- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
Every day, industry players discover and develop new cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and Delta 8 products that appeal to specific markets.
Delta 8 diamonds, for instance, are recent product releases that come in various forms, including edibles, gummies, tinctures, and vape pens. This cannabis derivative, which is marketed as a milder version, is gaining popularity amongst beginners and users with low THC tolerance.
Delta 8 diamonds are only one of the many CBD and THC products sold by reputable dispensaries worldwide. In 2022, the global legal marijuana market was valued at USD$ 27.7 billion. With a projected compound annual growth of 21% from 2023 to 2030, its market size is expected to reach a whopping USD$ 127.49 billion years from now.
But what are Delta 8 diamonds, and why are people lining up to get them? How do people make them, and what are their reported effects? You’ll find the answers in this article.
What are Delta 8 Diamonds?
Delta 8 diamonds, also known as Delta 8 THC diamonds or D8 diamonds, are crystal-like concentrates derived from the cannabis plant, which has two varieties: marijuana and hemp. Delta 8 diamonds mainly come from the latter, which is used in many industries to create various products.
As the name indicates, Delta 8 diamonds share their physical attributes with diamonds. However, they come in slightly yellow or golden hues. As a solid form of Delta 8 THC or CBD, these by-products contain about 98% pure THC and cannabinoids. They are also enhanced with terpenes for additional flavor.
What Do They Look Like?
Processors employ different techniques to extract their desired compounds from the cannabis plant. When defining the term Delta 8 diamonds, they can either be:
- THCA diamonds: Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) diamonds are developed in a terpene-rich solution, more popularly known as ‘terp sauce.’ THCA crystals need to be heated to make them active.
- CBD crystals: Some Delta 8 diamonds come from CBD isolates and comprise over 99% pure CBD. They may look like powdery sugar crystals.
You can produce either by-product by employing different processes and refinements.
How are Delta 8 Diamonds Formed?
As mentioned, processors use different complex processes and pieces of equipment to create D8 diamonds. However, knowing the basics of D8 diamond creation doesn’t hurt.
In simpler terms, each hemp flower has to go through carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction to dissolve trichomes found in its fibers. These compounds are rich in distinct cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes according to their strain.
What Happens After Extraction?
Following the extraction process, the compound becomes a distillate. The distillation process involves separating the components by trapping the vapor, which is then cooled to turn into liquid.
A portion of the cooled compound is then frozen to form crystals. It takes skills and experience to know when to manipulate temperatures in this process.
The distillation process also creates the ‘terp sauce’ from the liquid that forms during vapor extraction.
Terp sauce is simply a honey-like cannabis derivative from concentrated hemp. It can be processed further to isolate the contents into powder. Once that forms, processors tap isomerization to create Delta 8 THC or CBD, then crystallize it further into D8 diamonds.
Why Some Delta 8 Diamonds Products aren’t “Crystals”
A Delta 8 diamond may look like a gem. But in some cases, it looks like thick wax submerged in viscous oil. Its final appearance will be dictated by the processes it underwent to become an isolate or a distillate.
In the former, the Delta 8 diamond will look like powder or crystal, which can be used as raw materials or mixed with other isolates to create specific products. Isolates can look excessively thick and waxy and are kept inside a jar with distilled oil.
In the latter, it looks like thick oil because of distillation. Technically called a distillate, this golden liquid is the product of isolating a target compound from the cannabis plant. Distillates are widely used in creating topicals, edibles, and the oil inside vape cartridges.
Regardless of the form, isolates and distillates are great sources of concentrated cannabinoids and terpenes. Delta 8 diamonds use potent isolates and distillates to produce an intense yet milder effect than other varieties, enhancing a cannabis user’s experience.
Are Delta 8 Diamonds Legal?
Generally, D8 diamonds are derived from hemp, which is legal under federal regulations. However, not all states have the same laws regarding marijuana use, and you may get in trouble with the authorities. Knowing whether local laws allow them is crucial before making any transaction.
How to Consume Delta 8 Diamonds
After ensuring that D8 diamond products are legal in your area, you can start small and observe how your body reacts.
Consumption of these products is done in two primary ways:
- Dabbing: involves melting the diamond crystals and inhaling the vapor it produces. It may sound easy, but you must have a dab kit to do this properly. You also have to take precautions to avoid burning yourself.
- Vaping: a more convenient and safer option. All you have to do is fill your cartridge with D8 diamonds, turn the device on, and inhale.
Inhaling the vapor allows the product to enter your bloodstream easily, ensuring immediate effects. Owing to body chemistry and tolerance, each individual will have different experiences when taking D8 diamonds.
Novice cannabis consumers must start with a low dosage, for instance, five to 10 milligrams, and observe how their body reacts before proceeding.
How Taking D8 Diamonds Might Feel
As mentioned, individuals react differently to D8 diamond consumption. Delta 8 is sold as a milder version of other cannabis derivatives, including Delta 9 THC, owing to its reduced potency. When used alongside Delta 8 diamonds, D8 THC users reportedly had better ‘highs,’ minus the anxiety and paranoia.
As such, users reported feeling relaxed and dreamy when consuming the product in low doses. High doses were said to generate sedative and pain-killing effects.
Perceived Benefits of Delta 8 Diamonds
The National Cancer Institute is currently studying the use of cannabis products in improving patients’ quality of life. One of the many studies involves using Delta 8 THC to manage pain among colon and breast cancer survivors.
Additionally, D8 diamond consumption is believed to help boost appetite, reduce anxiety, fight pain, and promote brain protection when consumed at proper doses. Excess intake, however, can cause significant health problems, per the Food and Drug Administration.
Note that this product is not a substitute for actual medical treatment.
How to Get High-Quality Delta 8 Diamonds
Delta 8 diamonds must be created from high-quality hemp flowers for optimal concentration.
It’s vital to source your products from legitimate dispensaries. They use rigorous accreditation methods or develop the products while observing strict quality assurance methods.
Are They for You?
Delta 8 diamonds are the newest additions to THC and CBD products sold in dispensaries nationwide. Some users prefer to consume them, while others prefer products like CBD oil, THC concentrate, or indica or sativa strains of cannabis.
Like other cannabis-derived products, these items contain high concentrations of cannabinoids said to be beneficial in regulating the body’s multiple physiological processes. They can be beneficial for folks looking to alleviate the symptoms of medical conditions, as well as those just looking to enjoy the effects of Delta 8.
Whether taking cannabis products for medical or recreational use, Delta 8 concentrates and Delta 8 distillates are worth looking into thanks to their milder psychoactive properties. It’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider before using them.
Also, ensure that your supplier is reliable and that your local laws allow purchase and possession of these products to avoid issues while using hemp-derived cannabinoids. Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t legalized Delta 8 on the federal level, state laws dictate its legality.
How we reviewed this article:
- Legal Marijuana Market to Exhibit a Remarkable Hike of USD 127.49 Million https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/03/17/2629367/0/en/Legal-Marijuana-Market-to-Exhibit-a-Remarkable-Hike-of-USD-127-49-Million-by-2030-Size-Share-Rising-Trends-Demand-Future-Growth-and-Opportunity-Analysis.html
- Everything You Need To Know About Delta-8 Diamonds https://mauilabsd8.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-delta-8-diamonds/
- Delta 8 Diamonds https://delta8pro.com/product-category/delta-8-diamonds
- Clinical Trials Using Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol https://www.cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials/intervention/delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol/
Current Version
April 11, 2023
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
Jake Peter received his journalism degree from Emerson College and has been writing content for the Sanctuary Wellness Institute since 2021. He is passionate about all things cannabis.