Lately, Delta-8 has been gaining notoriety in the cannabis community since 2019 when it first popped up. It’s hazy legal status has made it become even more popular….and mysterious. Delta-8 is not CBD or traditional common THC, but it’s similar. Read more below to find out the answers to some commonly asked questions about Delta-8 cannabinoids.
What exactly is it?
Delta-8 is a cannabis compound, more formally called delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol. It is similar to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is more commonly known as THC — the compound in typical cannabis that has psychoactive properties and produces feelings of euphoria, sleepiness, symptom relief, etc. Delta-9 THC is the cannabinoid that is found in high quantities in dispensary cannabis strains. Both Delta-8 and Delta-9 are similar in name, and chemical structure.
How is it manufactured?
Delta-8 is extracted from hemp or cannabis. It is found in much smaller amounts in the plant itself, so most Delta-8 is produced in labs from Delta-9 or CBD. Therefore, most of the Delta-8 that’s on the market is extracted from hemp-derived CBD. It’s then packaged in the same fashion as CBD products and traditional THC products, so that you can use it in a smokeable form, edibles, or extracts. Currently, it’s the fastest growing product in the hemp industry. As with any cannabis product, make sure that what you buy is heavily regulated and tested by a reputable company. Leafly has a few really good tips for finding and purchasing high quality Delta-8.
Is it legal?
The 2018 farm bill allowed hemp cannabis to be produced in all 50 states. Because of this, Delta-8 is currently legal, even in states where Delta-9 THC is not legal. This means that people can ship it to most states. There are 11 states where Delta-8 is considered to be illegal according to state law. The DEA has also recently proposed a rule to make Delta-8 a Schedule I controlled substances, which would make it federally illegal. The ruling surrounding this proposal has not yet been finalized.
Does it get you “high”?
Many in the cannabis industry call Delta-8 “weed lite”. This is because Delta-8 THC can cause similar effects to the standard Delta-9 THC, but the effects will be much less potent. This has been an attractive quality to many users who desire more effects than CBD but less than the standard THC. It still contains small trace amounts of Delta-9 THC, so be careful if you’re trying to pass a drug test. Many people say that it has a more relaxing and calming effect and that they’re able to still be productive without the mind-numbing or debilitating effects of Delta-9 products.
Delta-8 products are quickly becoming a very lucrative industry! Contact Canna Business Services for guidance to set up your hemp cultivation business and for assistance marketing Delta-8 products!
