How is Delta 9 THC Extracted from Hemp?

Posted on October 6, 2022 by Munchies

Have you ever wondered how your hemp-derived products deliver that signature “high” with all those other benefits? And think about the compliance that comes with producing it. It all comes down to Delta 9’s source,  potency, and extraction process. Several steps are involved in the process before it goes straight to your door. In this article, we’ll go through each extraction phase of hemp-infused products, discover possible consumer options, and more. 

Key Takeaways 

• Delta 9 THC is the primary compound responsible for the psychoactive effects or “high” linked with cannabis consumption.
• Extraction methods like supercritical CO2 and solvent-based extraction play a crucial role in producing pure, safe Delta 9 THC products.
• Legal compliance ensures hemp-derived Delta 9 THC contains less than 0.3% THC, making it accessible in states where marijuana is restricted.
• Diverse product options, such as gummies, tinctures, and vapes, allow consumers to choose their preferred method of Delta 9 consumption.
• Therapeutic benefits of Delta 9 THC include potential anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects, adding to its appeal for both recreational and wellness purposes.

What is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 THC, commonly addressed as THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), is a natural and abundant cannabinoid extracted from cannabis plants. This compound is the fundamental agent that gives users the “high” experience when taking cannabis-infused products. 

How is Delta 9 THC Extracted From Hemp Plants?  

Importance of Plant Selection

Producing Delta 9 THC from hemp begins with selecting high-quality and compliant hemp plants that contain 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC by dry weight. This legal threshold is crucial, as it distinguishes hemp from marijuana, which can have much higher THC levels.

Breeding Considerations

Delta 9 production commences with the cultivation of specialized hemp plants. These plants are carefully bred to have a significant amount of CBD while containing very little Delta 9 THC, ensuring compliance with legal standards. The cultivation of these specific strains is fundamental in controlling the compound’s psychoactive effects while maximizing therapeutic benefits.

Solvent-Based Extraction

Solvent-based extraction involves soaking the hemp material in a liquid like butane, propane, or ethanol. This method strips the plant of its chemical compounds to create a concentrated extract of Delta 9. While effective, there are concerns about residual solvents remaining in the final product, which could pose health risks. However, if done correctly, the extraction process should remove all solvents from the Delta 9 distillate.

Supercritical CO2 Extraction

Supercritical CO2 extraction is recognized as one of the cleanest and safest methods for yielding pure Delta 9 distillate. This technique applies sufficient pressure and heat to liquid CO2, transforming it into a supercritical fluid with unique properties of both gasses and liquids. This supercritical CO2 is then used to extract valuable chemical compounds from hemp, ensuring a high-quality product devoid of residual chemicals.

Steam Distillation

Steam distillation, a long-standing method for extracting desirable elements from plants, has been used for hundreds of years. This process involves adding hemp to a tank where heat and water are applied to pull chemical compounds from the plant. Despite its historical significance and safety, steam distillation is noted for being less efficient compared to other methods, often leading to errors in extraction.

Delta 9 THC Post-Extraction Process

Decarboxylation

After extraction, the key post-extraction process is decarboxylation, which involves converting THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) into Delta 9 THC by removing a carboxyl group through heat exposure. This process is critical as it activates the compound’s psychoactive properties. Optimal decarboxylation requires maintaining specific conditions, typically between 220°F and 240°F for 30-60 minutes, to achieve effective conversion while preventing degradation of the cannabinoids.

Winterization

Following decarboxylation, winterization is employed to further refine the Delta 9 THC extract. This process involves dissolving the crude extract in a suitable solvent and cooling it to bring out fats and waxes, which can negatively impact the final product’s clarity and potency. Winterization helps clarify the concentrate, preparing it for more thorough purification methods.

Purification Steps

Post-winterization, the purified Delta 9 THC undergoes additional purification steps to enhance quality. Key techniques may include drying with sodium sulfate to remove residual moisture, solvent removal to eliminate any organic solvents used during extraction, and activation with treatment through methods such as using activated carbon to remove other unwanted cannabinoids. Vacuum filtration is then applied to yield high-purity solid Delta 9 THC.

Quality Assurance and Third Party Lab Testing 

Quality assurance measures are vital throughout the post-extraction phase to ensure the production of a pure and safe product. Compliance with legal standards, such as those mandated by the 2018 Farm Bill, requires testing to verify that the final Delta 9 THC products contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Laboratories must follow strict protocols for testing and analysis to ensure that all products meet regulatory approval. 

In addition, a third-party lab test is required for unbiased quality and safety tests that involve strict sanitation and accurate labeling of cannabis products. These requirements protect the overall welfare of consumers and elevate the manufacturer’s brand authenticity. 

Pexels Photo by Lucas Fonseca

Diverse Range of Delta 9 THC Infused Products

Delta 9 THC Gummies

Delta 9 THC gummies are one of the most popular and widely available infused products in the cannabis market. These edibles come in a variety of flavors and potency levels, offering consumers a discreet and convenient way to consume Delta 9 THC. 

Gummies provide a consistent dosage, making it easier for consumers to manage their intake. They are particularly favored for their ease of use, long-lasting effects, and the ability to mask the taste of cannabis. The onset of effects from gummies is typically slower compared to other consumption methods, usually taking effect within 30 minutes to 2 hours, but the duration of effects can last several hours, making them suitable for extended relief or recreational use.

Delta 9 THC Cookies and Brownies 

Delta 9 THC-infused cookies and brownies offer another popular edible option for cannabis consumers. These baked goods combine the familiar comfort of traditional treats with the effects of Delta 9 THC, providing a more indulgent experience. They usually come in various flavors and potency levels, allowing consumers to indulge in a tasty treat while experiencing the effects of Delta 9 THC. 

