A new cannabinoid seems to be the marijuana alternative that students and locals have been waiting for. Delta-8-THC. better known as D8, offers a similar high that traditional marijuana offers without the associated tunnel vision, anxiety and paranoia.

D8 was made legal when the Farm Bill was passed in 2018. The bill legalized hemp and all of its isomers as long as they contain less than .3 percent Delta-9-THC, also known as D9.

D9 is the most common THC found in marijuana and is chemically the same as D8 except for one distinction. D9 has a double bond between the 9th and the 10th carbon, while D8 has a double bond between the 8th and 9th carbon.

D8 now comes in numerous forms for consumers including vape cartridges, gummies and pre-rolls. Some companies are even offering D8-sprayed hemp flower.

Consumers of D8 use the cannabinoid for either recreational or medicinal purposes. While it provides a high that is similar to that of traditional marijuana, some studies have shown that D8 can halt cancerous tumor growth and stop pain and inflammation.

Shops that sell D8 have experienced expanding clientele as news of the cannabinoid spreads. There are even predictions that D8 could overtake CBD companies’ market share. 

The DEA attempted to ban D8 back in August of 2020. The DEA’s ruling was overturned because the 2018 Farm Bill legalized all parts of the hemp plant.

Still, this left many D8 producers and sellers frustrated as the ruling nearly stunted the growing industry.

The legalization of hemp and its derivative cannabinoids has prompted some research, but not enough according to COO of Deltiva LLC Jin Yokota. “It’s not very well studied because it’s not patentable,” he said. “Anybody can grow this stuff which means companies can’t make money off of a patent for it.”

Still, Yokota noted that D8 research is still making considerable scientific advancements. He said, “We’re finding new cannabinoids all over the place and we’re finding new medicines every week.”