Cite this Article: Austin, Kat. “Unveiling Cannabis Industry Statistics: Navigating Trends, Prices, and Legality” VidaOptimaCBD.com, August 24, 2023, https://vidaoptimacbd.com/blogs/cannabis-encyclopedia/cannabis-industry-statistics
Delta-8 THC, a minor cannabinoid, has quietly emerged as a noteworthy player in the CBD and cannabis industries since its official introduction in late 2020.
This article delves into the evolving landscape of Delta-8, shedding light on consumer trends, motivations, effects, and the legal and manufacturing aspects surrounding it. Additionally, we explore its impact on the market, as well as the ongoing research into this unique compound.
From its rising popularity to the factors driving its adoption, here are the insights into how this unique cannabinoid has captured the attention of a growing number of consumers.
According to Brightfield Group, in Q2 2021, 23% of American CBD users were aware of Delta-8 THC.
Halfof those aware have made a purchase.
Consumers comfortable with CBD are more open to trying new cannabinoids.
Delta-8 appeals mostly to consumers in states without legal adult-use cannabis sales.
States where recreational cannabis is legal also experience high sales, likely due to novelty or price differences.
It is not subjec1t to state cannabis taxes. Because it has less tax burden than cannabis, it's attractive to budget-conscious consumers.
Most people buy Delta-8 online.
According to the University of California, San Diego there were 22.3 million delta-8-THCsearches on Google in the U.S. in the first eight months of 2021.
According to a 2022 sociodemographic review, 16.7%of past 30-day cannabis users reported using cannabis.
Of that same group, 41.2% of those who used Delta-8 chose vaping as their preferred dosing method.
Primary motivations for Delta-8 use were reported to be its legal status and its perceived therapeutic benefits.
Why People Use Delta-8
Some view it as a legal gateway to a recreational high, while others seek therapeutic relief. There hasn’t been much social research to help us understand consumer motivation, but we do know the following:
Many people think of Delta-8 as a legal loophole to psychoactive marijuana, meaning they use it for recreational purposes in areas where cannabis is still illegal.
Of therapeutic users, most report using Delta-8 to deal with stress and anxiety.
Mental health conditions are a prominent use case for delta-8 consumers.
Delta-8 Effects and Research
Explore the effects and perceived differences between Delta-8 and its more famous counterpart, Delta-9 THC. Additionally, we'll touch on the limited research available on Delta-8's potential therapeutic benefits, shedding light on its unique properties.
Delta-8 offers a milder experience than delta-9 for consumers. It’s generally considered to be only half as potent as traditional THC products.
Many people claim that the effects are more clear-headed and less sedating than Delta-9-THC.
Only limited research exists regarding Delta-8-THC’s therapeutic value.
One of the first studies regarding its therapeutic potential came in 1995 when Delta-8 was found effective at reducing vomiting in pediatric cancer patients.
Delta-8 Legality and Manufacturing
The legal and manufacturing aspects of Delta-8 THC are intricate and intriguing. Here’s a peek at the complex legal landscape and the process by which Delta-8 is produced, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities it presents.
Delta-8 is usually made from CBD and is therefore considered a hemp product.
The Delta-8 manufacturing process involves a chemical process called isomerization, offering a legal loophole that makes Delta-8 different from synthetic cannabinoids.
Because of a lack of standardization in lab testing due to FDA regulations, Delta-8 is vulnerable to potential safety issues. For this reason, it is incredibly important to seek high-quality products from a trusted brand.
Although Delta-8 is legal at the federal level, not all states allow Delta-8 manufacturing or sales at the state level.
According to Brightfield Group, twelve states have completely banneddelta-8 THC as of June 2021, including Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, Indiana, Wisconsin, Tennessee, and others.
Delta-8 Market and Sales
From its initial entry into the industry to its impressive sales figures, here’s what we know about Delta-8’s current position in the market:
According to Brightfield Group, Delta-8-THC officially entered the CBD and cannabis industries in late 2020.
According to a 2022 report, interest in Delta-8-THC increased by 257.0% from 2019 to 2020 and 705.0%from 2020 to 2021, leading many CBD manufacturers to hop on the trend.
Delta-8 is favored by hemp manufacturers because it provides an outlet for CBD production companies to market excess quantities of distillate.
Cost of delta-8 per kilogram was about $1,400in January 2021.
By Q4 of 2022, Brightfield Group estimated that Delta-8 accounted for over $2 billion in sales over the prior two years.
