While many may not have even heard about this cannabis compound a year ago, delta-8 THC is the fastest-growing category of hemp products. US sales show delta-8 THC jumping 144% from a year earlier, according to cannabis data provider Headset.
Despite its controversy, one formulation specialist supports the use of delta-8 THC.
“We do have a lot of people coming to us and asking what is delta-8 THC is and what we do is just push that education side,” said Ross Anderson, COO and Product Curator of Elevated Wellness, a CBD company founded by health care professionals.
“Already, we see that it has a higher analgesic ability than traditional delta-9 THC, less risk in creating anxiety and panicking issues—though it's not risk-free. It's definitely great with stress issues. We found a lot of people finding extreme relief with sleep issues with delta- 8 THC, especially when they're suffering from pain issues and that's what's keeping them up, restless leg syndrome, and things of that nature. So there's a lot of anecdotal evidence that we're seeing with patients and consumers alike, getting that kind of relief from delta-8 THC.”
Anderson added that the education piece is especially important, given delta-8 THC is what many describe as a weaker delta-9 THC—the “THC” that is most commonly referred to.
“We do try to explain that to people and obviously let them know of the risks as well because of the fact that it is psychotropic, we need to make sure that they're okay with that. And then also it's a risk as far as drug testing... it will pop positive on a drug test.”
To hear more about Elevated Wellness’s isomerization process, the misinformation surrounding delta-8, and what Anderson says needs to happen for the industry to mature, listen to the NutraCast.
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NutraCast is a podcast that focuses on insights from inside the nutrition industry. It is a production by NutraIngredients-USA. Music by Kevin Macleod.
