“Delta-8: The ‘Diet Weed’ Taking Over Indiana’s Marijuana Market”
Indiana lawmakers are shifting their focus from traditional marijuana legalization to a newer, hemp-derived market: Delta-8 products. This “diet weed” has exploded in popularity in recent years, prompting lawmakers to introduce bills aimed at regulating the industry. In contrast to the typical two-dozen bills proposing decriminalization or regulation of traditional marijuana, this session has seen only two such bills filed.
The surge in Delta-8 products is attributed to several factors. One reason is the growing interest in marijuana-adjacent products, which are derived from hemp and contain THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. Another factor is the lack of regulation in the market, leading to concerns about consumer safety and quality control.
As a result, at least six bills have been introduced this session to establish guardrails for the Delta-8 industry. Lawmakers aim to ensure the products are safe and legal, while also addressing concerns about their impact on traditional marijuana legalization efforts.
The sudden attention to Delta-8 products has led to a shift in the conversation around marijuana in Indiana. While traditional marijuana legalization efforts have stalled in the past, the growing popularity of Delta-8 products has brought the issue back to the forefront. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the “diet weed” is here to stay, and lawmakers are working to ensure its growth is done responsibly.
