The Future of Delta 8 in the Cannabis Industry

Due to its unregulated status in many states, Delta 8 has become a major substitute for the illegal Delta 9 THC. After all, it is known for its potential therapeutic benefits. But, will it survive through the 2023 Farm Bill amendments? What will be the future of Delta 8 in the Cannabis Industry? We’ll try to answer these questions below!

The Future of Delta 8: What’s in the Cards?

The year 2018, the time of the Farm Bill, started an important period in the history of marijuana in the US. With the legalization of hemp-derived products containing less the 0.3% THC, the gateway for many farmers and CBD sellers has been opened. It led to numerous different cannabinoids being introduced on a larger scale, Delta 8 being among them. However, not everybody was happy with this.

The ones opposing the law often pointed out that the new legislation was too ambiguous, leading the way not only for harmless substances but also for dangerous ones. Thus, this year we may expect an update to the Farm Bill. But, will it affect Delta 8?

Delta 8 has attracted a lot of attention in the past few years after the first Farm Bill legalized it. With many voices raised that it should be illegal, it should not be surprising that it will be a widely discussed matter during the preparations of the 2023 Farm Bill, along with other substances such as Delta 7 or Delta 10. What can be the result of that?

Scenario 1: Delta 8 Is Banned

The first possible outcome of the proceedings is that Delta 8 will in fact be banned. Since it is already so in several states, this would not be surprising. Along with it, other substances, such as Delta 7 and Delta 10 would probably also suffer a ban. However, in this case, the ban would be on these substances in particular, since the 0.3% Delta 9 limit will most likely be preserved or even made higher. This means that there will be a window for new, alternative hemp-derived substances to take the place of Delta 8.

Scenario 2: Delta 8 Is Not Banned

Being one of the most rapidly growing cannabidiols on the market, it is also possible that Delta 8 will remain legal, according to the current or future limits (the predicted increase from 0.3% to 1% Delta 9 THC in dry weight in hemp-derived products). If that were to happen, we should expect an even more lively growth of Delta 8 in the cannabis industry, with the possible domination of this substance among other cannabidiols.

The Takeaway

Can we for sure predict what the fate of Delta 8 will be? We can’t. Yet, if the 2023 Farm Bill will ban it, there’s nothing to worry about – alternatives will emerge. But, if it avoids a ban, its status will become even more prominent and the substance may dominate the CBD market.

Did you like this article? You should also read: Can you fly with Delta-8 THC?