What is Delta-8? And why should you care?

There’s a new cannabinoid on the block and we should get to know her. Delta-8.

What is it exactly?

It’s a cannabinoid, but to really understand its potential significance, let’s start with THC, also known as Delta-9-THC, which is the cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant that can create a body and mind “high” that we are accustomed to associating with cannabis. Some consumers are wary of consuming THC because it can spark paranoia, trigger anxiety and cause dizziness. However, THC has been found to have a lot of therapeutic benefits, including relief from pain, nausea, depression, sleep issues, and seizures.

So, when a new minor cannabinoid known as Delta-8-THC started entering conversations, with reports of milder and more balanced highs without the anxiety or paranoia, our interest was piqued.

Studies show Delta-8-THC, also known as Delta-8, is a variation of THC and is approximately 30% as potent as THC. People claim that Delta-8 provides a less anxious psychoactive experience, but claims have yet to be weighed out in clinical trials.

As researchers are discovering more minor cannabinoids and their properties in the cannabis plant (there are hundreds), both the industry and consumers are growing increasingly interested in utilizing them for unique effects. Delta-8 is being studied for the following therapeutic properties- analgesic, appetite-stimulant, as well as nausea, pain, and anxiety relief.

Delta-8 is right at the cusp of becoming the new “trend” in cannabis and is starting to appear in select products, like WUNDER’s infused beverages that combine THC, Delta-8, and CBD, for a reported gentle wave of relaxation and euphoria. Studies show it is mirroring CBD’s trajectory and growth in the marketplace.

Is it legal?

It’s complicated. First, here’s a quick refresher on the legalities of cannabis-derived cannabinoids vs. hemp-derived cannabis.

Cannabis and hemp are essentially the same plant, but in order to be classified as hemp, the plant needs to contain no more than .3% THC. They are at the opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of legality. Cannabis-derived cannabinoids are federally illegal but can be legal on the state level medically and/or recreationally. So, in this case, Delta-8 is legal in states where cannabis legal.

Hemp-derived cannabinoids have been federally legal since the Farm Bill passed in 2018. Because the Farm Bill only clearly specifies a .3% limit on THC, people believed that all other cannabinoids, including Delta-8, were legal in any concentration. The DEA recently announced an interim ruling that hemp-derived Delta-8 is federally illegal, causing confusion for both brands and consumers. Therefore, the USDA has reopen a public comment period to address this for the next few months.

Until there is specific clarity, the initial excitement has been overshadowed by confusion and many brands are putting a hold on hemp-based Delta-8 products as it’s unsure if it’s possible to produce and purchase Delta-8 products outside of legal cannabis states.

There is also the question of whether Delta-8 is a “natural” or “synthetic” cannabinoid. Because Delta-8 only exists in small concentrations naturally, the cannabinoid needs to be extracted to produce products with actual Delta-8 effects. We still must answer whether the process of extracting makes it a synthetic cannabinoid.

It’s fair to say that there is a way to go for us to fully understand and access Delta-8, but we will be sure to keep you posted on the latest.