Who could have predicted that the 2018 Farm Bill would continue to make waves in the cannabis industry in 2022? The legislation that ushered in legal hemp products, including the creation of a wellness product empire in CBD oil companies, is now the blueprint for companies looking to satisfy consumers' appetites for legal highs. This likely unintended aspect of the law is the driving force behind the products infiltrating the CBD space today, ranging from delta-8 THC to HHC to the cannabinoid most people are familiar with- delta-9 THC.
While the language of the 2018 Farm Bill allows for the manufacturing of products derived from hemp, with hemp being defined as containing no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight, it does little to address the creation of intoxicating products that contain cannabinoids found naturally in hemp, and it does nothing to stop the flood of products hitting the market containing compounds synthesized from CBD. The lack of FDA regulation in the industry has led to a slew of companies making false or confusing claims to consumers about their products.
These intoxicating products differ from traditional CBD products that do not promote intoxication, instead touting overall wellness benefits. For consumers, this can lead to even more confusion and frustration. The lack of industry wide standards in labeling, creating, and even educating consumers on products makes it difficult for a novice consumer to select a product that is right for them.
What Is Federally Legal Hemp Derived D9 THC?
All THC produced from marijuana is currently federally illegal. In recent years, states have begun the process of removing the stigma behind using marijuana by legalizing it in various use cases. Now we have states (and municipalities) with laws and ordinances on the books ranging from legalizing marijuana for medical use to those that allow recreational use. There are still several states that have not added marijuana laws and it remains illegal in those states. The delta-9 THC in these types of products is produced from marijuana plants and not hemp plants.
Delta-9 THC maintains the same chemical structure and effect whether it is derived from marijuana plants or from hemp. The distinction is in the law. In order to create products that are considered broadly legal the industry has pivoted to extracting delta-9 THC and other cannabinoids from hemp. In the years since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill entrepreneurs in the hemp industry have created new products containing delta-9 THC, delta-10 THC, THC-O, HHC, CBG, CBN and a widening rage of CBD products that contain everything from isolated CBD to full plant extracts, widely known as full spectrum products. In order to remain legal, all products contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, however, the actual amount of THC in these products can vary widely.
Both of these products are made with hemp derived cannabinoids and contain less than 0.3% THC by volume. The Strain Snobs Sippin’ Syrup contains 20mg of THC in each bottle whereas the Active CBD oil Full Spectrum Tincture contains less than 1 milligram per serving. Each serving of the Strain Snobs Sippin’ Syrup is enough to produce a psychoactive effect. The average THC edible in a recreational dispensary varies from 5mg-50mg THC per service. The Active CBD oil Full Spectrum Tincture contains a very small amount of THC per serving and would not produce a high, however the trace amount of THC is beneficial for those looking to take advantage of the benefits of THC without the high.
Hemp Derived vs. Hemp Extracted
There are two common methods of producing delta-9 THC and other cannabinoids from hemp. The first method is known as isomerization and is essentially the process of converting hemp-derived CBD into THC using catalysts. This is a wildly over-simplification of the detailed process involved in isomerization, however, this is the process through which most manufacturers create delta-8, delta-10, and other THC isomers. Don’t let the name scare you; the process of isomerization has been around for decades and at least one form of the process has been patented. The resulting THC isomers are then referred to as being hemp-derived. (Insert Photo Iso-Room)
Delta-9 THC can also be extracted directly from the hemp plant, which is not always the most cost effective process. The Hemp typically grown in the USA is high in CBD and low in other forms of cannabinoids by design; which is why many manufacturers opt for the straightforward process of transforming a common cannabinoid into a more exotic one. Products crafted from extraction are referred to as hemp-extracted.
Full Spectrum CBD & Intoxicating Products
As the CBD industry stepped into the mainstream, consumers were hit with a new vocabulary of terminology to describe products as brands worked to create an identity for their company and products. Much of the terminology has been reduced to marketing buzz that can be overwhelming for consumers to sort out and misinformation is a problem. Products that contain CBD extract with nothing else are now commonly referred to as isolate based. Products that contain CBD, terpenes, and other cannabinoids extracted directly from the hemp plant but exclude THC are referred to as broad spectrum. This leaves the term full spectrum CBD; which contains the whole plant extract including THC with the intention of providing a non intoxicating reaction in the body. The entourage effect is used to explain the internal process that the body undergoes when taking full spectrum and in some cases broad spectrum CBD products.
As the CBD industry grew and the demand for CBD products decreased in an oversaturated market, innovative entrepreneurs began to work with their supply of CBD to create products that catered to a different set of consumers. The demand for so-called legal highs began to take shape. Now, it is fairly easy to find companies, like Strain Snobs, that will ship products to all 50 states that produce intoxicating effects. These products are not the same as those labeled full spectrum CBD despite the fact that both types of products are required to contain less than 0.3% THC.
How is this possible? The answer is simply the legal requirement that a dry weight product not contain more than 0.3% THC. Hemp producers have been able to use this ratio to their advantage and create products that contain no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis while delivering enough THC to deliver a noticeable euphoric high to customers. These products are typically clearly marked as containing some form of THC but are not subject to the strict regulations that legal marijuana products must adhere to. Hemp derived products are also not taxed at the same rates as legal marijuana products; making them cost effective to produce and sell.
Discover The Difference
Discover CBD offers products that span from innovative legal highs to CBD products geared for any consumer. Their extensive product collection ensures that 3rd party lab results are easy to access, with QR codes on every product. Most companies now offer lab results on their products, what sets Discover CBD apart is that they include new test results for each batch of products that are manufactured. This assures consumers that they are looking at results for the product they purchased- a distinction that is not required of companies across the board.
When shopping for a product that contains THC it is vital to know whether you want to feel the high associated with consuming THC or not. Full spectrum CBD products are not designed to produce a high, rather to usher in the entourage effect as previously discussed. Discover CBD offers Active CBD Oil products that contain full spectrum CBD in various forms, including salves and tinctures, which are not designed to produce any intoxicating effects.
Where To Buy Legal THC Online?
For those looking for more, Discover CBD offers Strain Snobs collection of products. Strain Snobs Full Spectrum+ Gummies contain 5mg of hemp-derived delta-9 THC per gummy and offer an alternative for those in states where traditional marijuana products are illegal. Strain Snobs also carries HHC, THC-O, and D8 gummies, various tinctures, vape cartridges, and a delta-9 THC syrup- all of which produce a euphoric high, are hemp-derived and can be delivered straight to your door.
In addition to direct to door shipping, Discover CBD also has several stores located in Colorado; three in Colorado Springs and two in Denver.
3438 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80917
3215 S Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80916
1490 S Sheridan Blvd #106, Denver, CO 80232
7537 E Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80231
The key when shopping for any cannabinoid products in this ever changing landscape is to choose a company with a reputation for high-quality products and educated employees who can help you choose a product that is a perfect fit for your lifestyle.
