The delta-8 industry is booming and arguably one of the best business opportunities in the United States right now. Millions of people who cannot access marijuana are turning to this legal hemp-based alternative, which produces a similar high.
With delta-8 isolate, you can get creative and develop your own delta-8 products. If you have a potentially lucrative idea that no other companies have thought of, it may be time to invest in delta-8 isolate. Hemp and cannabis lovers are always looking for something new!
Before we explore this highly concentrated form of delta-8 and its possibilities, let’s check out the five best delta-8 isolate products on the market in 2022.
1. 3Chi – Bulk Delta-8 THC Oil – Premium Grade
This Premium Grade Bulk Delta-8 Oil from 3Chi boasts an incredible 95 to 99% delta-8 potency, with not even a hint of THC. Made from American-grown hemp, 3Chi’s delta-8 isolate has no obvious aroma, although some people report a slightly sweet smell.
It’s easy to work with, and while it tends to harden at low temperatures, it won’t crystallize. This delta-8 oil has an amber, translucent appearance and a viscous consistency. 3Chi can manufacture more than 200kg of it per month. This product does not contain terpenes.
The third-party lab reports confirm 3Chi Premium Grade Delta-8 Oil is legal, powerful and free from contamination.
2. DENEX Co – Delta-8 Distillate
Delta-8 Distillate from DENEX Co is another excellent isolate to make delta-8 products with. These guys admit that distillate can vary in strength but promise between 85 to 95% delta-8 in all of its products.
DENEX’s delta-8 distillate comes in glass jars and has a translucent appearance. Produced with all-natural industrial hemp, this isolate is completely free of pesticides and residual solvents. DENEX notes that delta-8 can improve motivation, enhance focus, aid relaxation, and more.
This product is third-party tested by Altitude Consulting and Marin Analytics. The reports confirm that DENEX’s distillate has high levels of delta-8, less than 0.3% THC, and no heavy metals.
Sizes: 10 grams, 50 grams, 100 grams, 200 grams
3. Rhizo Sciences – Delta-8 THC Isolate
Promising 98%+ purity, delta-8 isolate from Rhizo Sciences is another super concentrate if you’re ready to get serious about making delta-8 products. They use distillation and chromatography to refine and purify the extract, which explains its mighty strength.
This is made from non-GMO hemp cultivated in the United States without the use of pesticides. No other active ingredients are present in Rhizo Sciences’ delta-8 concentrate.
The third-party analysis from Green Leaf Lab suggests the isolate has a shade over 93% delta-8, which is still impressive but not quite as good as claimed. However, this product is THC-free.
4. 3Chi – Bulk Delta-8 THC (Water Soluble)
Suitable for personal use and manufacturing purposes, 3Chi’s water-soluble delta-8 powder is convenient and unique. At 20% delta-8, it’s not as strong as some isolate products but goes beautifully with foods and beverages.
3Chi recommends pairing this powder with water, coffee, or fruit juice and balancing the somewhat bitter flavor with sugar or another sweetener. It’s organically grown and never crystallizes.
Given the 20% potency, you’ll need to multiply your delta-8 serving by five when mixing. For example, if you want a 10mg delta-8 drink, stir in 50mg of powder. This 3Chi product is federally compliant and contains less than 0.3% THC.
Sizes: 1 gram, 5 grams, 10 grams, 25 grams, 100 grams
5. The Hemp Collect – Delta-8 Distillate: Amber
Delta-8 Amber Distillate from The Hemp Collect registers at anywhere between 85 to 96% delta-8. While the lack of precision is not ideal, we know inconsistent potency is an issue with delta-8 isolate products, and I prefer to see companies being truthful.
This lab-grade distillate is made from Oregonian hemp and can be manufactured with terpenes upon request. The Hemp Collect suggests using its isolate to make tinctures, vape carts, pre-rolls, and capsules. The team is happy to discuss customization options.
The third-party report from Columbia Laboratories confirms the 90%+ delta-8 concentration and that this product has no detectable THC.
Sizes: 1 gram, 3.5 grams, 10 grams, 50 grams, 100 grams, 250 grams, 500 grams, 1kg, 5kg, 10kg, 20kg, 50kg
What is Delta-8 Isolate?
Delta-8 isolate is a highly concentrated form of delta-8, typically purchased by companies to make delta-8 products. Isolate and distillate can be used as the primary ingredient in delta-8 edibles, tincture oils, vape juices, capsules, concentrates, and more.
Delta-8 stands for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8), a naturally occurring cannabinoid in marijuana. An isomer of the well-known delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), delta-8 has psychoactive properties and affects users similarly to classic marijuana.
However, a group of experts at the World Health Organization have stated that delta-8 is weaker than THC and may only be half as potent as the famous cannabinoid.
As a less potent substance, delta-8 doesn’t get users as stoned, nor does it cause as many side effects. Few scientific studies have explored the effects of delta-8, but anecdotal evidence indicates that delta-8 products are less prone to inducing paranoia and anxiety.
Chemists create or distillate through a process known as distillation. This highly refined extract is pretty much pure delta-8, with all the other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and waxes separated during distillation.
Delta-8 isolate potency varies and is notoriously inconsistent. Sometimes, distillation can generate a 95%+ delta-8 distillate, but it’s not uncommon to see distillates with less than 90% delta-8.
The variation in strength is problematic for both companies making distillate and those looking to manufacture consistent and dependable delta-8 products.
