Δ-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol: Difference between revisions

'''Δ-8-tetrahydrocannabinol''' ('''delta-8-THC''',{{Efn|Commonly spoken as "delta-8 THC", or just "delta 8".}} '''Δ⁸-THC''') is a [[psychoactive]] [[cannabinoid]] found in the [[Cannabis]] plant.<ref>{{cite web |date=2 February 2011 |title=NCI Drug Dictionary |url=https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug |access-date=10 November 2020 |website=[[National Cancer Institute]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol |url=https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/inchi?ID=C5957755&Mask=200 |access-date=10 November 2020 |website=webbook.nist.gov |publisher=[[U.S. Secretary of Commerce]]}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{cite journal | vauthors = Qamar S, Manrique YJ, Parekh HS, Falconer JR | title = Development and Optimization of Supercritical Fluid Extraction Setup Leading to Quantification of 11 Cannabinoids Derived from Medicinal Cannabis | journal = Biology | volume = 10 | issue = 6 | page = 481 | date = May 2021 | pmid = 34071473 | pmc = 8227983 | doi = 10.3390/biology10060481 | doi-access = free }}</ref> It is an [[isomer]] of [[Tetrahydrocannabinol|delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol]] (delta-9-THC, Δ⁹-THC), the compound commonly known as THC, with which it co-occurs in [[hemp]]; natural quantities of ∆⁸-THC found in hemp are low. Psychoactive effects are similar to that of Δ⁹-THC, with [[Central nervous system|central]] effects occurring by binding to [[cannabinoid receptor]]s found in various regions of the brain.<ref name="Geci2023">{{cite journal |last1=Geci |first1=M |last2=Scialdone |first2=M |last3=Tishler |first3=J |year=2023 |title=The Dark Side of Cannabidiol: The Unanticipated Social and Clinical Implications of Synthetic Δ8-THC |journal=Cannabis Cannabinoid Res |volume=8 |issue=2 |pages=270–282 |doi=10.1089/can.2022.0126 |pmcpmid=1006132836264171 |pmidpmc=3626417110061328 }}</ref>

After the [[2018 United States farm bill]] was signed, ∆⁸-THC products [[Semisynthesis|partially synthesized]] from compliant sources (including [[industrial hemp]] and derivative [[cannabidiol]] extracts) experienced a rise in popularity; THC products have been sold in licensed, regulated recreational cannabis and [[Medical cannabis in the United States|medical cannabis industries within the United States]] only in [[California]], [[Pennsylvania]], and medicinally licensedregulated in Michigan and Oregon. According to a March 2024 study,<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Harlow |first1=Alyssa F. |last2=Miech |first2=Richard A. |last3=Leventhal |first3=Adam M. |date=2024-03-12 |title=Adolescent Δ8-THC and Marijuana Use in the US |url=https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.0865 |journal=JAMA |volume=331 |issue=10 |pages=861–865 |doi=10.1001/jama.2024.0865 |pmid=38470384 |pmc=10933714 |pmc-embargo-date=September 12, 2024 |issn=0098-7484}}</ref> 11% of US [[twelfth grade|twelfth grad]]ers have used ∆⁸-THC over the past 12 months.

∆⁸-THC is moderately less [[Potency (pharmacology)|potent]] than Δ⁹-THC.<ref name=":1">{{cite book |doi=10.1016/b978-0-12-044620-9.50009-9 |chapter=Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationships of Cannabinoids: An Overview |title=The Cannabinoids: Chemical, Pharmacologic, and Therapeutic Aspects |year=1984 | vauthors = Razdan RK |pages=63–78 |isbn=978-0-12-044620-9 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x7y7ruiagigC&pg=PA63 }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite journal | vauthors = Hollister LE, Gillespie HK | title = Delta-8- and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol comparison in man by oral and intravenous administration | journal = Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics | volume = 14 | issue = 3 | pages = 353–7 | date = May 1973 | pmid = 4698563 | doi = 10.1002/cpt1973143353 | s2cid = 41556421 }}</ref> This means that while its effects are similar to that of Δ⁹-THC, it would take more ∆⁸-THC to achieve a comparable level of effect.<ref>{{cite web|date=2011-02-02|title=delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol|url=https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-28|website=www.cancer.gov|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424105035/https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol |archive-date=24 April 2018 }}</ref>

