Maryland is preparing to regulate Delta-8 and other hemp-derived products

The state of Maryland released a report this week that could have a major impact on the cannabis industry and that of its upstart little sibling: Delta-8 THC.

Like many first children, Maryland’s medical cannabis industry has had to follow a lot of rules — rules on growing, processing, testing and selling. It took years to mature into an industry with a half-billion dollars in annual revenue.

Then came Delta-8 and other hemp-derived cannabinoids. These products are closely related to the cannabis sold in dispensaries and can have psychoactive effects. Regulators have said these products are often mislabeled and in rare instances contain dangerous substances.

Delta-8 THC is one of more than a hundred closely related compounds found in the cannabis plant called cannabinoids. Its chemical structure is nearly identical to Delta-9 THC, the main psychoactive component in cannabis, though it is generally considered less potent. Delta-8 is found in small amounts in hemp. Processors are able to synthesize more Delta-8 through a chemical technique using legally grown hemp. Some processors are now using a similar method to produce Delta-9 THC products from hemp.

Paralleling many second children, the industry has so far avoided almost any rules. Delta-8 was accidentally legalized when Congress passed rules on hemp in 2018. Gas stations, CBD shops and convenience stores across the nation started selling them. Last year, industry players estimated that Maryland’s market was already topping $50 million in annual revenue.

[Read More @ The Baltimore Sun]