The wisdom of continuing to ban cannabis in all or some forms has been called into question as more states have legalized both medical and recreational marijuana. Just under a dozen states maintain outright bans to this day. But is it possible that cannabis bans encourage the production and consumption of unregulated THC products, including delta-8 THC? A new study seems to suggest just that.
Researchers from several universities conducted a federally funded study designed to look at emerging cannabinoids including delta-8 THC, CBN, and CBG. Some of these alternative cannabinoids are naturally occurring while others are produced synthetically. Some even offer intoxicating effects similar to marijuana. Interestingly, the data seems to suggest that states with outright cannabis bans demonstrate a higher incidence of unregulated THC product consumption.
Buy the Numbers
Researchers analyzed cannabinoid consumption data from some 1,700 adults compiled during a single 5-day period in June 2023. The data was then compared to similar data compiled in 2019. Here’s what they found:
- CBD consumption increased by 50%.
- 25% of respondents reported using an alternative cannabinoid.
- 12% reported using delta-8 THC.
- 2% reported using CBG.
- 4% reported using CBN.
Extrapolation allowed the researchers to conclude that alternative cannabinoids were consumed by more adults in states where cannabis is banned. It should be noted that researchers were interested particularly in delta-8, CGD, and CBN.
No Surprises With CBD
From my perspective, there are no surprises where CBD is concerned. CBD and derived products were made legal across the country by the 2018 Farm Bill. The cannabinoid is so popular these days that you can find it virtually anywhere. You can buy it in all sorts of retail establishments as well as online.
CBD is marketed as a health and nutritional supplement. All sorts of claims are made regarding its benefits and efficacy, though no such claims have been verified by the FDA. Nonetheless, manufacturers are able to produce and sell it as long as they follow standard safety regulations.
Delta-8 Is the Big One
The big one, from a health and safety standpoint, is delta-8 THC. The operators of the Beehive Farmacy medical marijuana pharmacy in Utah, explain that delta-8 occurs naturally in cannabis plants. However, it doesn’t occur in high enough volumes to make harvesting it worthwhile. Instead, manufacturers synthesize it from legal CBD. Therein lies the challenge.
Because synthetic delta-8 THC is derived from CBD, it is considered a CBD product under the law. That makes it completely legal across the country. Some states have taken measures to ban it, along with delta-10 THC, but most have not. Why does it matter? Because delta-8 is intoxicating.
The high it produces is not as intense as the high you might experience with marijuana (delta-9 THC), but most users still get high, nonetheless. Consider the implications of that in states where legal CBD is sold but cannabis is outlawed.
Another Issue to Deal With
Alternative cannabinoids give regulators yet another issue to deal with. And until federal and state laws are reconciled, the problems won’t go away. Remember that the only distinction between marijuana and industrial hemp – both are types of cannabis, by the way – is the amount of THC found in a plant. Legalizing one while banning the other is bound to create conflicts.
Those conflicts include an apparent link between cannabis bans and increased use of alternative cannabinoids. When consumers who want THC can’t get their hands on it, they will look for alternatives. Delta-8 THC is one of the alternatives that people seem to want right now.
