Interesting Facts About This Newly Popular Cannabinoid
For those of you out there that are considering entering the cannabis industry as an investor or a farmer/cultivator, knowing your cannabinoids (compounds derived from cannabis and hemp) is a top priority. After all, if you don’t know cannabis, you won’t get very far in the cannabis industry.
By this point, the terms THC and CBD have entered mainstream culture. Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is perhaps the most famous of all the cannabinoids. It’s the active compound found in THC that causes the “high” or euphoric feeling when using it. CBD is the other big one on the market. It’s non-addictive and non-habit-forming, which is the reason it’s more widely available than THC.
Although delta-9 THC and CBD are the cannabinoids we hear about the most, there are, in fact, more than 100 different cannabinoids. One of them that has recently caught on in popularity is delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which we’ll refer to as delta-8 THC. Here are five things you should know about it.
#1 – Many Consumers View Delta-8 THC as “Diet Weed”
Delta-8 is a psychoactive compound the same way delta-9 is. It still produces a “high” feeling. The difference between them is that delta-8 has a slightly different chemical structure which makes it far less potent.
Delta-8 has often been referred to as “diet weed” and “delta-9-THC’s much nicer sibling.” It’s agreat option for someone who wants to feel the effects of THC, but in a toned-down way.
#2 – Delta-8 THC is Currently Not Federally Regulated
Another reason why people are becoming more interested in delta-8 THC as a potential product for their business is because it’s currently not regulated by the federal government. Unlike delta-9-THC and CBD, delta-8 THC appears to fall in a legal gray area that hasn’t been addressed.
However, it’s only a matter of time before legislation is drawn up to address this specific cannabinoid. Action has already been taken at the state level, with 21 states having already banned or restricted it.
#3 – The FDA Has Taken a Negative Stance on Delta-8 THC
In an article released by the Food and Drug Administration earlier in the year, they let people know their stance on delta-8 THC. Per the FDA’s report, the highlights include:
- Delta-8 THC has not been thoroughly evaluated nor is it approved by the FDA
- From Dec. 2020 – Feb. 2022, the FDA received a total of 104 adverse event reports; examples of adverse events include vomiting, hallucinations, tremors, confusion, anxiety, dizziness, and loss of consciousness
- National poison control centers received 2,362 exposure cases relating to delta-8 THC products over a 13-month period; one of those cases resulted in a death
- Additional chemicals are used to synthesize delta-8 THC, which may be potentially harmful
- Delta-8 THC should be kept away from pets and children
Their article concluded with a myriad of contact information for filing adverse reports, accidental exposure, adverse events involving animals, and more.
#4 – The Potential Risks Between Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC Are Essentially the Same
Due to the fact that delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC are so similar, it comes as no surprise that the potential negative side effects are nearly identical. According to Healthline, the negative side effects of Delta-8 include:
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Memory loss
- Red eyes
- Rapid heart rate
- Trouble with coordination
- Slowed reaction times
However, Delta-8 THC carries additional unknown risks compared to Delta-9 THC because it’s synthetically produced, which means a wide variety of harmful chemicals could be in it.
#5 – Delta-8 THC Comes in a Variety of Forms but May Be Hard to Find
Like CBD and delta-9 THC, delta-8 comes in multiple forms. Gummies and edibles are the most common way to get them. It can also be inhaled via a vape pen. However, finding delta-8 THC might not be as easy as you think.
Many stores and dispensaries are refusing to stock it or order it based upon the stance of the FDA and the lack of regulation over the product. As previously mentioned, many states have already taken action against delta-8 THC by activating state-wide bans and restrictions.
It appears the future of delta-8 THC will be murky until more testing is done, and the federal government decides how and if they will regulate it like delta-9 THC.
Are You Considering Becoming a Hemp or Cannabis Investor? Contact Elite Robotics Today
Growing hemp requires constant monitoring of the product to ensure that its THC levels don’t rise above 0.3 percent, which is when the crop officially becomes illegal and needs to be disposed of. With cannabis, testing is used to verify THC levels are at the adequate level.
Sending off samples to a third-party lab is time consuming and inconvenient. That’s why we here at Elite Robotics aim to put the power of the lab right in the hands of growers and cultivators. Our cannabis testing equipment gives farmers a quick and reliable way to test samples of their product for CBD, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, and other cannabinoids.
Elite Robotics has two main products as part of our Cannabots™ line. The first is a containment device that hermetically seals samples until they’re ready to be analyzed. The second product is the analyzer, which breaks down and tests cannabis samples from the containment device.
Learn more about our cannabis testing equipment or become an investor by contacting Elite Robotics at (805) 987-6217. Or send us a message directly using our contact form.