Some businesses sell delta-8 isolate in its purified state, while others add terpenes or other isolated cannabinoids back in after distillation. You may even be able to work with the manufacturer to develop a customized and unique distillate.
Is Delta-8 Isolate Legal?
Hemp-derived delta-8 isolate is federally legal in the United States. The 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act (Farm Bill) de-scheduled all cannabinoid derivatives of hemp (except THC). It is legal if the product has less than 0.3% THC.
That said, the federal Farm Bill has caused controversy and created uncertainty around delta-8 – this is partly to do with how companies make delta-8 products like distillate.
The Farm Bill legalized naturally occurring cannabinoids, but some dispute whether delta-8 is natural. The delta-8 found in commercial products is rarely taken directly from hemp. Instead, it’s created from CBD isolate in a laboratory through a technique called isomerization.
But that hasn’t stopped the plucky delta-8 industry from blossoming. Demand for delta-8 is only growing, and companies have become more confident about selling it after a recent statement from a DEA spokesman.
It’s not all plain sailing for delta-8 isolate, though. Some states have passed specific legislation to ban the cannabinoid.
The following states have banned delta-8: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.
Potential Benefits of Delta-8 Isolate
Technically, you can take delta-8 isolate as it is, and a few brands sell small quantities of distillate for personal use. But generally, it is an ingredient more than it is a finished product. So, why do people take delta-8?
Most people take delta-8 products for recreational purposes. For those living in states where recreational cannabis is illegal, delta-8 is an excellent substitute. Large delta-8 doses still provide the same marijuana high, while regular amounts produce a milder and often more pleasant experience.
Delta-8 isolate could have health benefits, too. Going by what we know about THC, delta-8 may alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, ease anxiety and stress, and even help with sleep. The more popular delta-8 gets, the more studies we should see concerning its effects.
What to Look For When Buying Delta-8 Isolate
I want to focus on what businesses should prioritize when buying delta-8 isolate or distillate. For high-strength personal consumption, I recommend a concentrated product like delta-8 wax or crumble. These are easier to use and sold in smaller quantities.
The five delta-8 isolate products featured at the top of this post should all stand you in good stead. But if you’re intrigued about what makes a first-class distillate or the products listed don’t catch your eye, here’s what you should look out for.
Third-Party Lab Tests
Nothing is more important than an independent certificate of analysis when buying delta-8 isolate. It’s the only way you can be sure a company is selling legit delta-8. The FDA doesn’t regulate delta-8 manufacturers, hence why we need third-party labs to do the heavy lifting.
Delta-8 businesses have savvy marketing skills and may claim their isolate is independently tested or even manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility. Never take these statements at face value when shelling out for large amounts of distillate – don’t trust, verify!
The more transparent a company is, the more likely they are to act in good faith. Delta-8 brands that make the crucial details hard to find may have something to hide. A third-party report should include information on the concentrations of delta-8 and THC and the purity of the isolate.
Customization
You may want to keep things simple with plain delta-8 isolate, or perhaps you have plans to spice up the industry with something unique. I love delta-8 isolate manufacturers that allow you to customize the finished product with additional cannabinoids and terpenes.
The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes the emerging delta-8 industry so exciting. For example, adding in CBN cannabinoids promotes more sedative effects – you could use such an isolate to make delta-8 products for sleep.
Or you could ask the manufacturer to blend natural sativa terpenes into the isolate for more energizing effects. Delta-8 is naturally uplifting and motivating, and you could harness terpenes with similar properties to make a supercharged psychoactive stimulant.
How to Store Your Delta-8 Isolate
Store delta-8 isolate in cool, dry, dark, and airtight conditions. Good storage is absolutely critical, or your distillate will degrade and lose potency, rendering your products less effective.
A dark storage location stops UV light degradation caused by sunlight. An airtight container, such as a mason jar, protects your isolate from oxygen exposure and oxidation, which can also degrade delta-8.
Delta-8 isolate does not stay fresh forever, but it’s worth investing in decent storage. Preserving delta-8 isolate in perfect storage conditions will inevitably improve the quality of your products.
How Long Does Delta-8 Isolate Last?
Delta-8 isolate effects have no set duration – the method of consumption determines how long you’ll feel stoned. Inhalation (i.e., vaping or smoking) is the most rapid, inducing an almost immediate high, but one that wears off after two to three hours.
Delta-8 isolate taken sublingually, in tincture form, lasts a little longer. The psychoactive effects also kick in quickly with this method as the cannabinoids skip the first-pass metabolism.
The lengthiest delta-8 isolate effects come from capsules and edibles. Delta-8 users report feeling high for up to eight hours after taking these products and sometimes even longer with large dosages.
Purchasing Delta-8 Isolate Online vs. Shops Near Me
Buying delta-8 isolate online is more convenient, safer, and probably cheaper, too. Since isolate and distillate aren’t commercial products, you’ll likely only find them at a hemp wholesaler. You may not even have one in your town or city!
From a safety perspective, it’s generally easier to check whether a company is legitimate when shopping online. Third-party certificates of analysis have become commonplace, and genuine manufacturers are happy to provide all the relevant info on their sites.
Checking product safety at a brick-and-mortar wholesaler might not be such a seamless process. The wholesaler may only have delta-8 isolate or distillate from obscure brands without the necessary paperwork.