A 1973 study testing the effects of ∆⁸-THC in dogs and monkeys reported that a single oral dose of 9,000 milligrams per kilogram of body mass (mg/kg) was nonlethal in all dogs and monkeys studied.<ref name=":7">{{cite journal | vauthors = Thompson GR, Rosenkrantz H, Schaeppi UH, Braude MC | title = Comparison of acute oral toxicity of cannabinoids in rats, dogs and monkeys | journal = Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology | volume = 25 | issue = 3 | pages = 363–72 | date = July 1973 | pmid = 4199474 | doi = 10.1016/0041-008x(73)90310-4 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| vauthors = Chambers M |title=ChemIDplus - 0005957755 - HCAWPGARWVBULJ-IAGOWNOFSA-N - delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol - Similar structures search, synonyms, formulas, resource links, and other chemical information.|url=https://chem.nlm.nih.gov/chemidplus/rn/5957-75-5|access-date=2021-06-13|website=chem.nlm.nih.gov|language=en}}</ref> The same study reported that the [[median lethal dose]] of ∆⁸-THC in rats was comparable to that of ∆⁹-THC.<ref name=":7" /> Both isomers of THC have been found to cause a transient increase in blood pressure in rats,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Adams MD, Earnhardt JT, Dewey WL, Harris LS | title = Vasoconstrictor actions of delta8- and delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the rat | journal = The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | volume = 196 | issue = 3 | pages = 649–56 | date = March 1976 | pmid = 4606 | url = https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/196/3/649.short }}</ref> although the effects of cannabinoids on the [[Circulatory system|cardiovascular system]] are complex.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Richter JS, Quenardelle V, Rouyer O, Raul JS, Beaujeux R, Gény B, Wolff V | title = A Systematic Review of the Complex Effects of Cannabinoids on Cerebral and Peripheral Circulation in Animal Models | journal = Frontiers in Physiology | volume = 9 | page = 622 | date = 29 May 2018 | pmid = 29896112 | pmc = 5986896 | doi = 10.3389/fphys.2018.00622 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Animal studies indicate that ∆⁸-THC exerts many of its [[Central nervous system|central]] effects by binding to [[cannabinoid receptor]]s found in various regions of the brain, including the [[cerebral cortex]], [[thalamus]], [[basal ganglia]], [[hippocampus]], and [[cerebellum]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Charalambous A, Marciniak G, Shiue CY, Dewey SL, Schlyer DJ, Wolf AP, Makriyannis A | title = PET studies in the primate brain and biodistribution in mice using (-)-5'-18F-delta 8-THC | journal = Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior | volume = 40 | issue = 3 | pages = 503–7 | date = November 1991 | pmid = 1666914 | doi = 10.1016/0091-3057(91)90354-5 | s2cid = 140208679 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Tripathi HL, Vocci FJ, Brase DA, Dewey WL | title = Effects of cannabinoids on levels of acetylcholine and choline and on turnover rate of acetylcholine in various regions of the mouse brain | journal = Alcohol and Drug Research | volume = 7 | issue = 5–6 | pages = 525–32 | date = 1987 | pmid = 3620017 | id = {{INIST|7401152}} }}</ref>

As of 2022, there have been at least 104 [[adverse event report]]s made regarding ∆⁸-THC,<ref name=:12/> and at least two deaths associated with ∆⁸-THC products.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-21 |title=Mother charged with murder after child dies from ingesting delta-8 THC gummies, officials say |url=https://www.kiro7.com/news/trending/mother-charged-with-murder-after-child-dies-ingesting-delta-8-thc-gummies-officials-say/65QRUSPTUVELHILSVQLSKDKXSM/ |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=KIRO 7 News Seattle |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cheng |first=Brad |date=2022-12-06 |title=Minnesota Sues to Halt Sales of FDA-Targeted "Death by Gummy Bears" Edibles |url=https://globalcannabistimes.com/minnesota-sues-to-halt-sales-of-fda-investigated-death-by-gummy-bears-edibles/ |access-date=2023-03-11 |publisher=Global Cannabis Times |language=en-US}}</ref> US national [[poison control center]]s received 2,362 exposure cases of delta-8 THC products between January 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022; 58% of these exposures involved adults, and 70% thought they required medical care.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|date=2022-03-25 |title=5 Things to Know about Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol – Delta-8 THC |url=https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc |publisher=US Food and Drug Administration |language=en}}</ref>

