Are you curious about Delta-8 THC and whether it’s a synthetic compound? Despite being discovered in the 70s, scientific research on this cannabinoid is limited, leading to misconceptions in the market. One such belief is that Delta-8 is a synthetic compound rather than being derived from a natural source. In this article, we’ll explore the truth behind this claim and answer the question, “Is Delta 8 THC synthetic?” Join us as we separate fact from fiction.

What Is A Synthetic Cannabinoid?

Synthetic cannabinoids are also called “Spice” or “K2”. These are usually man-made (lab-made would be more like it), have uncontrollably mind-altering effects, and could even cause serious repercussions, including death by overdose.

Since these mostly act like marijuana, these artificial cannabinoids are often called “synthetic marijuana” or “fake weed”. These synthetic alternatives are largely unsafe and can affect the brain more powerfully than even natural marijuana. The effects of synthetic cannabinoids are usually unpredictable. They can be quite dangerous at times and even be life-threatening.

Inadvertently, the lab created Spice to aid scientists in running simulations and experiments, with no intention for human consumption. However, the recipe unintentionally leaked to the public and unscrupulous sellers quickly seized the opportunity to market it as an illicit drug for profit.

The chemicals that were used to create Spice are mostly synthetic. To adhere to the laws dictating the ban on marijuana, pharma companies keep altering the chemical structure of these synthetic compounds for their lab tests.

In a 2024 study, published in the journal Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, scientists found an evidentiary link between “spice” and psychosis. They found strong indications that consumption of the drug could lead to hallucinations – both auditory and visual, altered sense of time and space, loss of judgment and motor skills, and even catatonia.

Such situations naturally make people wary of any new cannabinoid in the market. That begs the question: Is Delta-8 Spice?

Is Delta-8 ‘Spice’? What Is All The Confusion About?

When the manufacturers introduced ‘Spice’, the synthetic lab-made cannabinoids, they took the cannabis community by storm. But with time, the craze somewhat subsided, as people realized the extent of its hazardous effects.

Many people assume that manufacturers designed Delta-8 to evade legal restrictions, similar to Spice, which has gained popularity in the market recently. But that is far from the truth. Delta-8 is NOT Spice.

The cannabis plant naturally produces a compound found in all types of cannabis. However, extracting this compound from hemp is the only legal way, as its Delta-9 THC content must remain below the legal threshold of 0.3% by dry weight. Then, why is there so much confusion surrounding this compound?

Yes. We need to clarify the reason behind such wrongful distrust regarding Delta-8 THC.

D-8, short for Delta-8 THC, CAN be chemically converted from Delta-9 THC and CBD. Often manufacturers resort to the synthesis of this compound from other cannabinoids owing to its low levels in its natural form. The synthesis of a compound from another natural compound doesn’t necessarily lead to the production of a synthetic compound.

In other words, although this process requires a laboratory and such a transformation does not occur naturally, this compound can’t still be called Spice or Synthetic Cannabinoid.

In any case, if you consume Delta-8 sold by a reputable brand, you can rest assured that the products are federally legal and safe for human consumption.

However, bear in mind that Delta-8 does cause euphoria to a certain extent. But the buzz doesn’t include paranoia, hallucinations, or other side effects commonly associated with natural marijuana or spice.

How Does Delta 8 Differ From Spice?

All cannabis plants, including hemp and marijuana, naturally produce Delta-8 THC, which is a natural compound. Harvesters extract legal Delta-8 THC from hemp plants. However, scientists prepare the chemicals found in Spice or K2 completely in the laboratory, making them synthetic or man-made.

Since synthetic cannabinoids differ widely in their composition, they could have very strong side effects compared to natural cannabis. Experts don’t recommend the consumption of such products. And why should you if you have the option of buying lab-tested, safe, and natural cannabinoids?

Studies reveal that such synthetic drugs could prove to have toxic effects on the body if used over a long period.

Additionally, you can legally purchase natural Delta-8 THC both online and offline and have it shipped directly to your doorstep.

But Delta-8, being a minor cannabinoid in hemp plants, its extraction, and product manufacturing are both quite expensive.

The lab-produced nature of Spice makes it cheap,” is the active voice version of the given content.

Again, Spice is far more toxic than Delta-8 can ever be. Delta-8 does not cause the same side effects as marijuana, which Delta-9 in the latter causes.

Delta-8 merely gives you an uplifting and energizing buzz, even while relaxing your nerves. So much so, even an overdose likely won’t kill you. K2, however, could if you OD on it.

Despite all these differences, we can’t say that these two compounds – one artificial and the other natural – do not have anything in common. They do!

They are both psychotropic and they both are federally legal – unfortunately.

We should not allow spice into the general public at all because it is so harmful. Spice is, in fact, far more hazardous than natural Delta-9 THC.

Another key similarity is that both compounds bind with the same set of cannabinoid receptors in the body to evoke those typical euphoric sensations.

Finally, the right dose of these compounds could use them to mitigate nausea and stimulate appetite.  

So, Is Delta-8 THC Synthetic?

No. Delta-8 THC Synthetic is a natural cannabis compound that occurs in both marijuana and hemp. But its presence is usually so minuscule that one needs a massive amount of plant material to procure any significant quantity of this compound.

This is why some manufacturers choose to procure it via synthesis of CBD (not Delta-9 THC) instead of extracting it directly from hemp.

Although this procedure is also quite expensive, it is still cheaper and more viable than the extraction of Delta-8 from hemp. However, that DOES NOT make it synthetic.

Meanwhile, to make Delta-8 THC Synthetic more convenient, viable, and legal for all parties concerned, hemp growers are breeding different strains of hemp to get a higher Delta-8 yield.

Conclusion: Is Delta-8 THC Synthetic Compound?

Delta-8 THC is one of the most talked-about compounds in the cannabis community. We expect it to outshine CBD in the coming years. Delta-8’s therapeutic effects and mild psychotropic potency have made it the subject of a lot of discussions, both among the general public and the scientific fraternity.

There is a huge market for Delta-8 products. That is why a lot of companies have jumped onto the new trending bandwagon to ride their way to popularity and revenue.

However, as consumers, the onus to protect ourselves and stay safe lies on us.

To wrap it up, we would leave you with this final word of advice: Don’t forget to consult a doctor before consuming Delta-8 if you’re a first-time user, and, more so, if you’re suffering from any medical condition.