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Delta-8-THC is not synthetic, but is derived from hemp CBD through a chemical conversion process. This process sets Delta-8 apart from traditional THC, making it highly accessible.
For new consumers, Delta-8's unique manufacturing process can cause confusion, particularly regarding taste. One question that often arises is: should Delta-8 taste like chemicals?
The short answer is no—Delta-8-THC products should never have a chemical taste if properly manufactured.
A well-made Delta-8 distillate is clean and virtually flavorless. However, certain terpenes, added for flavor or aroma, might be mistaken for a "chemical" taste. Understanding the difference can help you identify high-quality products and avoid subpar experiences.
Let's dive in:
Table of Contents
A Chemical Taste is Bad News
Do Terpenes Taste Like Chemicals?
What Should Delta-8 Taste Like?
What are the Best Tasting Delta-8 Products?
Conclusion: Delta-8-THC Products Taste Like Chemicals
We'll start by reiterating that Delta-8-THC should not have a strong chemical-like flavor. During manufacturing, various chemicals and extraction techniques may be used to create Delta-8.
For instance, some brands may use ethanol extraction or butane extraction to harvest their original CBD-rich hemp extract from the hemp material. Then, Delta-8 is made from CBD through a process called isomerization, which involves exposing CBD to an acid in order to rearrange the molecule into Delta 8.
But none of this really matters because the chemicals from manufacturing should not make it into the final batch. Different brands will use different purification methods to remove any leftover solvents or chemicals before bottling a product.
That's not to say there aren't some questionable brands that may not have a very rigorous quality control process. But that's why it's important to only buy hemp products from a high-quality, trustworthy brand that uses modern manufacturing techniques and a third party testing process to ensure potency and quality.
If you know that you bought your Delta-8-THC from a trustworthy brand but you still notice a funny aftertaste, there may be a different explanation.
It's true that Delta-8 may have a pungent flavor, especially when terpenes are added to enhance its taste and aroma. However, if your Delta-8 starts to taste more like a science experiment than a cannabis product, you may have a problem. Understanding the potential causes of this unpleasant taste can help you identify low-quality products and make safer choices.
Here are some reasons Delta-8 may have a chemical taste:
Terpenes, the naturally occurring compounds responsible for the distinctive flavors and aromas in cannabis, can sometimes create sharp or bitter profiles. For those unfamiliar with terpene nuances, this can be mistaken for a chemical taste.
Popular terpenes like myrcene or pinene can have earthy, piney, or even slightly acrid notes that may seem unnatural. However, these flavors are entirely normal and are not a cause for concern.
A true chemical taste, on the other hand, is often a red flag. It can indicate improper extraction methods or residual solvents left behind due to inadequate purification. Residual chemicals, such as butane or ethanol, are not only unpleasant but can also pose serious health risks. This is why it’s essential to only purchase Delta-8 distillate products from reputable manufacturers who provide third-party lab testing to verify purity and safety.
Some manufacturers may cut corners by using synthetic flavoring agents or cheap, low-quality terpenes that result in an unnatural taste. These shortcuts not only affect flavor but may also compromise the overall safety of the product.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, look for Delta-8 products that have a clear Certificate of Analysis (COA) and avoid anything that has an overpowering chemical taste. A high-quality Delta-8 distillate should be clean and virtually flavorless, allowing any added terpenes to shine without masking the product's purity.
Many Delta-8-THC products are finished with terpenes in a process known as strain profiling. That means that pure Delta-8-THC distillate may have certain hemp-derived terpenes added in order to alter the flavor and therapeutic profile of the product.
Since different terpenes all have different therapeutic effects and a different flavor profile, this technique is useful for creating Delta-8-THC products that mimic the diversity of natural cannabis strains. But many of these terpenes have an aroma that could be mistaken as a chemical taste.
For instance, linalool is a terpene known for its bold, earthy, spicy aroma found in lavender and cinnamon. These aromatic compounds may taste sort of odd, almost perfume-like, to someone who isn’t accustomed to the natural flavor.
Still, the taste from terpenes should be incredibly subtle, so if your product has an overwhelming chemical flavor, something is wrong. If the chemical taste you're describing is pretty subtle, try checking the product ingredients to see if it has added terpenes. In some cases, products may also contain essential oils that have a similar diluted chemical flavor.
Delta-8-THC products don't have a specific taste because different products are made from different hemp strains using various different ingredients, which could include flavor additives and sweeteners. In its purest form, Delta-8-THC is mostly tasteless, although some people do report a slight chemical taste from the pure extract.
Ultimately, pure Delta-8-THC should have almost no flavor, but Delta-8 is generally not sold in this pure form. The flavor of your Delta-8-THC products will depend on its ingredients, like the terpenes we mentioned earlier, but also any other flavor additives, sweeteners, oils, vitamins, or other ingredients used to make the particular product.
Finding a Delta-8-THC product that you enjoy is mostly based on preference, but there are a few things to keep in mind while you search for the right product.
First, pure Delta-8-THC products are not generally the best choice for people with a sensitive palate. Delta-8 edibles may be more appropriate since they generally have a pleasant taste. For instance our Delta-8 Chews are tropical, melt-in-your-mouth doses that have no chemical aftertaste at all.
Not into fruit flavors? A Delta-8-THC Caramel is a decadent option that perfectly masks any hempy flavor, and may be the best option overall for avoiding the "natural" taste of Delta-8-THC.
A Delta-8-THC vaporizer is also a fair choice for those who want a mild-flavored dose that kicks in quickly. Our Delta-8-THC Vaporizers do contain terpenes for strain profiling, but the flavor is reminiscent of natural cannabis flower.
If you cannot confirm that the “chemical” flavor of your Delta-8-THC product is actually the flavor of terpenes or other intentional ingredients, we recommend that you stop using it and reach out to the brand. If they can’t confirm the quality and purity of the product, you should definitely start searching for a new brand.
If you want to skip the footwork and buy high-quality Delta-8-THC that tastes great, check out our Elev8 Collection.
Edibles should not have a strong chemical taste if properly manufactured. The flavor may come from artificial flavorings or poor-quality ingredients, but a chemical taste could also indicate leftover solvents. Always purchase from reputable brands that provide third-party lab tests to ensure safety.
A weird taste could result from terpenes with strong, unfamiliar profiles, but it may also indicate a bad batch or contamination. If the flavor seems off, check for proper labeling, a Certificate of Analysis (COA), and avoid using the cart if it tastes harmful.
Signs of a bad cart include:
A burnt plastic taste is often caused by overheating the cartridge, which burns the wick or coil inside. Stop using the cart immediately, as this can release harmful chemicals.
Fake carts often have an artificial or overly sweet flavor and may also have a chemical aftertaste. They typically lack transparency regarding ingredients and lab testing, so purchase only from trusted sources to avoid harmful products.
A metallic taste could indicate contamination with heavy metals from the cartridge itself. This is a serious concern, and you should stop using the cart and report the product to the manufacturer.
The taste of Delta-8 may be affected by the quality of terpenes, the extraction process, or additives. Poor manufacturing practices can leave a residual chemical flavor. High-quality Delta 8 distillate should have minimal taste, allowing terpenes to shine naturally.
Yes, Delta-8 products, especially carts, may have a smell similar to weed because of the terpenes used in their formulation. However, the scent is often milder than traditional cannabis products.
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