Expanded cannabinoid testing for hemp: Delta-10 THC, HHC, THC-O-Acetate & more

First there was delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC). Now, only a few years later, there is an ever-evolving menu of hemp-derived cannabinoids, from delta-10 THC to HHC to THC-O-acetate. Each represents a new opportunity — for manufacturers and consumers alike.

Although these cannabinoids are by no means new, they are often referred to as minor, alternative or semi-synthetic cannabinoids simply because they are not as prevalent in hemp as CBD or Delta-9 THC. The growing social acceptance of cannabis has created a seemingly insatiable demand for interesting cannabinoid isomers in vape pens, concentrates, and edibles.

This is an analysis designed for producers who need a test for what’s required, as well as what’s desired. Our expanded cannabinoid panel can help you meet the explosive consumer demand for these hemp-derived products.

On the other side of the spectrum, for products destined for more traditional markets like grocery stores, this test helps to ensure your CBD consumer goods are free of these analytes.

7 Additions to Expanded Cannabinoid Testing for Hemp

As per a recent Brightfield assessment, 35 percent of CBD consumers have already purchased a psychoactive hemp-derived product within the last six months.

In response to this demand for hemp-derived cannabinoids, SC Labs has developed an expanded service — a test to provide an expanded cannabinoid profile analysis for an additional seven cannabinoids beyond the Standard Panel.

We go beyond delta-8 THC (included in the Standard Cannabinoid Panel) to provide reliable and accurate data on the many hemp-derived cannabinoids now trending among consumers. From delta-10 THC to HHC, these are the cannabinoids of note among consumers, producers, and regulators.

Δ10THC | Delta-10 THC | Δ10 Tetrahydrocannabinol

Delta-10 THC is a recent riff on other hemp-derived THC products, including delta-8 THC. Delta-10 THC can be isomerized from THC, but today is more commonly derived from CBD.

Delta-10 THC has already witnessed explosive growth among consumers. It is available in vape carts, edibles, concentrates, and more.

Δ9THC Acetate | THC-O | ATHC

Δ9THC acetate is reportedly much more psychoactive than delta-9 THC. It is an analog of THC, created through the chemical manipulation of the THC molecule with acetic anhydride.

HHC | Hexahydrocannabinol

(Isomers 9S-HHC and 9R-HHC)

Originally discovered in the 1940s through the addition of two hydrogen molecules to delta-8 THC, HHC is another popular hemp-derived cannabidiol. Today, it’s commonly derived from delta-8 THC through a process called hydrogenation, using a metal catalyst like palladium.

Δ8-iso-THC | Delta-8-ISO THC | Δ8-Isotetrahydrocannabinol

Delta-8-iso-THC is yet another byproduct created through the chemical alteration of CBD. Recently discovered following the isomerization of delta-8 THC, Δ8-iso-THC is a rare and little-known cannabinoid.

With mass spectrometry, some cannabinoids often coelute to delta-8 and delta-9 THC, including delta-8-iso-THC. There is some concern in the industry that there may be a misreporting of delta-8 THC because of this habit of coelution.

The Expanded Cannabinoid Test for Hemp separates delta-8 THC and delta-8-iso-ISO THC using HPLC technology to limit conflation between the two. More accurate testing ensures accurate labeling, and consumers get what they are paying for.

Exo-THC | Delta-9,11-THC

Exo-THC is yet another byproduct of the isomerization process. It is often detected in delta-8 THC products and could be considered an impurity created during the distillation process.

Beyond chemical structure and physical properties, there is limited clinical or pharmaceutical information on this little-known cannabinoid.

Δ8-THCV | Delta-8-THCV | Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol

Delta-9 THCV has long been included within the SC Labs Standard Cannabinoid test. But, in order to ensure that the results from the delta-9-THCV analysis do not misreport levels of delta-8THCV, we have added delta-8 THCV to our Extended Cannabinoid Panel.

Unlike many of the other hemp-derived cannabinoids on this list, there is actually some preliminary study into potential therapeutic applications for delta-8THCV. This includes research into delta-8THCV for the prevention of hepatic ischemia (reperfusion) injury, as well as for possible anti-nicotine effects.

Hemp Quality Assurance: 23 Cannabinoids and Counting

With the expansion of SC Labs’ cannabinoid profile testing, we help you meet explosive market demand for hemp-derived cannabinoids, whether delta-10THC, HHC, Δ9THC acetate, or others. With the addition of our Expanded Cannabinoid Panel, we now test for a total of 23 cannabinoids.

Our hemp cannabinoid testing labs in Colorado and California provide reliable Certificate of Analysis and invaluable insight into both product and process.

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