While ∆⁸-THC is naturally found in plants of the ''[[Cannabis]]'' genus,<ref name=":6" /> this compound can also be produced in an industrial or laboratory setting by acid-catalyzed isomerization ofexposing [[cannabidiolCannabidiol|CBD]] to acids and heat.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Golombek P, Müller M, Barthlott I, Sproll C, Lachenmeier DW | title = Conversion of Cannabidiol (CBD) into Psychotropic Cannabinoids Including Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): A Controversy in the Scientific Literature | journal = Toxics | volume = 8 | issue = 2 | page = 41 | date = June 2020 | pmid = 32503116 | pmc = 7357058 | doi = 10.3390/toxics8020041 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Gaoni Y, Mechoulam R |title=Hashish—VII |journal=Tetrahedron |date=January 1966 |volume=22 |issue=4 |pages=1481–1488 |doi=10.1016/S0040-4020(01)99446-3 }}</ref><ref name=":8">{{cite journal | vauthors = Marzullo P, Foschi F, Coppini DA, Fanchini F, Magnani L, Rusconi S, Luzzani M, Passarella D | title = Cannabidiol as the Substrate in Acid-Catalyzed Intramolecular Cyclization | journal = Journal of Natural Products | volume = 83 | issue = 10 | pages = 2894–2901 | date = October 2020 | pmid = 32991167 | pmc = 8011986 | doi = 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00436 }}</ref> Solvents that may be used during this process include [[dichloromethanemethylene chloride]], [[toluene]], and [[hexane]].<ref name=":8" /> Various [[Brønsted–Lowry acid-base theory|Brønsted]] or [[Lewis acid]]s that may be used to facilitate this [[isomerization]] include [[P-Toluenesulfonic acid|tosylic acid]], [[indium(III) triflate]], [[trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate]], [[hydrochloric acid]], and [[sulfuric acid]].<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9">{{cite web|date=2021-06-09|title=Is delta-8 THC safe? Here's what the experts say|url=https://www.leafly.com/news/health/is-delta-8-thc-safe-heres-what-the-experts-say|access-date=2021-06-12|website=Leafly|language=en-US}}</ref> Because it is possible for chemical contaminants to be generated during the process of converting CBD to ∆⁸-THC, such as [[Delta-10-THC|Δ¹⁰-THC]], [[9-OH-HHC]] and other side products, as well as the potentially toxic chemical reagents used during manufacture, concern has been raised about the safety of untested or impure ∆⁸-THC products.<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Erickson BE |title=Delta-8-THC craze concerns chemists |journal=Chemical & Engineering News |date=30 August 2021 |volume=99 |issue=31 |url=https://cen.acs.org/biological-chemistry/natural-products/Delta-8-THC-craze-concerns/99/i31 }}</ref>

