It's already legal to the federal government, at least for now. As a result, 280e tax penalties don’t apply, and interstate and online sales are available. (It isn’t fully legal, however, since the FDA has not weighed in.)
It can be sold in far more states than have legalized marijuana for adults.
The earth-friendly and sustainability of hemp make it a popular alternative to many other crops. Hemp is naturally resistant to pests (meaning fewer pesticides and herbicides are used in the growing process), it is one of the few crops that are capable of carbon sequestration by capturing and storing carbon dioxide, requires minimal irrigation, and is ideal for sustainable crop rotation practices. Additionally, hemp is considered a regenerative crop due to its ability to reverse the effects of chemical pollution and decarbonization to improve topsoil health and its ability to reduce soil erosion and loss. Hemp’s sustainable characteristics make it a popular alternative to other crops.
Cons
Poor processing techniques mean that products are potentially harmful. Many are concerned that without adequate testing and oversight, consumers may get harmed.
None of these products have been approved by the FDA, which may result in serious health consequences.
Smokable hemp products have received backlash due to the lack of regulation and unknown effects, with a stigma already growing in some areas of the country.
Additionally, as Delta-8 is a relatively new product, there are plenty of unknowns regarding the effects it may have if consumed in mass amounts. More research and studies are required to evaluate the effects of smokable hemp products.
1. Rachel Garland, “15 Mind-Blowing Ways Hemp Can Impact the Planet,” Green Flower, July 19, 2020, https://news.green-flower.com/15-mind-blowing-ways-hemp-can-heal-the-world/
2. Amy Lynch, “The future of regenerative farming looks to hemp,” Feast and Field, January 21, 2022, https://feastandfield.net/read/herbs-and-spices/the-future-of-regenerative-farming-looks-to-hemp/article_208ce4d8-6e7a-11ec-96a7-9fe1a4095391.html