Cannabinoid-based products are all the rage these days. They can be found just about anywhere you look, from dispensaries to health food stores. But not all cannabinoid-based products are made equally. This is especially true for products made with delta-8 THC, one of the cannabinoids to recently gain a lot of attention. 

So, if you are looking to try delta-8 THC, where should you begin to look for a reliable product? Read on to learn more about what delta-8 THC is and how to find a high-quality product. 

What Is Delta-8 THC? 

Let’s start with a closer look at what delta-8 THC is. Delta-8 is one of many compounds that can be found in hemp and cannabis plants. Delta-8 is an isomer of delta-9, meaning they are similar compounds with a different arrangement of atoms which leads to different effects. 

Chemically speaking, delta-8 and delta-9 THC differ mostly due to the location of a double bond on their carbon chain. delta-8 has the double bond on its 8th carbon chain, while delta-9 predictably has it on the 9^th. This small but significant difference is what most believe creates the difference in effects between the two. Some users of delta-8 have reported effects similar to delta-9 THC, but less intense. Delta-8 reportedly has effects that include feelings of euphoria and relaxation as well as potential effects on pain, stress, and sleep.

Delta-8 is a minor cannabinoid, meaning it is found in very small amounts naturally. Because of this, the majority of delta-8 products today are made using CBD that is processed in a lab. 

Is Delta-8 Legal? 

The legality of delta-8 has been a gray area for a while, but just recently there was some clearing of the air. The 2018 Farm Bill cleared the way for hemp products to be made and distributed in the U.S. as long as plants contain 0.3% or less delta-9 THC. In May of this year, a panel on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that delta-8 products are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. The ruling indicated that delta-8 THC derived from hemp is “lawful” because Congress legalized not just hemp itself, but also any “derivatives” or “extracts.” 

Although delta-8 is technically federally legal, there are some states that have already acted to place regulation or bans on delta-8. It’s always a good idea to double check your states legislation regarding delta-8 before making a purchase.  

Third-Party Lab Testing 

Delta-8 THC products have exploded on the cannabinoid-based products scene. You can find delta-8 in a variety of forms like oils, edibles, vapes and more. No matter what type of product you prefer, it is best to cross-reference it with third-party lab test results to make sure you are getting exactly what you need. Third-party lab tests will give you a look into what cannabinoids are present in your product and at what level. 

Most products on the market should contain less than 0.3% THC as allotted by the 2018 Farm Bill, but it is always best to be sure. If you are looking for a product that will deliver the milder effects reported of delta-8 THC, you will want to be sure of how much traditional THC (delta-9) is present. Similarly, third-party lab tests will show you if your product passed solvent and pesticide tests. Utilizing third-party lab test results is the best way to shop for any high-quality cannabinoid-based product. 

Turn to Real Tested CBD 

If you are unsure of where to find reliable independent lab test results, look no further than Real Tested CBD. With the most accurate and transparent third-party lab tests and unbiased brand and product reviews, Real Tested CBD is bringing transparency in the cannabinoid industry directly to consumers.