However, ∆⁸-THC and ∆⁹-THC are [[partial agonist]]s of cannabinoid receptors.<ref name=":10" /> They are less potent and less toxic than many synthetic cannabinoids.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Kelly BF, Nappe TM |title=StatPearls |date=2021 |publisher=StatPearls Publishing |chapter-url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482175/ |chapter=Cannabinoid Toxicity |pmid=29489164 }}</ref> It has not been definitively proven if full agonism is the reason for the greater incidence of adverse reactions to synthetic cannabinoidstoxicity since ∆⁹-THC has been shown to act as a full CB₁ agonist on specific CB₁ receptors located in the hippocampus section of the brain.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Laaris N, Good CH, Lupica CR | title = Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol is a full agonist at CB1 receptors on GABA neuron axon terminals in the hippocampus | journal = Neuropharmacology | volume = 59 | issue = 1–2 | pages = 121–7 | date = 2010 | pmid = 20417220 | pmc = 2882293 | doi = 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2010.04.013 }}</ref> Furthermore, the synthetic cannabinoid [[EG-018]] acts as a partial agonist.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Gamage TF, Barrus DG, Kevin RC, Finlay DB, Lefever TW, Patel PR, Grabenauer MA, Glass M, McGregor IS, Wiley JL, Thomas BF | title = In vitro and in vivo pharmacological evaluation of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist EG-018 | journal = Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior | volume = 193 | page = 172918 | date = June 2020 | pmid = 32247816 | pmc = 7239729 | doi = 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172918 }}</ref> The classical cannabinoid structure is that of a dibenzopyran structure. This group includes THC. THC interacts with a different spot inside of the CB₁ receptor than synthetic cannabinoid such JWH-018. This may explain the differenceslatter's in adverse reactions to synthetic cannabinoidstoxicity.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Huffman JW, Padgett LW | title = Recent developments in the medicinal chemistry of cannabimimetic indoles, pyrroles and indenes | journal = Current Medicinal Chemistry | volume = 12 | issue = 12 | pages = 1395–411 | date = 31 May 2005 | pmid = 15974991 | doi = 10.2174/0929867054020864 }}</ref>

====Federal lawlaws====

In 1937, ∆⁹-THC was effectively made illegal with the passage of the (since-repealed) [[Marihuana Tax Act]], which made growing cannabis require a tax stamp. InPresident 1970,Ronald theReagan Marihuanare-enacted Taxmandatory Actsentences was<ref>{{Cite supersededweb and|date=2023-09-17 replaced|title=Bloomposts: withAuthentic theinformation Controlledfrom Substancestrusted Actsource (orfor CSA)your healthcare. |url=https://bloomposts.com/ |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=Bloomposts: Trustworthy Source for Authentic Information and Your Holistic Well-being. |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=SullumSingh |first=JacobNavjot |date=20242023-0709-1417 |title=CongressDelta-8 'canTHC: regulateThe virtuallyLegal anything'Wonder Of The Cannabis World |url=https://reasonbloomposts.com/2024herbs/07/14/congresswhat-is-delta-8-and-canwhy-regulateis-virtuallyit-anythinglegal/ |access-date=20242023-09-0718 |website=Reasonbloomposts.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Thefor CSAcannabis-related replaced "[a] patchwork of regulatory, revenue, and criminal measures"offenses.<ref>{{Citecite journalweb |last=BonnieAmanda |first=Richard |last2=Whitebread II |first2=CharlesReed |date=19752021-12-13 |title=TheWhat Marihuanathe Conviction:Hell AIs HistoryDelta-8 of Marihuana Prohibition in the United States.THC? |url=https://academicwww.oupgearpatrol.com/ahrhome/articlea38426081/what-is-delta-lookup8/doi/10.1086/ahr/80.4.1057 |journalaccess-date=The2022-08-08 American|website=Gear Historical ReviewPatrol |language=en |doi=10.1086/ahr/80.4.1057 |issn=1937-5239US}}</ref> relatingAs toof drug1 controlSeptember with2023, a24 "comprehensivestates regulatoryhave regime".<ref>Gonzales[[Legalization v.of Raichnon-medical cannabis in the United States|legalized]] cannabis, 545with U.S.others 1having (2005)</ref>reduced penalties.

