A question that is frequently asked by people introduced to D8 for the first time happens to be “is delta 8 synthetic or organically derived?” To answer simply, No…D8 is not a synthetic cannabinoid, but the process to extract D8 is reasonably questionable. With little regulation in place and a craze of popularity surging around different hemp derived cannabinoids, there are some brands on the market more focused on profit margins than producing the most high-quality products that are free of impurities and unwanted chemicals.
If you are interested in trying products that advertise D8 and want to avoid consuming synthetic chemicals or toxic impurities, then you’ll need to learn how to evaluate these products for quality. An easy tool for your research is our Loudest List, where quality is one of the rating indicators we evaluate against. It’s encouraged to dig in and do your own investigating before consuming any hemp derived product, but our research can help guide you into making a confident choice.
Why would there be any confusion about if D8 is synthetic or naturally derived?
There are numerous reasons, ranging from the traditionally illegal status associated with THC, to the synthetic marijuana products in years past that have been in distribution, often sold at smoke shops and gas stations. These synthetic origin products that have been sold as “Spice” or “K2” have been in circulation for decades, typically do not contain any real hemp or marijuana in them and are very unhealthy to consume.
How is D8 different than synthetic marijuana?
- D8 is derived from real hemp plants, while synthetic products on the market are usually a chemical concoction from various ingredients that are not derived from the cannabis plant
- D8 is actually sold for human consumption, in comparison to synthetic marijuana products that often have warning signs on the labels warning against human consumption, D8 products are safe to consume and usually will have lab tests attached to them proving the cannabinoids included in the product. (if no lab tests, beware!)
- D8 is does not cause hallucinogenic experiences and most reported psychological effects are quite mild having little to no psychoactive effect for most users. If a psychoactive effect is felt, the duration of the effect is tremendously shorter than that of Delta-9 THC or synthetic products. (D8 in very large quantities can still result in negative effects, the reported effects are for typical dosages)
D8 is not the same thing as Synthetic Marijuana, but is it safe?
The safety of D8 is dependent on many variables. As with any substance, responsible use and proper dosage is important to consider before usage…but even beyond that, D8 products do present some risks of ingesting harmful chemicals if the extraction process is not perfectly executed. As evidence reported by “Chemical and Engineering News” sheds light on, there is a lack of consistency in D8 producers purity testing and extraction methods. Although D8 is technically naturally derived, there are many brands relying on synthetic conversion methods to arrive at the final product. Even with the most responsible brands trying to be as transparent as possible, there are still possible residual solvents from the extraction process that end up in the products.
When questioning is delta 8 synthetic, it is really important to do your research on the brands you are purchasing from (again, if no lab tests, don’t try it!)…consumers need to educate themselves so that they can confidently know what they are ingesting.
D8 is not synthetic, so how is D8 naturally derived?
D8 products on the market begin with the hemp plant. Most are hemp produce grown with the intention of creating CBD products, especially since the percentage of D8 found in a hemp plant is a very low percentage. Once the plant is ready for extraction, producers aim to create a solution of pure Delta-8 through either a direct extraction or a synthetic conversion process beginning with the isolate of another cannabinoid.
Be sure to research the extraction method used by the brand you are interested in trying. Although D8 is naturally derived and begins from a natural plant, unlike synthetic products (such as “spice”), the extraction process can introduce harmful chemicals that you definitely don’t want to be ingesting. This is why we are so persistent about pushing for transparency and lab testing with the brands on the market. Naturally derived vs free of impurities are not the same thing, so be extensive in analyzing D8 products before trying them.
To summarize…Is Delta 8 Synthetic? Technically D8 is not synthetic, but synthetic properties can make it into the end product without very strict, highly standardized extraction methods conducted by real professionals.