Marijuana culture is more complicated than ever. Even the most frequent partakers may confuse CBD for hemp, or regular weed for diet weed, or an indica strain for sativa. Weed goes by too many names these days…and we're about to jumble things up even further with the latest addition of diet weed. Here's everything you need to know about marijuana's newest rebirth.
What are you talking about?
Diet weed differs from standard marijuana in the sense that it's less potent. In Canada, where cannabis is fully legal nationwide under the Cannabis Act, diet weed occupies an interesting space — it's a milder alternative that has been attracting attention from consumers who find standard cannabis a bit too intense. Pot lovers have taken notice of this less-potent version, known in labs by its more scientific name: Delta-8 THC.
Delta-8 THC can be found in licensed cannabis retailers and recreational marijuana shops across the country. It smells and looks like the real thing but skips out on certain psychoactive effects that you get from standard marijuana. Basically, it's weed on a diet.
How does Delta-8 fit into Canada's cannabis framework?
In Canada, cannabis — including hemp-derived cannabinoids — is regulated under the Cannabis Act, which came into force in October 2018. The Cannabis Act upholds an important distinction between hemp and marijuana. In simplest terms, the legislation recognises that hemp and marijuana are different and cannot be treated identically under the law, largely because one produces significant psychoactive activity and the other does not. Hemp-derived cannabinoids, including Delta-8 THC, occupy a nuanced regulatory space under this framework, making it worth checking with your local provincial retailer about what's available and legal in your area.
How does diet weed compare to the real thing?
According to its users, diet weed behaves more similarly to CBD than standard marijuana. Fans call it the "sweet spot" between CBD and marijuana. For inexperienced users or those who struggle with negative side effects during their high, Delta-8 might actually serve as the perfect solution. Many say it comes without the paranoia and anxiety that marijuana sometimes delivers.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to your health goals and personal experiences with marijuana. Maybe you react negatively to THC? Maybe you're simply interested in trying all the hemp products on the market? It never hurts to experiment with a new product to see if it's right for your needs.
Is Delta-8 here to stay for good? Or just a fad?
Shockingly enough, the initial release of CBD came with a bag of mixed reviews. Some loved it, others hated it — and look what happened years later. CBD is now a $900 million industry on the verge of reaching one billion any day now. CBD products are literally everywhere from dog treats to chocolate bars and bottled water.
The same could be said for diet weed in the months or years to come. It may take off the same way CBD did for its healing benefits in those who experience chronic stress, anxiety, or paranoia. Delta-8 has the potential to be an under-the-radar product for those who seek a middle ground between relaxation and couch-lock.
Let us know if you've tried diet weed!
Pacific Seed Bank does not sell Delta-8 or diet weed products but we're curious if any of you have tried it before or are interested in trying it now. Let us know how you felt during your Delta-8 experience!
