Cannabinoid markets are immature still, and the Delta-8 THC (∆8) issue is a good example of how fluid they are.  ∆8 is not the first synthetic cannabinoid to find common usage, nor is it the last.  Unfortunately for cannabinoid market participants, the first reaction of many lawmakers is to reject it as another product like K2 or Spice, synthetic cannabinoids that gained popularity in the US and Europe and were subsequently widely banned. 

∆8 research goes back to the 1970’s, so we do have a small body of research but not sufficient to inform public health leaders or legislators.  K2/Spice has caused significant numbers of adverse reactions in users, commonly agitation or psychosis, but in some cases seizures, stroke, kidney failure, and death.   The public health crisis from Vitamin E Acetate in vape cartridges also impedes policy debates. 

Part of the danger with these early synthetic cannabinoids may be the lack of oversight or…