Hemp enthusiasts all over the country have been talking about Delta-8. Despite being around for some time, products containing Delta-8 recently surged in popularity. However, these products come with their own set of questions that need to be answered.
Retailers need to understand why Delta-8 has become so popular. This product impacts the entire cannabis and hemp industry. The way that retailers and the federal government approach Delta-8 plays a role in determining the fate of the whole product category. The rules and regulations that the government puts in place may even affect CBD products.
But we need to understand the basics about this product first. To get to the root of the situation, we need to take a look at the following topics and questions:
What is Delta-8?
Delta-8, also known by the name Delta-8 THC, is a minor cannabinoid found in both hemp and cannabis plants. As a variant of the THC molecule, it activates a psychoactive response in the human brain, causing a mild high, much like the more well-known Delta-9 THC.
This cannabinoid causes a milder high than normal THC, and only causes a high when ingested in larger doses. Once hemp growers determined that Delta-8 could be concentrated to create a mild intoxicating effect, many set out to create plants with high concentrations of the substance. Retailers now sell these plants and their products legally in many states.
The Appeal of Delta-8
No product becomes popular without some sort of appeal. For example, CBD’s popularity comes from its many potential health benefits. High-THC cannabis’s popularity comes from both supposed health benefits and its psychoactive effects.
Delta-8 is popular for many of the same reasons as CBD and THC. But unlike its close cousin Delta-9 THC, it enjoys greater availability and more relaxed restrictions. Both of these factors play a huge role in the booming popularity of the substance.
To help you better understand the factors at play, we’ve described the primary reasons for Delta-8’s popularity.
Effects
Delta-8 THC produces similar effects to regular Delta-9 THC. Users have reported that Delta-8 provides a milder effect on the whole. The positive effects reported from anecdotal evidence range from feelings of general euphoria to a reduced pain response. Some reported side effects include increased appetite, dry mouth and reduced short-term memory function while the Delta-8 is in effect.
Cost
Delta-8 costs increased as the product became more popular, but it remains fairly affordable in most places. Even in states where recreational cannabis has been legalized, many opt to use Delta-8 because of its lower comparative cost.
Availability
Many stores carry Delta-8 products. Most CBD specialty stores carry these products, as do numerous online stores. Only dispensaries carry high THC products, making it difficult or even illegal to obtain in many states.
Legality
Recreational cannabis that can produce a high is not available in a majority of states. Currently, 17 states allow anyone aged 21 or older to purchase and consume cannabis products. And 36 states (this number includes the 17 recreational states) have a medical marijuana program in effect as well.
Delta-8 can be purchased in all but 15 states. Some of the states that do not allow the sale of cannabis do allow Delta-8. This has helped popularize the product in places where cannabis products cannot be purchased.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
Delta-8 exists in a legal gray area. Fifteen states ban the product completely, but the federal government allows the production and sale of these products under the 2018 Farm Bill. It remains unclear whether or not Delta-8’s legal status will change before the federal legalization of recreational cannabis.
The reason for the ambiguity of Delta-8’s legal status stems from language in the 2018 Farm Bill that protects cannabinoids. Currently, Delta-9 THC is the only cannabinoid that must not be present in any significant amount. Hemp plants naturally contain Delta-8, and because there are no federal restrictions on the cannabinoid, growers are free to breed plants with high concentrations of it.
Who Sells Delta-8?
CBD and hemp specialty stores carry Delta-8 products. Some dispensaries carry these products as well, though they mostly focus on standard cannabis products. Online stores also sell Delta-8 products, but it’s important to keep in mind that some states prohibit these products.
While Delta-8 THC products are hemp-derived and federally legal, we do not sell these products at US Hemp Wholesale. We believe that these products exist in a legal gray area that transfers unnecessary risk onto our customers if laws suddenly change.
At US Hemp Wholesale, we offer the highest quality hemp products on the market. Our CBD product offerings include everything from CBD tinctures to CBD skincare. We also maintain full compliance with the latest state and federal laws to keep you safe.
If you’d like to add CBD products to your list of retail offerings, we’re ready to help! Fill out a vendor form today to see how we can provide you with safe, legal CBD products that your customers will love!