Like gummies, edibles like cookies and brownies offer a discreet consumption method and provide long-lasting effects. However, they may have a higher calorie content and could be less precise in dosing compared to other forms of edibles. The onset and duration of effects are similar to those of gummies, with effects typically lasting several hours.

Delta 9 THC Tinctures

Tinctures are liquid extracts that offer a versatile method of consuming Delta 9 THC. They are melted under the tongue for faster absorption or added to food and beverages for a more gradual onset of effects.

This consumption method allows for precise dosing, making them popular among consumers who seek more control over their Delta 9 THC intake. When consumed, the effects can be felt within 15-45 minutes, offering a faster onset than traditional edibles. The duration of effects typically lasts 2-3 hours, shorter than edibles but longer than inhalation methods.

Delta 9 THC Softgels and Tablets

Softgels and tablets provide a convenient, pre-measured dose of Delta 9 THC. These products offer a discreet and familiar method of consumption, similar to taking regular supplements. While specific examples weren’t detailed in the provided information, soft gels and tablets are often favored by consumers who prefer a tasteless option or need consistent, precise dosing. 

They are handy for medical cannabis patients who require regular, measured doses throughout the day. The onset of effects is similar to that of other oral consumption methods, typically taking 30 minutes to 2 hours, with effects lasting several hours.

Delta 9 THC Beverages

Delta 9 THC-infused drinks are becoming increasingly popular in the cannabis market. These products can range from carbonated drinks to teas and coffees, offering a refreshing way to consume the cannabinoid. Beverages provide an alternative for those who prefer not to smoke or consume traditional edibles, and they often have a faster onset time compared to other edible products. 

The effects of THC-infused beverages can typically be felt within 15-45 minutes due to the liquid form being more readily absorbed by the body. The effects usually last 2-4 hours, providing a middle ground between fast-acting inhalation methods and longer-lasting traditional edibles.

Delta 9 THC Vape Products

While not explicitly mentioned in the provided information, Delta 9 THC vape products are a popular option for those seeking fast-acting effects. Vape cartridges and disposable vape pens contain concentrated Delta 9 THC extract that is heated and inhaled as vapor. This is a preferred alternative over traditional smoking as it doesn’t produce harmful contaminants as a byproduct of combustion. 

This method of consumption provides almost immediate effects, typically within 1-5 minutes, making it suitable for those seeking quick relief or immediate recreational effects. The duration of effects from vaping is generally shorter than other methods, lasting about 1-3 hours. Vape products offer consumers a discrete and convenient option, with various strains and flavors available.

Delta 9 THC Flower

Delta 9 flower is a popular form of consumption for many users. It refers to the buds or nugs of the hemp plant that have been infused with additional Delta 9 THC. This product allows users to experience effects similar to traditional marijuana without legal concerns in many areas. Delta 9 flower can be smoked, vaporized, or used to make edibles at home. 

Delta 9 THC Infused Prerolls

Delta 9 prerolls are a convenient option for those who enjoy smoking but prefer not to roll their own. These are essentially joints or blunts that come pre-packed with Delta 9-infused hemp flower. Some prerolls may incorporate additional elements like kief or concentrate for enhanced potency

Why Extract Delta 9 from Hemp?

Legal Compliance

One of the primary reasons to extract Delta 9 THC from hemp is that it is legally permissible under federal law. The 2018 Farm Bill allows products derived from hemp, provided they contain no more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis. This legal framework enables manufacturers to create and distribute Delta 9 THC in a compliant manner, distinguishing it from marijuana, which remains federally illegal.

Safety Standards

Extracting Delta 9 THC from hemp tends to follow more stringent safety standards compared to its marijuana-derived counterparts. Hemp-derived products are considered to be generally safe, and reputable brands often perform laboratory testing to ensure product purity and potency. 

By utilizing hemp, manufacturers can provide consumers with products that are less likely to come with health risks associated with poorly regulated cannabis sources. Additionally, many reputable brands provide Certificates of Analysis (COA) for their products, ensuring transparency and safety for consumers

Accessibility to Consumers 

Hemp-derived Delta 9 THC allows for broader accessibility to psychoactive products for consumers in states where marijuana is illegal or heavily regulated. The extraction process makes it possible for individuals to enjoy the benefits of Delta 9 THC without the potential legal complications that come with marijuana use. This accessibility promotes a broader market for hemp-derived products, fulfilling consumer demand compliantly.

Therapeutic Benefits

In addition to being legally compliant and safe, Delta 9 THC extracted from hemp retains the psychoactive and potential therapeutic effects associated with the compound. Studies have indicated that Delta 9 THC may offer various health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects. Therefore, hemp extraction serves legal and regulatory purposes and enhances the wellness potential available to consumers seeking natural remedies.

Consumer Preferences

Consumer preferences increasingly lean towards products that are derived from natural sources and abide by federal safety regulations. By extracting Delta 9 from hemp, manufacturers align themselves with these values and offer products that consumers can trust. The transparency of the extraction process, coupled with adherence to safety protocols, enhances the overall consumer experience in the cannabis market.

Final Thoughts 

Extracting Delta 9 from the hemp cannabis plant variety involves several steps and requires a third-party lab to ensure it is commercially safe. The cannabinoid offers a fascinating range of effects and potential benefits, and its extraction from hemp plants opens the door to compliant, safe, and accessible products. Delta 9 has something to offer for various preferences and lifestyles, whether in edibles, tinctures, or vapes.

(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.