta 8 distillate infused with other ingredients such as essential oils or herbs. You can apply topicals directly onto your skin where you want to experience relief from pain, inflammation, or skin conditions. Topicals do not produce any psychoactive effects but may have local benefits for your skin and muscles.
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