{{Blockquote|text="The term '''hemp''' means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, ''with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis''."|source=Section 297A of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1639o)}}

∆⁸-THC has not been evaluated or approved by the [[FDA]]. Consequently, Δ-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is not recognized under the [[Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act]] as safe and effective for any use.<ref name=":12Commissioner">{{Cite journal |last=Commissioner |first=Office of the |date=2022-05-04 |title=5 Things to Know about Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol – Delta-8 THC |url=https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/5-things-know-about-delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-8-thc |journal=FDA |language=en}}</ref> The FDA has taken action against businesses that have illegally marketed ∆⁸-THC for therapeutic use.<ref>{{Cite nameweb |last="Commissioner |first=Office of the |date=2022-05-05 |title=FDA Issues Warning Letters to Companies Illegally Selling CBD and Delta-8 THC Products |url=https:12"//www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-issues-warning-letters-companies-illegally-selling-cbd-and-delta-8-thc-products |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=FDA |language=en}}</ref> The FDA has also taken action against businesses that sold ∆⁸-THC in forms that closely resemble (typically non-psychoactive) food products such as chips or cookies.<ref>{{Cite nameweb |last="Commissioner |first=Office of the |date=2023-07-06 |title=FDA, FTC Warn Six Companies for Illegally Selling Copycat Food Products Containing Delta-8 THC |url=https:12"//www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-ftc-warn-six-companies-illegally-selling-copycat-food-products-containing-delta-8-thc |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=FDA |language=en}}</ref>

In 2021, one store owner in [[Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin]] was facing a sentence of up to 50 years for allegedly selling ∆⁸-THC products with illegal amounts of ∆⁹-THC.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sachs |first=Jenna |date=2021-12-20 |title=CBD store owner faces felony charges after raid |url=https://www.fox6now.com/news/cbd-store-owner-felony-charges-raid |access-date=2022-03-31 |website=FOX6 News Milwaukee |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Circuit Court Access |url=https://wcca.wicourts.gov/caseDetail.html?caseNo=2021CF001531&countyNo=67&index=0&mode=details |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=wcca.wicourts.gov}}</ref> Other raids and arrests have happened due to the ∆⁹-THC content of these products in [[North Carolina]], and [[Texas]], among other places.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-10-27 |title=GSO hemp shop owners say police wrongly searched, seized legal THC products |url=https://triad-city-beat.com/gso-hemp-raid/ |access-date=2022-03-31 |website=Triad City Beat |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Pelkey |first=Scott |date=2022-03-28 |title=Asheboro PD VICE/Narcotics Team Cracks Down on Illegal THC Devices At Local Vape Shops |url=https://randolphnewsnow.com/2022/03/asheboro-pd-vice-narcotics-team-cracks-down-on-illegal-thc-devices-at-local-vape-shops/ |access-date=2022-03-31 |website=Randolph News Now |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vaughn |first=Jacob |title=Texas Hemp Shop Owners Often Find Themselves in a Legal Haze |url=https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/texas-hemp-shop-owners-often-find-themselves-in-a-legal-haze-18384882 |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=Dallas Observer |language=en}}</ref> In 2024, the [[Texas Court of Criminal Appeals]] is considering the first criminal case involving a felony conviction for ∆⁸ possession (a [[writ of habeas corpus]] originating from [[Brazos County]]) - to make the highest state criminal court, <i>Ex Parte John Ward</i>.<ref>{{cite web|title=APPLICANT'S OBJECTIONS TO TRIAL COURT'S FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW |date=2024-08-02|last=Perri|first=Chris|website=Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Cause No. WR-95,879-01|url= https://search.txcourts.gov/SearchMedia.aspx?MediaVersionID=b306ff22-51d5-401d-95fe-950f141af2d6&coa=coscca&DT=OBJECTIONS&MediaID=e8d603e3-99e0-474d-bbd7-dce2044e6712}}</ref> In 2022, [[Catoosa County, Georgia]] Sheriff Sisk announced to prosecute stores distributing ∆⁸-THC with non-compliant ∆⁹-THC levels: "The products the sheriffs office has purchased and tested all contain significant levels of ∆⁹. [We have the] evidence needed to move forward with prosecution and seizures."<ref>{{cite web |last=Maggiore |first=Sabrina |date=2022-03-14 |title=Sheriff to Catoosa County smoke shop owners: Your Delta 8 products violate state law |url=https://chattanoogacw.com/news/local/sheriff-to-catoosa-county-smoke-shop-owners-your-delta-8-products-violate-state-law-marijuana-thc-hemp |access-date=2022-03-31 |website=WFLI |language=en}}</ref> There are also issues related to incidental manufacture of ∆⁹ THC, as ∆⁹ is produced as an intermediate product in the process of acid catalyzed ring closure of cannabidiol.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Geci |first1=Michael |last2=Scialdone |first2=Mark |last3=Tishler |first3=Jordan |date=2022-10-19 |title=The Dark Side of Cannabidiol: The Unanticipated Social and Clinical Implications of Synthetic Δ8-THC|journal=Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research |volume=8 |issue=2 |pages=270–282 |doi=10.1089/can.2022.0126 |pmid=36264171 |issn=2578-5125|pmc=10061328 }}</ref>

