How Much THC is in Delta 8?

by Kat Austin November 02, 2021 5 min read

How Much THC is in Delta 8? - VO Inc

By now, most people are at least vaguely familiar with Delta-8-THC's psychoactive effects. You may even know that Delta-8 is made from CBD, and that many Delta-8 products contain at least trace amounts of other cannabinoids. With that said, many consumers want to know—how much THC is in Delta-8 products?

In other words, how much Delta-8 is actually present in the products you can buy online? And what about the more ominous Delta-9-THC content in D8 products? Since the THC levels in a product can impact its effects, therapeutic value, and even it's legality, it's a pretty important question.

Unfortunately, the answer is that it varies greatly from product to product. Still, we know a bit about legal THC limits and how Delta-8 products are made, which may help you better understand how much THC may be present.

Here's what we know about the THC content in Delta-8:

Key Takeaways

  • Delta-8 products all contain varying amounts of Delta-8-THC.
  • By federal guidelines, the THC content in Delta-8 must be 0.3% Delta-9-THC or less. 
  • If you buy Delta-8 at a state licensed dispensary, it won't necessarily meet federal guidelines.
  • The only way to know for sure what's in a Delta-8 product is by checking the third party lab test results.

How Much Delta-8-THC is Actually in Delta-8 Products?

The Delta-8 potency of any given Delta-8 product varies greatly, and it really just depends on how it's made.

Vida Optima Elev8 Tincture

Typically, Delta-8 products are made using Delta-8-THC distillate, a form of Delta-8 concentrate that's generally 95%+ pure. This distillate is then added to any combination of ingredients to create a unique product. For instance, the Delta-8 distillate may be added to a concoction of hemp oil, flavor additives, sweeteners, or any other ingredient. This reduces the actual concentration of Delta-8 in a product.

The most accurate way to determine how much Delta-8-THC is actually in a Delta-8 product is to look for a third party test result and cross-check it against the product's label. The test results should confirm what's on the label and will help you understand how much Delta-8 is in each gummy, tincture dose, or gram of Delta-8-THC flower.

What Percent Delta 9 THC is in Delta-8 Products?

Understanding the Delta-8 potency of a given Delta-8 product is important, but many users have another important question—how much THC is in Delta-8 products?

The answer here also varies from product to product, but within much smaller margins. Some Delta-8 products may contain no Delta-9-THC at all. This type of product is made with a pure Delta-8-THC concentrate and any other THC-free hemp ingredients, like CBD isolates or terpenes.

If a product is made using Delta-8-THC distillate and full spectrum hemp oil, however, it may contain trace amounts of Delta-9-THC. However, the amount of Delta-9-THC that is legally allowed in hemp products is not enough to cause psychoactive effects of their own.

Once again, to determine the actual Delta-9 content of a product, look for a Certificate of Analysis from a third-party lab that details the product's cannabinoid profile and potency.

A selection of different Delta-8-THC products as an example of how many different D8 formulas exist.

What's the Legal Limit for Delta-9 in Hemp Products?

According to federal legal standards, hemp products can only contain up to 0.3% Delta-9-THC. In fact, both the original hemp material and the final product must meet this requirement.

Of course, just because it's the law doesn't mean that it's a safe bet for all Delta-8-THC products. It's always a good idea to do some background research on a brand before you buy to ensure that they follow federal regulations.

Also, if you bought your Delta-8 product at a cannabis dispensary, it may not meet federal standards. Products bought at a dispensary are usually made according to state laws, which generally allow higher Delta-9 concentrations (in states where cannabis is legal, of course).

What Other Cannabinoids are in Delta-8-THC Products?

As we mentioned previously, there are limitless formulas that can be used to make Delta-8 products.

Some products focus solely on Delta-8 and use a Delta-8-THC distillate that's almost entirely void of other compounds. Some may combine Delta-8-THC with a full spectrum hemp extract, or hemp formula that contains a wide array of hemp-derived cannabinoids.

