Delta 8, Delta 9, THC-O-Acetate, and HHC

Delta 9 Analytical has developed and validated methods to accurately quantitate Delta 8 THC, also accurately quantitate the Delta 9 THC present in Delta 8 THC, and can assist in analyzing THC-O-Acetate as well as THCP and HHC.

Delta 8 Distillate contains some Delta 9 THC in the distillate. The only way for this to not be the case would be if the distillate were to be remediated using flash chromatography or some other means, and this process would add considerable cost to the distillate and is not currently done in large part. To illustrate this see the image below:

At Delta 9 Analytical we run all D8 distillates on 2 different LCMS systems, with 2 unique column with different separation means in order to ensure that we separate Delta 9 THC from Delta 8 THC. This method focuses on Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC, and Exo THC. Because Delta 9 Analytical uses mass spectrometry as the detection for these cannabinoids, we can use deuterated standards – cannabinoids that are identical to the ones we are looking for with the difference being that a few of the hydrogens have been replaced with deuterium to give the molecule a higher mass. Below is the result of the second separation:

It is important to remember that the predominant forms of THC-O-Acetate, THCP, and some other “specialty” cannabinoids is the Delta 8 form. This becomes problematic since the actual standards that are available for purchase are the Delta 9 forms of these cannabinoids, so this becomes an issue for laboratories. Delta 9 Analytical can measure these cannabinoids, but since there are no actual standards for them we report these values as estimates at this time.

Delta 9 Analytical takes pride in working with our clients to accurately quantitate difficult cannabinoids, and we are always available to discuss your results.