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Are you a cannabis geek like us? Do you crave innovation so consumers with different tastes and needs can access the most robust products?

At ACS, we’re obsessed with innovation because we know cannabis is just as diverse as the people who consume it. And the people deserve more variety.

That means we don’t stop at THC and CBD because they get the most headlines. We don’t even stop at CBG or CBN.

We want to know every microscopic compound that cannabis contains so we can educate consumers and give brands the knowledge to create more formulas. That’s why we’ve been developing a test for Delta8 THCV.

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What is Delta8 THCV?

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Delta8 THCV is one of the hundreds of cannabinoids that naturally occurs in hemp and cannabis plants. However it appears in negligible doses, which is why processors must synthetically extract and concentrate it into oils, edibles, tinctures, and other concentrates.

Similar to other cannabinoids, Delta8 THCV interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, but we don’t have enough research to indicate exactly how it works. We can only surmise based on what we know about its cannabinoid brethren–THC and Delta9 THCV.

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Delta8 THCV vs. THC vs. Delta9 THCV

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What are the Differences?!

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Did you know every cannabinoid contains multiple versions of itself? These variations are based on the number of carbon atoms it contains and where its double-bond of electrons are located on the chain of atoms. (Mind blown).

Oh yes, there are seemingly endless numbers of cannabinoids to explore–and microscopic differences matter.

‍It’s All About the Atoms

‍When we talk about most cannabinoids, like THC, we’re referring to those that contain 5 carbon atoms. However that’s not always the case. For example, some cannabinoids contain 3 carbons. In these instances, scientists add a “V” to the end of the acronym, which stands for “Varin.”

While it may seem like a small distinction, the number of carbons will affect the structure of the compound and how it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This distinction is precisely why THC is psychoactive while THC(V) only gets you high at impossibly potent concentrations.

‍The Double Bond Distinction

‍Delta8 THCV and Delta9 THCV are both Varin-cannabinoids, which means they both contain a chain of 3 carbon atoms. The key difference is the location of their double bonded atoms: Delta8 THCV’s double bond exists one acid chain ahead of Delta9 THCV’s, which means both cannabinoids may interact with the body in similar ways. Only time and more research will tell.

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What are the Reported Benefits of Delta8 THCV?

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In 2019, a team of investigators administered Delta8 THCV to nicotine-obsessed rats and discovered a truly fascinating effect. The team concluded “Delta8 THCV may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of nicotine dependence.” Their report, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology also said Delta8 THCV should be tested for “possible anti-addiction efficacy in a broader range of preclinical animal models against other addictive drugs, and eventually in humans.”

Not only did Delta8-THCV reduce nicotine consumption in addicted rats, it also reduced withdrawal, according to the report.

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What are the Effects?

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The honest answer is we don’t really know. We can only assume that Delta8 THCV may share similarities with Delta9 THCV, which is known for its energizing and appetite suppressing qualities. For this reason, products that contain both compounds may serve to complement and enhance each other’s effects.  

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Are there Delta8 THCV Products I Can Try?

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Delta8 THCV is brand new to the industry, so stay tuned for upcoming products. At ACS, we are most excited about the “Crave Away” line from Doug’s Varin. While still in development, this line is set to contain hybrid products with 50% Delta8 THCV and 50% Delta8 THC.  

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Are There High Delta8 THCV Strains?

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You won’t find naturally high Delta8 THCV strains but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy high Delta8 THCV products like Doug’s Varin “Crave Away.”

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So How Do You Make Delta8 THCV Products?

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According to David Lampach founder of California Cannabinoids/Doug’s Varin, “once you have Delta9 THCV, you can modify the bond position through safe chemical reactions. There are several methods to accomplish this, but one common method is subjecting Delta9 THCV to an acidic environment to alter the bond position.

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How is Delta8 THCV Measured and Tested?

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Delta8 THCV is measured through potency tests in the same way that CBD, THC and other cannabinoids are measured. ACS Laboratory’s protocol uses Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) machinery to measure Delta8 THCV potency in oils, edibles and extracts.

HPLC is the preferred instrument for these products due to its ability to test samples at room temperature without requiring heat. Heat breaks down cannabinoids into different forms and skews the potency information.

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How Do I Learn More About Delta8 THCV Testing?

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Contact ACS today to learn more about Delta-8 THC oils, isolates, distillates, edibles and beverages. We’ll deliver accurate results, fast.  

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About ACS Laboratory

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At ACS, we test hemp at every stage of its harvest cycle for 38 terpenes, 17 cannabinoids and 15 flavonoids to confirm the complete flavor, fragrance and therapeutic profile of the plant. We also test for molds, mildew, heavy metals and pesticides to guarantee products are clean and safe for consumer use.

ACS Laboratory’s 20,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is located outside of Tampa, at 721 Cortaro Dr., Sun City Center, FL 33573. For more information, visit acslabcannabis.com or call (813) 670-9157.

Watch this video on what ACS Laboratory tests and read its blog for up-to-date information on cannabis science and lab testing for both the hemp and cannabis industries.