Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid. Although naturally occurring it's more often produced in a lab to make it cost effective. The Delta 8 is created by tinkering with the molecular structure of other cannabinoids in order to convert them into Delta-8. This is done mainily with CBD and CBGA.
Cannabinoids start their life as CBGA (cannabigerolic acid).
From this the plant naturally creates THC, CBD and every other cannabinoid known to man.
Although Delta-8 THC occurs naturally in hemp in very small amounts, it's far too expensive to extract naturally. Through chemistry we are able convert other cannabinoids like CBD and CBGA into Delta-8 THC.
The CBD goes through a process of isomerization changing the CBD into Delta-8 through a chemical reaction. My understanding is that this is done with acids. I'm not going to write a dissertation on this, just researching the basics for this article.
This is where things get a little sketchy for some people though. The process of extracting the Delta-8 from the hemp isn't natural but chemical. The CBD / CBGA is converted into THC.
My understanding is that anybody with a basic understanding of chemistry can accomplish this. It's probably important to purchase from trusted sources as there can be byproducts. Many of the websites I've seen offer lab analysis of their products.
I'd probably want to stick with purchasing these products from trusted sources. I also suppose the method of ingestion would differ as far as any reactions from byproducts. This is definitely something you'd want to do your own research on and draw your own conclusions.
As for me I've been using Delta 8 products for about 4 months now. I'm a daily smoker using hemp flower, and also hash. I've yet to notice any bad side effects like smokers cough, flem, or strange discolored loogies. 🤣
I also vape, and have found the Delta 8 carts to be just as potent as normal THC carts. Again, I haven't noticed any side effects using the products. I also wonder how different the vape products would be from one another or how different theproductionn method is with normal cannabis derived THC vs Delta 8 THC. I'm a bit skeptical of vaping to start with, and can't see Delta 8 vaping being much different than vaping traditional THC derived purely from cannabis but I could be wrong about that.
For the most part my preferred method of ingestion would be vape or smoke. I have tried some of the edibles though and have found them quite enjoyable as well.
After my research I still think Delta 8 THC is a safe alternative to traditional THC. I think there are some things to be concerned about as well though. These are fairly newer products and time will tell if there are any serious side effects or issues to concern ourselves with. I would highly recommend purchasing these products from trusted sources that also offer lab analysis of their products.