Common Delta-8 products range from bulk quantities of unrefined [[cannabis concentrate|distillate]] to prepared [[cannabis edible]]s and [[Vaporizer (inhalation device)#Cannabis vaporizers|atomizer cartridges]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Guo |first1=Weihong |last2=Vrdoljak |first2=Gordon |last3=Liao |first3=Ven-Chi |last4=Moezzi |first4=Bahman |title=Major Constituents of Cannabis Vape Oil Liquid, Vapor and Aerosol in California Vape Oil Cartridge Samples |journal=Frontiers in Chemistry |publisher=Front Chem. |date=21 June 2021|volume=9 |doi=10.3389/fchem.2021.694905 |pmid=34368078 |pmc=8333608 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Tadlock |first1=Collin |title=Cannabis sales have buyers, sellers on a different high |url=https://www.thecharlottepost.com/news/2023/04/07/local-state/cannabis-sales-have-buyers-sellers-on-a-high/ |website=thecharlottepost.com |publisher=The Charlotte Post |access-date=7 April 2023 |date=7 April 2023 |quote=Located at vape shops, convenience stores and even gas stations, Delta-8 is well-accessible to consumers. Products are available in different forms, including gummies, chocolate, vaping cartridges, infused drinks and even breakfast cereal.}}</ref> In the US, they are usually marketed as federally legal alternatives to their ∆⁹-THC counterparts.<ref name="Farah2020">{{Cite news| vauthors = Farah T |date=23 September 2020|title=Delta-8-THC Promises to Get You High Without the Paranoia or Anxiety|work=Discover Magazine|url=https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/delta-8-thc-promises-to-get-you-high-without-the-paranoia-or-anxiety|access-date=9 November 2020}}</ref>

∆⁸-THC products [[Semisynthesis|partially synthesized]] from compliant sources (including [[industrial hemp]] and derivative [[cannabidiol]] extracts) experienced a rise in popularity in the US following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=LoParco |first1=Cassidy |last2=Rossheim |first2=Matthew |last3=Walters |first3=Scott |last4=Zhou |first4=Zhengyang |last5=Olsson |first5=Sofia |last6=Sussman |first6=Steve |title=Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol: a scoping review and commentary |journal=Addiction |publisher=Society for the Study of Addiction |date=29 Jan 2023|volume=118 |issue=6 |pages=1011–1028 |doi=10.1111/add.16142 |pmid=36710464 |s2cid=256388694 |doi-access=free }}</ref> This led to it being sold by a diverse range of retailers, including [[head shops]], [[Tobacconist|smoke shops]], [[vape shop]]s, [[Cannabis dispensaries in the United States|dispensaries]], [[Filling station|gas stations]], and [[convenience store]]s.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schaefer |first1=Brittany |title=Attorney General William Tong warns vape shops about delta-8 THC products |url=https://www.wtnh.com/news/attorney-general-william-tong-warns-vape-shops-about-delta-8-thc-products/ |website=wtnh.com |date=10 February 2023 |publisher=Nexstar Media |access-date=7 April 2023 |quote=We're seeing delta 8 products being sold across the state, everywhere we went to every vape shop we visited and gas stations as well,}}</ref><ref name="Tampa">Muckle, Shauna (July 6, 2023). [https://www.yahoo.com/news/st-petersburg-420-shop-promises-174600011.html St. Petersburg's '420' shop promises to get you high. Is it legal?]. ''[[Tampa Bay Times]].'' "from gas stations to smoke and vape shops to grocery stores and dispensaries"</ref>