If you pay attention to hemp industry news, then you have probably heard of Delta 8 THC. This type of cannabinoid product can be found on store shelves around the US, depending on the individual state's laws and regulations. However, this cannabinoid has controversy in a number of states.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is one of the handful of cannabinoids found in the hemp and cannabis plants that produce psychoactive properties. Many individuals report that Delta 8 THC is more potent than Delta 10 THC and less potent than Delta 9 THC.
According to the National Cancer Institute, "Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8-THC) binds to the cannabinoid G-protein coupled receptor CB1, located in the central nervous system; CB1 receptor activation may inhibit adenyl cyclase, increase mitogen-activated protein kinase activities, modulate several potassium channel conductances and inhibit N- and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels."
Why the Controversy?
Even though Delta 8 THC derived from hemp is considered legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, various states have introduced bills to regulate or outright ban cannabinoid products containing Delta 8 THC. For example, states like Utah, Oregon, and Montana have banned the cannabinoid and products made using it.
The confusion surrounding Delta 8 THC stems from a combination due to fluctuating regulation standards and outdated scare tactics used against the THC-potent plant, marijuana. And though Delta 8 may be considered hemp as long as it falls beneath the .3% THC threshold as outlined by the 2018 Farm Bill, each state has its own rules regarding the cannabinoid. Until a standard is set across the board, controversy will continue to resonate around cannabinoids like Delta 8 THC.