Delta 8 THC is the biggest trend in the hemp and CBD industry currently. In fact, Delta 8 vape oil is simply taking the market by storm. Delta 8 is a unique form of THC that has gentler effects than Delta 9 THC which most of us are familiar with in marijuana. Delta 9 is the cannabinoid that most of us think about in marijuana that gives you a euphoric or “high” sensation. While Delta 8 shares many similarities with Delta 9 THC it is its own unique cannabinoid which gives it its own unique experience.
One of the most popular ways to consume Delta 8 is in a vape oil form for several reasons. This article will explore how the Delta 8 is made, the legality of the product, and what to expect.
Delta 8 Vape Oil Hemp
The process to make any Delta 8 product starts with the hemp plant. Many are unfamiliar with what the hemp plant is. Hemp is a cannabis plant, but it is not marijuana. There are several key differences between hemp and marijuana. While there are physical differences, the primary difference between hemp and marijuana for the purpose of Delta 8 is the federal legality of the plants.
In 2018 the U.S. federal government passed the Farm Bill. Inside of this bill the federal government legalized all hemp-based products. What the bill specifically says is that all hemp-based products that have less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC in them are federally and state legal. The key difference between marijuana and hemp in this case is the amount of Delta 9 THC in the plant. A marijuana plant is typically high in Delta 9 THC, but low in CBD which is the cannabinoid that most often associate with hemp products. A hemp plant is high in CBD, but low in Delta 9 THC which makes it completely legal.
Delta 8 vape oil starts with – you guessed it – hemp. Any company that prioritizes overall quality will ensure that they get their Delta 8 from organic hemp plant material, as organic hemp is more chemically stable and less likely to contain impurities.
Extracting Delta 8
Now that we know that Delta 8 is made from the hemp plant, we can discuss how it is extracted from the plant. Extraction is the process of separating the Delta 8 from the rest of the hemp plant to be used in some form of Delta 8 concentrate. In this case, the concentrate we are talking about is Delta 8 vape oil.
Most companies will use a CO2 (carbon dioxide) extraction process. There are benefits to a carbon dioxide-based extraction method for Delta 8 over other methods such as an alcohol-based process. The primary benefit for a manufacturer is that it is more cost effective to use CO2 over alcohol. You may think it is just about cost, but it is not. A CO2 extraction method tends to create higher quality products and is more sustainable. In addition to these benefits, a carbon dioxide method allows the product to be used by a larger amount of people. Some individuals may have a sensitivity to alcohol-based products or simply do not like the alcohol taste, which can limit the extraction method.
When you are extracting Delta 8 from hemp it can be somewhat of a complex process. This is because there is only about 0.1% Delta 8 naturally occurring in a plant. Since this is such a trace amount, the process to isolate Delta 8 can be an extremely tedious process. This process entails companies creating a Delta 8 extract in one of the following two ways:
- Method 1: Isolating the naturally occurring Delta 8 compound in the hemp plant’s chemical composition.
- Method 2: Rearranging the atoms of the CBD compound to turn it into Delta 8.
Delta 8 is an isomer of CBD, which means that the atoms present are the same, except they are arranged in a different fashion. Therefore, converting CBD into Delta 8 is a surprisingly efficient method.
Purifying and Decarboxylating
Once the desired hemp concentrate is complete, having the chemical composition that the manufacturer desires, the extract is purified and decarboxylated. Purifying means using some means of removing impurities from the extract, and various methods are available and viable. Decarboxylation involves activating the compounds by applying a controlled level of heat to them, so that they can be absorbed into the body properly and be fully effective.
Delta 8 Vape Oil Lab Testing
One of the final steps in the creation process of Delta 8 vape oil is the third-party lab testing process. This process is done for several reasons. The first reason is to ensure the purity of the product. You want to make sure that it is as pure as possible. It also is done to ensure the consistency and legality of the product. You want to be sure that the product meets the precise legal standards for Delta 8. This lab test allows you to guarantee the quality and potency of the product.
If you come across a company or store that does not have third-party lab testing for their products, then you should immediately look elsewhere. This is a key part of the Delta 8 vape oil purchasing process to ensure the quality and consistency of your products. If this has not been done there are no guarantees that you are getting what you have intended to purchase.
Creating Vape Oil
As you know, many companies use their own vape oil formulas with various ingredients and proportions. Typically, Delta 8 vape oil will have a base of some combination of MCT oil, VG (vegetable glycerin) and PG (propylene glycol).
The formula must be just right so that the e-liquid can vaporize when heat is applied to it. The wrong consistency or balance of ingredients can cause the Delta 8 to burn, can interfere with flavor or leave you with a clogged tank. Therefore, this is not a step that should be rushed.
This is also the stage where flavoring is added to the product. Flavoring could include a combination of natural flavors such as fruit flavors, or the vape oil maybe be flavored with terpenes from the hemp plant to create a unique and natural hemp flavor.
Delta 8 Vape Oil Packaging
The final step in creating your Delta 8 vape oil is the packaging. While this might seem like an unimportant step it can be very important. The product should be placed in a high-quality package to prevent the product from degrading. Typically, glass cartridges or bottles are preferred.
Information regarding the type of hemp extract used to produce the vape oil, as well as the milligram strength, which reflects the amount of hemp extract in the product is crucial. This number is important because it determines how potent each hit will be. Therefore, this is information that customers should absolutely be aware of.
Final Thoughts
As you can see a lot goes in to creating quality Delta 8 vape oil. The product must be made from high quality hemp, extracted properly, lab tested to ensure quality; vape oil made correctly, and finally packaged the right way. If there is a breakdown in any of these steps you will have a product that isn’t quality vape oil. So, to make sure of the quality of your product always buy from trusted brands or from trusted stores. This will help you have a better Delta 8 experience.
