Delta-8, also known as Delta-8 THC, is a cannabinoid that shares many similarities with THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis that causes a “high.” This product gained popularity after the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill legalized CBD and allowed hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% THC to be sold within the United States. Because no other cannabinoids were specifically restricted by the bill, Delta-8 can legally be sold in the U.S. despite its psychoactive properties.
Many people consider Delta-8 to be a workaround in states that have not legalized recreational cannabis. However, some hemp enthusiasts have expressed skepticism about the efficacy and legality of this product. In this article, we’ll explore all of the following topics to answer your questions about Delta-8 THC:
What Does Delta-8 Do?
Delta-8, a THC variant, causes a mild high in humans. Compared to the more commonly known Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 produces a weaker high. Users have reported feeling “more energetic” and “less lethargic” than with a typical THC-induced high.
The recent news surrounding this product has caused skepticism, particularly in regards to quality control and legality. Delta-8 is only legal because it is not specifically outlawed in the 2018 Farm Bill, and as a result, there are minimal regulations on quality control for these products.
While these concerns warrant scrutiny, Delta-8 remains the only legal way to experience any form of a cannabis high in many states.
The Difference between CBD & Delta-8
CBD and Delta-8 are both cannabinoids that can be found in the hemp plant, but that’s just about where the similarities end. CBD has no psychoactive effects, and the primary effect of Delta-8 is its psychoactivity.
Another key differentiator between the two products comes from the amount of research performed on each. CBD research has progressed to a level where most scientists agree that the compound is safe and non-intoxicating. Through these studies, scientists and researchers have pinpointed a majority of the receptors that CBD activates. With this information, they have mapped most of CBD’s potential effects. Delta-8 studies, on the other hand, have yet to progress to a similar point. As a result, many people remain in the dark on this newly popular compound.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
Delta-8 is legal, though it exists in something of a gray area. A majority of the legal basis for Delta-8 comes from ambiguity in the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill explicitly restricts the sale of cannabis-derived products in all cases. It does, however, allow for hemp-derived products to be sold if they contain less than 0.3% THC.
This is where Delta-8 finds a way into the market. Delta-8 THC is not exactly the same as Delta-9 THC. The Farm Bill explicitly restricts “THC” referring to Delta-9 THC, not Delta-8. Some hemp growers noticed this omission and took advantage of the loophole to put the new product on shelves.
Despite being backed by the letter of the law, most Delta-8 products fall short of meeting the spirit of the law. The Farm Bill intended to allow hemp growers the opportunity to breed non-intoxicating plants for a variety of uses. Delta-8 doesn’t fit in with that intent, and could see its legal status change with little prior notice as a result.
What is the Future of Delta-8?
There are two schools of thought regarding the future of Delta-8 THC. The first believes that the product will eventually be made illegal for public sale as the 2018 Farm Bill is revised to remove ambiguities. The second believes that federal approval of recreational cannabis is on the horizon, and will wash away much of the appeal that Delta-8 has to recreational consumers.
A smaller group of people believes that Delta-8 will eventually become the primary choice of medical cannabis patients due to its milder intoxication effects and similarities to THC.
Each of these groups presents a convincing viewpoint, leading to a cloudy understanding of Delta-8’s future. We believe that Delta-8 will remain legal at the federal level for the duration of 2021. The FDA remains preoccupied with the COVID-19 pandemic, which keeps Delta-8 out of their sights for now. After 2021 concludes, the FDA and USDA will likely redirect efforts to clarify the 2018 Farm Bill and enforce the new letter of the law.
Why US Hemp Wholesale Doesn’t Carry Delta-8
Protecting our customers is among our highest priorities. Delta-8 THC products come with numerous quality control and legal concerns. If the government changes the status of Delta-8 it would immediately put retailers at risk of legal consequences. Until the government explicitly approves Delta-8 for recreational use, we will not sell it.
In addition to the legal concerns, Delta-8 is not in line with our primary goal. We provide our customers with high-quality, hemp-derived CBD products designed to improve their daily lives. We carry no intoxicating products, and do not intend to add any to our lineup.
Other Frequently Asked Questions about Delta-8
- Is Delta-8 federally legal? – Yes. Delta-8 THC is legal at the federal level because of ambiguities in the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill does not specifically address Delta-8 or impose limits on the allowed percentage of Delta-8.
- Is Delta-8 the same as CBD? – No, Delta-8 is a psychoactive cannabinoid variant of the more common Delta-9 THC. CBD is not psychoactive and shares minimal similarities with Delta-8.
- Is Delta-8 a synthetic cannabinoid? – No. Delta-8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found within both hemp and cannabis plants.
- Are Delta-8 carts safe? – There is no guarantee that Delta-8 carts are safe for consumption. They still pose the same risks as all vaping products, and the lack of regulation on Delta-8 opens the door for low-quality products to make it to market.
Buy High-Quality Wholesale Hemp Products Today
Now that you know all the basics about Delta-8 and why we don’t carry it, you have the knowledge to make the right decision for your business. No matter what decision you make, US Hemp Wholesale is here to provide for all your CBD product needs.
Our wide range of hemp-derived CBD products strictly meet the letter and the spirit of the law. You don’t need to worry about any of our products failing to meet federal standards. We’ll even provide you with the lab tests for each batch of products that interests you.
If you’d like to find out more about offering CBD products, we have you covered. Fill out our vendor form today to see how we can help you find products that your customers will love!