The D8-THC being sold today was not obtained by isolating it from hemp. Instead, it is obtained by subjecting cannabidiol (CBD) to an acid-catalyzed isomerization reaction that must be performed under carefully controlled conditions to obtain D8-THC without contamination from D9-THC and other substances that have not been wholly characterized about their effects and potential toxicity when ingested or inhaled.

In addition, since certified reference standards for some synthetic byproducts do not exist, laboratories cannot report them when they are present in D8-THC. Therefore, it is essential to obtain D8-THC from sources that produce and purify it so that it does not contain excessive amounts of D9-THC or impurities with unknown effects.