The cannabis and hemp industry is constantly growing and evolving and trying to develop new products as demand rises. Due to strict laws and regulations on delta-9 THC (marijuana or weed), the industry has begun to think outside the box in order to find “loopholes” in the system. These “loopholes” include delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and THC-0, sparking a hot new trend over the last few years. Similar to delta-9 THC, delta-8, delta-10, and THC-0 are psychoactive chemical compounds producing the “high” sensation.

However, these by-products have little to no regulations around them which makes them easily accessible for consumers to find at their local smoke shop or gas station. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, thereby opening this loophole at the federal level for products containing higher amounts of delta-8 and delta-10. As long as they come from hemp with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC based on dry-weight. Manufacturers began developing vape cartridges, edibles, tinctures, and even delta-8 and delta-10 THC flower. But this “legal weed” is not what you think it is.

It’s extremely important to understand what these chemical compounds are and where they come from before putting them into your body. There are little to no regulations protecting you which is why it’s important to understand what these products are. The FDA has issued warnings about the risks involved with consuming these products due to there being very little research. After all, can you really trust a marketing team talking about something you have no knowledge about and only wants you to buy their products? Let’s first start by talking about what exactly these by-products are and why they have become so popular over the last few years.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC has become a hot topic due to its psychoactive properties and ability to induce a “high,” much like delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC is a naturally produced cannabinoid found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. This highly sought-after compound is found in extremely low amounts and is manufactured from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD). This requires additional chemicals to convert other cannabinoids in hemp, like CBD, into delta-8 THC through a process known as synthetic conversion. We’ll get to what that means in just a second.

What is Delta-10 THC?

Some may even say that delta-8 THC is old news and that delta-10 THC has taken over. It’s important to note that delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 THC are all found naturally in the Cannabis Sativa plant and in different amounts. Delta-9 THC is what we know as weed or marijuana and has strict laws and regulations around it. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for delta-8 and delta-10 THC. Manufacturers have begun manipulating these chemical compounds in order to produce more so that they can sell these products in states where marijuana may not be legal and reach a larger audience. These are essentially “loopholes” found in order to meet the demands of the cannabis industry. Delta-8 THC is considered a “mild legal weed” while delta-10 THC is considered a “stronger legal weed.”

Delta-10 THC is also found in the Cannabis Sativa plant in extremely low amounts. Much like delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC is also created through synthetic conversion, which we know can be extremely dangerous. Delta-9 THC is the most abundant form of THC in cannabis. One plant can have up to 30% of the cannabinoid while delta-8 and delta-10 THC appears in less than 1%. Delta-10 and delta-8 THC are isomers of delta-9 THC cannabinoids. An isomer means that it has the same chemical formula, with a different arrangement of the carbon double bond. Delta-10 has a carbon bond at the tenth position, delta-9 has it in the 9th position, and so on. There are other versions of the THC molecules like delta-3 and 7, but are infrequent in the cannabis plant and not well understood. 

What is THC-0?

THC-0, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is a non-natural cannabinoid and is not derived from hemp like CBD, CBG, and CBN are. That means that THC-0 is not found naturally in the hemp plant. Instead, THC-0 is actually a highly inflammable, colorless liquid commonly used in making pharmaceuticals, dyes, fibers, plastics, and explosives. THC-0 is formed through a process that involves extracting delta-8 THC from hemp and combining the molecules with acetic anhydride. These by-products can be sold in vape cartridges, gummies, and tinctures.

What is Synthetic Conversion?

Due to delta-8 and delta-10 THC being found in such small amounts, manufacturers use a process called synthetic conversion in order to produce a larger quantity. It would take hundreds of plants in order to produce just a few gummies. A number of issues arise when a manufacturer uses synthetic conversion to create more products in order to meet demands. It is no longer about the health and safety of their consumers and instead, is all about supply vs. demand. People keep purchasing it, so manufacturers will continue to produce it.

Some manufacturers may use potentially unsafe household chemicals through the chemical synthesis process. The color of the final product can be changed by adding more chemicals, which can cause potentially harmful by-products (contaminants). There is a ton of uncertainty due to other potential contaminants that may be present or produced. If consumed or inhaled, these chemicals, and the by-products created during synthesis, can be harmful. The manufacturing of these derivatives may occur in uncontrolled or unsanitary environments and may lead to other harmful substances.

What Are the Dangers of Synthetic Conversion?

The FDA has not evaluated or approved delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, or THC-0 products for safe use in any context. From December 2020 through July 2021, the FDA received adverse event reports from consumers and law enforcement describing 22 patients who consumed delta-8 THC products. Of these 22 patients, 19 experienced adverse events after ingesting delta-8 THC-containing food products. Their symptoms included vomiting, hallucinations, trouble standing, and loss of consciousness. The national poison control centers received over 660 exposure cases of delta-8 THC products between January 1, 2021 and July 31, 2021. Of these 660 cases, 41% involved unintentional exposure to delta-8 THC and 77% of these affected patients were less than 18 years of age. 39% of the 660 patients were pediatric patients under the age of 18. 18% required hospitalizations, including children who required intensive care following exposure to these products.

Synthetic chemicals are always used in its production, despite some manufacturers claiming to use an “all-natural” approach. Therefore, you have no way of knowing how potent something is or how your body may react to the different chemicals. Because of the lack of regulations, consumers are often unaware of the potential harmful effects these unknown chemicals can cause.

What is a Safe and Legal Alternative?

Having trust in your cannabis and hemp product source is incredibly important. A legal alternative that is much safer is using CBD. CBD is naturally found in the Cannabis Sativa plant and is non-psychoactive. CBD is regulated and legal in all 50 states. 

But what many people don’t know is that there are actually 4 different types of cannabis or hemp. Type 1 is what we know of as marijuana or weed. This has a high concentration of delta-9 THC and lower levels of CBD, producing the “high” feeling. The second type is type 2, a balanced 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD. Type 2 can still give you a mild “high” while still offering relaxing effects. Type 3 has a higher concentration of CBD than THC. This is a great option for those who are THC sensitive. Lastly, type 4 is known as CBG.

Check Out Holy City Farms

Holy City Farms is a family-owned and operated CBD hemp farm located in Charleston, South Carolina. Holy City Farms offers premium type 2, 3, and 4 flowers as well as topical balms, oral oils/tinctures, and pet CBD oil. We will never sell delta-8, delta-10, or THC-0 because we are passionate about promoting health, wellness, and holistic all-natural hemp products without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides.

If you are looking for a safe and legal substitute to give you the relief you deserve, check out Holy City Farms today! Holy City Farms is 100% online through holycityfarms.com with shipping available to all 50 states.