While New Yorkers get excited about the state opening to adult-use cannabis, there’s one important trend they’re missing out on: Delta-8 THC. A recently discovered cannabinoid, Delta-8 THC is an isomer of the main psychoactive component of cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and produces effects such as pain relief, relaxation, euphoria, and sleep aid. Cannabis brands are increasingly turning to Delta-8 products, particularly those derived from hemp where the THC percentage remains within the legal limit, to give consumers the best of both worlds – an energizing high with the health benefits and focus of CBD.

Yet in late May 2021, just months after the passage of New York’s sweeping Marijuana Regulation and Tax Act (MRTA), the State Health Department revised its regulations on the processing and sale of “cannabinoid hemp,” seemingly banning Delta-8 THC products. The exact reasons for the change remain a mystery; cannabis experts speculate that the state government wants the same regulatory control over Delta-8 THC items as it would over any other psychoactive products. As leading cannabis attorney David Feldman, a partner at Hiller PC and founder/CEO of the consulting firm Skip Intro Advisors, stated to Leafly: “[The] regulation of hemp is focused on non-psychoactive capabilities. [Delta-8] is psychoactive, though markedly less so than [the] typical Delta-9 THC we normally see.”

New York is among 16 states that have restricted sales of Delta-8 THC, but this could prove to be a very costly mistake for any of those regions banking on their local cannabis industry. Delta-8 products have become popular with consumers very quickly, both for their amazing range of effects and the versatility with which different edibles and smokables can be made from the cannabinoid. Like Dimo Hemp and Elevated Wellness, some brands are already perfecting the art of Delta-8 prerolls and Delta-8 extracts.

The Health Benefits of Delta-8 THC

Called “diet weed” by some cannabis connoisseurs, Delta-8 THC has a lower psychotropic potency than its Delta-9 cousin. However, this also means it creates a mellower high for consumers, making it an excellent choice for the canna-curious or for CBD lovers who are seeking stronger effects than their usual favorite cannabinoid. Reports of Delta-8 THC effects often mention that it’s more relaxing than Delta-9 and that users experienced no paranoia or unpleasant feelings. The most commonly associated sensation with Delta-8 THC is contented giddiness – a sweetly elevated experience, the state of mind we all strive to capture.

Additionally, several medical studies showed that Delta-8 THC had benefits for those undergoing cancer treatments, particularly in alleviating nausea and stimulating appetite. One study from Hebrew University in Jerusalem, focusing on Delta-8 THC’s applications as a treatment for symptoms from hematological cancers, found that patients using the cannabinoid could completely prevent vomiting.

For those seeking pain relief or just the good-time vibes that the right dose of Delta-8 THC will deliver, there are thankfully a vast array of new products on the market.

Dimo Hemp’s Delta-8 THC Innovations

Founded by the minds behind several of Los Angeles’s reigning cannabis brands, Dimo Hemp is one of the emerging companies setting the standard for Delta-8 THC products. Dimo’s fun and nostalgic approach, reflected in gorgeous packaging and items like Delta-8 Peach Rings, Sour Belts, and Sour Worm Gummies, is complemented by rigorous quality standards of lab-testing for safety and potency in each batch. These Delta-8 THC gummies are unique products that have never been seen before in the category and heighten the consumption experience by putting adult twists on childhood throwbacks. (And seasoned cannabis consumers say that they can’t detect any cannabis aftertaste in Dimo’s gummies – just a sugary high at the exact time they want it!)

Each of Dimo Hemp’s edibles is precisely crafted for proper dosing. A pack of gummies comes with ten servings; an individual piece contains 25 milligrams of Delta-8 THC. The Dimo Hemp team recommends starting with one serving of a Sour Belt or Sour Worm and waiting two hours to feel the onset of effects, then consuming another piece every six hours as desired. It’s a guideline intended to make dosing or microdosing as easy as possible.

But if you can’t “eat just one” when it comes to cannabis edibles, that’s the beauty of Delta-8 THC. No negative psychoactive effects. Instead, like its distant relative CBD, a little extra Delta-8 THC might prompt you to take the power nap you’ve been needing.

The bestseller in the Dimo Hemp family is out of this world: Dimo Hemp Rockets, Delta-8 THC pre-rolls packed with green goodness. Each pre-roll contains infused hemp CBD flower coated with premium Delta-8 oil and flavored with terpenes, and wrapped in a CBD Kief from RAW Paper. This pedigreed combination of ingredients creates a one-of-a-kind smokable sensation that can be customized through the consumer’s choice from three different strains. OG Kush, an indica, is a throwback favorite featuring a complex terpene profile and notes of fuel, skunk, and spice in its intricate aroma - indulge for a happy, hungry and relaxed vibe. Mimosa, a sativa, produces motivational effects that provide insightful focus without the stress. In a nod to its namesake, the strain has a strong citrusy scent and flavor notes. Gelato, a classic hybrid, is as deluxe as the dessert that inspired it; try this strain for a truly euphoric high. Whichever of the three is your pleasure, these hemp rockets are sure to lift you to the stratosphere every time.

Of course, Dimo Hemp prides itself on those most dreamy of Delta-8 THC delivery systems: pre-rolls and cartridges (“carts” in the industry parlance). Dimo’s Delta-8 THC carts are cultivated from the three premium strains, Mimosa, OG Kush, and Gelato. Each vape cartridge features 1 milliliter of hemp-derived Delta-8 THC oil and contains less than .3 percent Delta-9 THC, which puts it within legal limits as defined by the 2018 Farm Bill. These colorfully packaged carts are made for CCELL technology and also include terpenes for aroma.

Though Dimo Hemp products can only be sold in states that have not put restrictions on Delta-8 THC, there is still hope for a more expansive future.

New York and Delta-8 THC Regulations: What Comes Next?

The murky waters of New York’s regulations may clear in time. Through July 19, 2021, the State Health Department will accept public comments on its proposed Delta-8 THC restrictions before they are made permanently effective. If enough informed and concerned citizens speak up now, they could strike a powerful hit for East Coast cannabis.

Upon close inspection, the proposals are mainly geared toward manufacturing and Delta-8 extraction, to ensure all extraction is done without harmful contaminants. It’s not necessarily a ban on products or a prohibition on sales, but a measurement of naturalness versus artificiality. Brands like Dimo Hemp that already have that kind of quality control in place will be in luck when New York is ready to clarify its regulatory policies.

We all need to understand what Delta-8 THC is and what it can do to get closer to that joyous day. A permanent farewell to nausea? A high without losing focus? If you want it, let the State Health Department know, so that New Yorkers could soon be feeling Delta-great.

--

For more about Dimo Hemp, visit dimohemp.com. Use code HONEY 15 for 15 percent off your purchase!

Honeysuckle may earn commission from products linked on our site.