A person holding a dropper filled with Delta-8-THC oil, one of the most versatile formulas available.

That means that some Delta-8-THC products may contain CBD, or even minor cannabinoids like CBN, CBG, and CBC. Many of these formulas will also contain terpenes, the aromatic compounds found in hemp that have their own particular therapeutic benefits.

Of course, every Delta-8 formula is unique and will contain a different percentage and selection of hemp-derived cannabinoids. Some may be intentionally formulated using the ensemble effect, a method of combining specific cannabinoids and terpenes in order to create specific therapeutic effects.

The only way to know for sure what's in your Delta-8 products is to check the third-party lab results.

What Else is in Delta-8 Products?

Aside from hemp derivatives, Delta-8-THC products could contain other ingredients. In many cases these ingredients are used to change the flavor and appearance or to create different dosing styles, like Delta-8 gummies.

Still, you need to know how to check for potentially harmful ingredients. For instance, certain solvents used during extraction, pesticides that were potentially sprayed onto the hemp material, or other contaminants like mold, yeast, or microbial components could potentially make their way into the final product.

Pay attention to the brand's manufacturing process, which should include quality testing procedures to ensure the absence of these contaminants. For some brands this may mean a final third-party lab test that details the purity of a product. For other brands this means a series of in-house purity tests during manufacturing.

For instance, the hemp used to make our Elev8 products is tested for purity and potency before the manufacturing process ever begins.

Products are also examined at various points during manufacturing to ensure that no contaminants accidentally make their way into each batch. This quality assurance process is essential to ensuring that we provide only safe, high-quality Delta-8-THC products to our customers.

Where to Get Federally Legal Delta-8-THC Products

If you're looking for Delta-8 products that meet federal guidelines, meaning they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC, look no further than our Elev8 Collection.

Like all Vida Optima products, our Delta-8-THC products are 100% Farm Bill compliant and made according to cGMP guidelines. Our Delta-8 edibles, tinctures, and flower provide all the dosing variety you need to find the gentle lift you desire.

Vida Optimat Elev8 Delta-8 Gummies

FAQ - THC Content in Delta-8 

What percentage of THC is delta-8?

Delta-8 THC typically contains around 0.1% to 1% THC in most products, but this can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific product.

How many grams of THC are in delta-8?

The amount of THC in delta-8 products varies. For example, a delta-8 gummy might contain 10-25 milligrams of delta-8 THC per piece, whereas tinctures or oils may list the total delta-8 THC content in milligrams per bottle. Always check the product label for specific information.

How toxic is delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is generally considered to have a lower toxicity level compared to delta-9 THC. However, consuming large amounts can still lead to adverse effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and altered mental state. It's important to use it responsibly and follow dosage recommendations.

What is the highest THC level in delta-8?

The highest THC level in delta-8 products typically ranges between 90% to 99% pure delta-8 THC in concentrated forms like distillates. However, this high concentration is usually found in products intended for experienced users. Always start with a lower dose if you are new to delta-8 THC.


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Cannabis Encyclopedia

Delta 8 Dosage Chart: Complete Guide To The Perfect High - VO Inc
Delta 8 Dosage Chart: Complete Guide To The Perfect High

by Kat Austin November 10, 2024 12 min read

Confused about how much Delta-8 you should actually take? Here's how to figure it out:
Read More
Delta-8 THC Drug Interactions: Can You Take Delta 8 with Prescription Medications? - VO Inc
Delta-8 THC Drug Interactions: Can You Take Delta 8 with Prescription Medications?

by Kat Austin November 08, 2024 9 min read

Here's what you need to know about Delta-8 and your medications.
Read More
Can Drug Dogs Smell Carts? The Scoop on Concealing THC Vape Pens - VO Inc
Can Drug Dogs Smell Carts? The Scoop on Concealing THC Vape Pens

by Kat Austin November 07, 2024 7 min read

Canine detection may not be as accurate as you think.
Read More

Subscribe