Over the course of the past year, the industry has seen the rise of hemp-derived THC products, like delta 8, creep their way into the ebb and flow of the marijuana market. Unfortunately, this intrusion seems to have created a division between the hemp and marijuana communities.
Although it’s a common misconception that marijuana and hemp are two different species of plants, it’s important to understand that science doesn’t differentiate between the two; instead, the law does. Because of the Farm Bill of 2018, hemp is legally defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC, while marijuana is considered cannabis with more than 0.3% THC. Before so, they were both simply known as cannabis.
That being said, it’s crucial to remember that marijuana-derived THC (delta 9) and hemp-derived THC (delta 8/delta 10/THC-V) are still forms of THC with very similar effects. And it can be easy for consumers to forget that concentrated THC products classified as hemp do contain the potent psychoactive properties that are so sought after.
These definitions of what THC “is” and “is not” may have created a divide but have given hemp the legal wiggle room it needed to make its way into the greater cannabis market—creating new opportunities for business owners and consumers alike. So, let’s take a look into the world of hemp-derived THC and how it’s playing a role in the industry today.
Accessibility for Businesses and Consumers
First and foremost, delta 9 THC (marijuana-derived) and delta 8 THC (hemp-derived) products both have psychoactive properties. These products can range from concentrates to flower to edibles. But with delta 8 being around 60% potency of delta 9, why would anyone prefer that over the other?
It all comes down to availability and accessibility. Yes, marijuana-derived THC products are deeper developed and typically are of higher quality overall. But they’re only available recreationally in 18 states, as opposed to Hemp-derived THC products that are available in 32 states.
On the business side, unnecessary overregulation of marijuana-derived products has slowly kept business owners in a vice grip. In 2021, California single-handedly raked in over 1 billion dollars worth of tax revenue from the cultivation, retail sale, distribution, manufacturing, and processing of marijuana. Not only do these excessive regulations cost an arm and a leg (possibly a kidney) for businesses, but they also increase prices for consumers.
In heavy contrast, hemp-derived THC businesses spend less on regulations but pay extra on research and compliances, ensuring that they stay transparent to consumers about where and how they get their products.
So it’s really a give and take. Where the marijuana market lacks, the hemp market picks up the slack—and vice versa.
Let’s look at some pros and cons of both markets:
Marijana-Derived THC
Pros:
Higher quality products in the legal market
The majority of products are safe
Safety compliance found in all major brands
Cons:
Overregulated
Unstable prices
Only recreationally available in a few states
Starting a business is incredibly difficult
Unable to ship to consumers
Hemp-Derived THC
Pros:
Available in most states
Highly affordable
Can be delivered straight to consumers’ doors
Accessible to consumers and business owners
Conveniently sold online
Open to broader market
Safety compliances found in all major brands
Cons:
Underregulated
Flower products are limited
Less potent due to less development
Consumers must find reputable brands
Counterfeits That Led to Better Compliance
During the dank vape era of 2019, the cannabis world saw something they had never seen before—an epidemic of unregulated, counterfeit vapes. These phony vapes would be purchased under the guise of fake branding and could be conveniently put together and filled with unknown concentrate in the comfort of anyone’s home. Sadly what followed was a plethora of illnesses contributed by Vitamin E, toxic heavy metals, and unknown oil. All the while, there was one simple goal in mind—to make a quick buck.
As shady as it was, these events produced a silver lining that came in the form of a more thoughtful and research-driven consumer. In turn, it led to businesses becoming more outspoken and transparent about their own compliance, inevitably pushing the industry forward with better and safer products. To this day, nine out of 10 online hemp-derived companies are holding themselves accountable by self-regulating through safety protocols like DEA, third-party, full-panel lab tests.
Legitimate, Hemp-Derived THC is Becoming Easier and Easier to Find
In 2020, the rapid demand for hemp-derived products sparked a need for more research and development. Now, fast forward to 2022, where consumers are experiencing a bloom of innovation of hemp derived THC products resulting in an eclipse of the CBD market. It’s no wonder an abundance of legitimate products and companies have appeared to step up to the plate.
For the first time, consumers are seeing the number of legitimate businesses outweigh the illicit. Proper practices and legitimate procedures are the only way a successful business can thrive in an unregulated market that is backed by an intelligent demographic.
A great example of this is businesses specializing in the most significant hemp-derived product, delta 8 THC. With one click and a pair of good eyes, any consumer should be able to spot the following to identify a legitimate brand performing good practices:
3rd Party Lab Test: By far the most important. Lab tests should be tested by a credible outside party, even better if it’s from a DEA-certified lab. These tests should reflect the purity and potency of the product, including a descriptive list of zero contaminants.
Reviews: Customer reviews should be a part of the website and brand identity. Nothing can build better trust than hearing what a group of peers have to say.
Brand Credibility: A brand’s exposure and transparency are significant. If consumers have trouble finding any history or information on a company, that should raise red flags. Some reputable places to find brand credibility are business directories, youtube reviews and partnerships with other credible websites (Leafly/Forbes/Yahoo/etc.).
Policies: A company willing to put time and effort into customer satisfaction is a big tell. It shows consumers that they care about them and are in the business for the long haul.
With legitimate products that cater to the needs of so many consumers, it’s no surprise hemp-derived THC has asserted its place in the market. Its rapid demand may have seemed to cause a divide within the industry. But, in actuality, they’re just sharing more of the plant that everyone knows and loves—picking up the pieces and filling in the void while serving as the perfect middle ground between CBD and traditional marijuana.
If you want to learn more and stay up-to-date with everything hemp-derived like HHC and delta 8 THC, companies like Delta Munchies are putting their best foot forward to expand the knowledge of rare cannabinoids without compromising integrity, quality, or creativity.
If you’re interested in trying hemp-derived THC products today, visit their website and use code HAPPY420 for 25% off all products throughout the month of 420.
The hemp industry has had it both ways. They got excused from prohibition completely on the basis that hemp was not psychoactive like marijuana. Now that they feel sufficiently established, they are producing this psychoactive hemp concentrate.
This could slow down the movement to re-legalize marijuana and trap consumers into a much inferior, and easily controlled product. There is a great confidence that comes when you consume whole flowers and it’s the best way to find your favorite varietal. You are consuming purely, 100 percent marijuana.
Some may consider it trivial, but the evil, Republican Senate Leader, Mitch McConnell, made himself a human roadblock to marijuana reform, blocking EVERY marijuana legislation from even getting to the Senate floor for debate. – Even more outrageously, while he cruelly propped up the persecution of millions of good citizens, he worked furiously to get hemp re-legalized so his Kentucky farmer friends could get rich off it. To me, this is another great reason to avoid psychoactive hemp oils.
We are so close to re-legalizing marijuana. Let’s not get distracted.
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