In the wake of the agricultural law (Farm Bill) of 2018 legalizing hemp and its derivatives in the United States, the market for hemp-derived cannabinoids has experienced unprecedented growth. In particular, delta-8 THC, a less potent but still psychotropic compound, has grown significantly in popularity, providing an alternative for users seeking a legal high.
This evolution, particularly visible in states that have not adopted comprehensive cannabis reform measures, was recently the subject of a study published by theAmerican Medical Association (AMA). It highlights the impact of cannabis prohibition on the increase in the consumption of synthetic cannabinoids.
The hemp-derived cannabinoid landscape
The AMA-supported study, conducted by the University of Michigan, the University at Buffalo and the Legacy Research Institute, examined trends in lesser-known cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC, CBG, and CBN, while providing an update on CBD consumption. Conducted among 1,169 adults in June 2023, the study looked at the use and knowledge of these cannabinoids over the past year.
According to the study, 26.3% of participants reported using cannabis in the past year, and 71.7% were aware of CBD. Delta-8 THC, CBG, and CBN were known by 41.2%, 18.4%, and 16.8% of participants, respectively. Data revealed a 50% increase in CBD consumption over the past four years, with its accessibility made easier by Farm Bill of 2018.
THC Delta-8 emerged as a notable player, with 11.9% of participants reporting using it in the past year. The study also found that 25.2% of participants reported using an emerging cannabinoid in the past year. Interestingly, residing in US states with cannabis laws is negatively correlated with delta-8 THC consumption, indicating that legal access to THC products from cannabis may dissuade consumers from exploring synthetic hemp-derived alternatives.
Influence of cannabis prohibition on delta-8 THC
The study posits that cannabis prohibition inadvertently promotes the popularity of delta-8-THC, a cannabinoid existing in trace amounts naturally, and therefore synthesized in the laboratory from CBD. The authors point out that the prevalence of delta-8-THC use is higher in states without medical or adult-use cannabis laws, suggesting that legal restrictions are unintentionally pushing consumers toward this synthetic cannabinoid. . People living in states without recreational cannabis laws were more than twice as likely to have used delta-8 THC in the past year.
The study authors highlight the importance of these findings by stating: “The higher consumption of delta-8 THC in states without medical or adult-use cannabis laws suggests that cannabis prohibition may unintentionally promote 'use of delta-8 THC'.
This observation raises concerns about unintended consequences of cannabis prohibition, particularly in younger age groups, where cannabis use in the past year was more prevalent.
The study acknowledges the lack of controlled human studies on neocannabinoids, but notes that survey data indicates that these products are commonly used to treat sleep or pain, as a replacement for other pharmaceuticals. In light of these findings, the authors advocate continued public health surveillance efforts to control new cannabinoids due to the lack of industry standards and the potentially similar effects of delta-8 THC and its derivative-derived equivalents. hemp versus delta-9 THC.
There Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also spoke out on the issue, specifying that synthetic cannabinoids were prohibited. A recent 2023 revelation confirmed that delta-8 THC synthesized from legal CBD is considered a controlled substance banned by the DEA. The issue should be addressed head-on in the next version of the Farm Billinitially planned for this year, but now postponed to 2024.
