The world of cannabinoids is quickly evolving. Recently, Delta-8 has been in the spotlight, as Congress debates the House Farm Bill, which proposes prohibiting “the commercial production, sale, and distribution of certain intoxicating hemp derivatives and products.” In Pennsylvania, it is currently legal to grow hemp.
While CBD derived hemp and Delta-8 derived hemp might be legal, marijuana derived edibles are illegal – even with a medical card.
Hemp and marijuana are both derived from the same species of plant. Therefore, people often assume that these plants are the same. The major difference is that hemp is a mixture of male and female cannabis plants, and its flowers produce less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of the plant. In comparison, a high-potency cannabis strain may contain anywhere from 15% to 40% THC.
While hemp is grown with only 0.3% THC, the 2018 Farm Bill expresses that the dry weight basis can vary due to the unregulated testing and labeling of “CBD” products:
Research continues to determine the side effects and dangers of using Delta-8 products. Some states have already passed legislation banning the use of all Delta-8 products.
Delta-8 is a hemp-derived compound that refers to Delta-8 THC, a psychoactive substance found naturally in hemp.
While Delta-8 is similar to the Delta-9 THC found in cannabis, it produces less of a high. However, Delta-8 is now synthesized to produce euphoric states similar to Delta-9. Primary methods of consumption of Delta-8 include vape liquids, edibles, cannabis oils, and capsules.
Delta-8 can cause hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Delta-10 is another hemp-derived compound that creates less of a “high” than Delta-8. Delta-10 is also reported to have energizing effects compared to Delta-8’s more sedative effects. The primary method of Delta-10 consumption is vape cartridges and edibles.
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is created from CBD extracted from hemp and is primarily consumed in the form of vape cartridges. Manufacturers state that the “high” experience from HHC is similar to a Delta-8 high, implying it is more subdued than traditional Delta-9. However, there is a lack of consensus on the potency of HHC.
The link between cannabis and tobacco (truthinitiative.org)
Creating Confusion: THC 0.3% Threshold | Cannabinoid Clinical
CBD vs THC: What’s the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana?
