THCO vs. Delta-8: All About the Two Most Popular Cannabinoids
By now, most people have heard of Delta-8 and THCO - but what are they, and how do THCO and Delta-8 compare? We're taking a closer look at these two THC compounds, so read on to learn more!
Hemp & Marijuana: The building blocks for THCO and Delta-8
With so many cannabinoids popping up recently, it seems almost overwhelming to keep up with them all; luckily you have us to help! Cannabinoids like CBD and Delta-8 are substances found in cannabis plants, they have various effects and some are psychoactive.
Delta-8 and CBD are found in hemp and marijuana plants. Hemp differs from marijuana plants as hemp has less than 0.3% THC by content. Marijuana has much more than that. In order to be classified as hemp, a plant must contain less than that magic percentage, 0.3%, any more and it's classified as marijuana.
CBD and Extraction
Now that we know what distinguishes hemp vs. marijuana, let's dive into CBD and how it is extracted from a cannabis plant. CBD is often extracted by one of the following methods: CO2, Ethanol, Dry Ice, and Solvents. We will take a closer look at the CO2 and solvent methods.
C02 CBD Extraction
When CBD is extracted with the CO2 method, supercritical CO2 is pumped through multiple pressurized chambers that contain crushed-up cannabis plant matter, where it mixes with the plant matter, creating an oil that's high in CBD content. This oil mixture is allowed to evaporate which leaves only a very concentrated CBD oil that is then purified.
Solvent CBD Extraction
The solvent method is similar, as a solvent is mixed with the plant matter but does not need any sort of pressurized chamber. The result of the solvent/plant matter mixture is an oil that has high CBD content, which is then left for the solvents to evaporate. From here, the CBD oil is purified and then made into its final form.
The type of plant that CBD is extracted from matters; for CBD to be made into other cannabinoids like Delta-8 or THCO it must come from a hemp plant in order to comply with the Agricultural Act of 2018.
From CBD to Delta-8
Delta-8 is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It is able to create its effects by acting on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), specifically the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are responsible for the psychoactive and non-psychoactive effects as well.
The ability of Delta-8 to act on the ECS has been reported to cause uplifted feelings, relaxation, and increased focus in users, as well as an energetic high. Our customers have described it as a mellow buzz that is harsh on the inhale when vaped but amazing in edibles. Delta-8 is only found in very small quantities in hemp plants, but luckily CBD is plentiful.
The extracted and purified CBD oil from hemp can be turned into other cannabinoids. For Delta-8, the process is called isomerization and begins by dissolving the CBD in an acid which converts the majority of CBD into Delta-9 THC. As the solution sits for 72 hours, the Delta-9 THC turns into Delta-8; the resulting mixture is refined, purified, and becomes the foundation for products like Delta-8 gummies, vapes, and more!
From CBD to THCO
THCO or THCO Acetate is another psychoactive cannabinoid, similar to but different than Delta-8. THCO is one of the most potent cannabinoids on the market and caused massive excitement upon its discovery. It is known for having a relatively long time to kick in when inhaled, around 20 minutes, whereas Delta-8 is much faster, about 10 minutes.
THCO is also known for causing drowsiness, potentially helping with stress/anxiety, and for relaxation. It is also much smoother on the throat so taking large hits off a THCO vape is a breeze, something that can’t be said about Delta-8.
While Delta-8 can be found in the hemp plant, THCO is not. THCO is synthetic and created through a process involving acetic anhydride. Acetic anhydride is a chemical that is very dangerous as it is extremely flammable and explosive, which makes THCO nearly impossible to create at home. Acetic anhydride is mixed with Delta-8, and when allowed to sit, the Delta-8 transforms into THCO.
From here, the THCO solution is purified, concentrated, and prepared for its final purpose. We have found that THCO gummies can be too overpowering and send us to sleep. To combat this, we love to pair THCO with THCV or HHC in order to bring some energy into the high of THCO.
Final Thought on THCO and Delta-8 THC
The cannabis industry is growing faster now than ever before. More strains, more compounds, and more products for every need. Are you looking to relax on the couch? Or maybe you’re searching for a little extra stimulation? Check out Duos CBD's store,and chances are there’s a product that’s right for you!
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