How to Dispose of Nitric Acid
In this article, we’ll address specifically how to dispose of nitric acid. Like most acids, nitric acid can be neutralized prior to disposal. This chemical reaction greatly reduces the hazardous risks of nitric acid, helping your business to comply with the three tenants of proper waste disposal. The reaction must be completed safely, which we’ll explain in this article.

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Lab Alley
Proper disposal of chemical reagents is essential for three reasons:
- Legal complianceWorker and environmental safety
- Minimizing business/laboratory expenses
- All labs and businesses working with hazardous chemicals must comply with the regulations set in place by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and local jurisdiction.
These regulations are in place to minimize risks to workers handling hazardous chemicals.Chemical waste disposal can be expensive for labs and businesses. Businesses must schedule waste pick-up from a hazardous waste disposal company. Minimizing your hazardous waste is one way to cut business costs. It will also reduce costs from replacing expired or spilled reagents.
What is the Difference Between CBD and THC?
Have you ever wondered what exactly is the difference between THC and CBD? Actually, from a molecular lens, there’s very little difference – but that “very little” has huge biological implications.
What are THC and CBD?
THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD stands for cannabidiol. Both THC and CBD belong to a class of molecules called cannabinoids, which derive from a plant called cannabis (also known as marijuana, weed, or hemp).
The cannabis plant is actually the source of dozens of cannabinoids. However, THC and CBD are the most famous, for the simple reasons that they are the most abundant, and therefore easiest to isolate and study.
They are also the most important chemical compounds in terms of how they interact with the human brain and body. THC is the compound that is predominantly responsible for the psychotropic effect of cannabis. In other words, this is the compound that gives you the feeling of being “high.”
CBD, on the other hand, will not make you high, but is predominantly responsible for the anti-inflammatory and soothing effects of cannabis.
What do THC and CBD have in common?
If you take a look at the molecular structures of THC and CBD, you might have trouble spotting the difference. They are very nearly the same, with the exception that THC has a closed-ring structure where CBD has a hydroxyl group.
Other than that, the two molecules are shaped very similarly, each containing two other rings along with a 5-carbon alkyl chain. The importance of this shape is that both molecules can interact with receptors in the human body known as cannabinoid receptors.
Molecules interact with receptors like a key in a lock. If the key fits, it will go in the lock. In other words, the molecule will “bind” to the receptor and create a biological effect. Both THC and CBD have the ability to interact with the same receptors.
What makes THC and CBD different?
Despite the fact that they are similar enough to bind to cannabinoid receptors, the molecular difference between THC and CBD changes the way that they bind.
The feeling of being high comes from strong binding to the CB1 receptor. THC is what’s called an agonist of the CB1 receptor, which is why it is psychotropic. CBD also interacts with the CB1 receptor, but it is not psychotropic. Why is that? CBD is what we call an antagonist of the CB1 receptor. It binds in such a way that changes the structure of CB1, effectively modulating the effects of THC. That is why a higher ratio of CBD will actually help to modulate the psychotropic effects of THC. Specifically, it is thought to reduce the negative side effects associated with a THC high, including paranoia and anxiety, and may help to improve the overall experience.
CBD also binds to the CB2 receptor, which is predominantly responsible for the anti-inflammatory and calming effects of this psychoactive, but not psychotropic, cannabinoid.
Why do we have cannabinoid receptors in the first place?
Those cannabinoid receptors in your body were named after cannabinoids, because cannabis is what allowed for the discovery of the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a complex biochemical system in your body that helps to modulate things like mood and hunger. The endocannabinoid system has nothing to do with cannabis though. Your brain produces its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, which bind to the same receptors. Cannabinoids introduced from outside the body, i.e. those found in cannabis, bind much more powerfully to cannabinoid receptors and have the ability to override your natural system.
Why is molecular structure important?
From a regulatory and business standpoint, the molecular similarities between CBD and THC actually become very significant. Let’s explain.
According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and cannabis are regulated differently. Cannabinoids derived from cannabis containing more than 0.3% THC by dry weight is federally illegal. But cannabinoids derived from hemp, which is the same plant but contains less than 0.3% THC, is legal.
All this means that manufacturers can easily change the structure of CBD to produce legal, hemp-derived psychotropic compounds.
Where to buy CBD oil and high quality, safe solvents
Lab Alley is your number one source for CBD oil, as well as high-quality solvents for synthesis and extraction. We offer our chemicals in multiple grades and purities, including food grade, pharmaceutical grade, as well as kosher, halal, organic, and vegan options. Shop today on our easy-to-navigate website, with no-hassle ordering and speedy delivery.
Buy Isopropyl Alcohol NowWhere to restock on nitric acid
Now that you’ve disposed of your expired or degraded nitric acid, you will need to restock with a high-quality replacement from a supplier you trust. Lab Alley offers high quality nitric acid at competitive pricing, with a no-hassle ordering process, and fast delivery.



Conclusion
Chemical waste disposal can be expensive for labs and businesses. Businesses must schedule waste pick-up from a hazardous waste disposal company. Minimizing your hazardous waste is one way to cut business costs. It will also reduce costs from replacing expired or spilled reagents.