Cannabis has recently undergone a significant transformation, with numerous states legalizing its use and the implementation of the 2018 farm bill. This has led to a surge of new cannabis products entering the market, creating an environment akin to the Wild West. The sheer abundance of options may lead many to mistakenly believe that cannabis is entirely safe and that the growing number of suppliers can be trusted without question.

The situation is further complicated by the rise of retail outlets and online stores that offer not the traditional cannabis people are familiar with, but various derivatives and synthetic analogs. These newer substances are chemically distinct from Delta-9 THC, the well-known psychoactive component of marijuana, and thus navigate a complex legal landscape following the 2018 legislation.

Historically, cannabis derivatives have been legally marketed, with hemp and CBD being prime examples that extend beyond the typical perception of the cannabis plant. As research into marijuana’s chemical composition has deepened, a flood of new products has emerged, accompanied by a corresponding increase in the number of retailers.

Initially, I was optimistic about these developments. Cannabis has long been recognized for its medicinal properties, and I assumed that products from CBD and Delta-8-THC retailers would be no more hazardous than those sourced from illegal markets.

However, legality does not equate to safety. A 2017 study from Penn Medicine revealed that nearly 70% of CBD products sold online were inaccurately labeled, containing either more or less CBD, or more THC than stated. Additionally, in 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory regarding the rise of Delta-8 THC products and the potential risks associated with them.

Each visit to these stores has left me astonished by the lack of professionalism. In contrast, licensed marijuana dispensaries are typically state-regulated and adhere to certain standards, often employing knowledgeable staff who can answer cannabis-related queries.

Conversely, the personnel at CBD and Delta-8-THC retailers frequently lack adequate product knowledge and may not even verify the age of their customers.

My latest visit was to a Pennsylvania establishment called “Deep Six CBD.” Upon entering, I was greeted by loud rap music emanating from a small boombox beside the register. The cashier, dressed casually, quickly turned down the volume and inquired if I had any questions.

As I began to ask him about various cannabis products, it became evident he regretted his offer. Much like previous experiences, he displayed little to no substantial knowledge about the items being sold, raising concerns about how he secured his position in a cannabis retail environment.

It felt akin to a pharmacist vaguely suggesting a remedy without understanding its implications.

The cashier's grasp of traditional cannabis was minimal, and it was doubtful he had any personal experience with the products he was selling. He mentioned friends who had tried some products, but he couldn't articulate how the various items differed from one another.

I criticize him not solely based on this isolated encounter, but because his lack of expertise is indicative of a larger trend within this sector. Each time I visit such stores or poorly constructed kiosks, I typically engage with individuals who lack the necessary qualifications to sell psychoactive substances. The level of recklessness displayed in these shops is both alarming and all too common.

While the differences between cannabis strains may not always be vast, they can be significant. Not every strain beneficial for insomnia will alleviate gastrointestinal issues or cancer symptoms. When THC undergoes chemical alterations, it leads to much greater variability, most of which remains poorly understood.

Consider the nearly indistinguishable chemical structures of ethanol and methanol; just a single carbon atom difference transforms a common alcoholic beverage into a substance that can be fatal in minuscule amounts. Similarly, minor structural variations between compounds like DMT and psilocin can result in entirely different experiences.

The relationship between THC and its derivatives is not as simple as the variations seen among different cannabis strains. For instance, the difference between Delta-9 THC and THC-O is substantial. THC-O-acetate includes an acetate ester in its structure, altering its effects significantly compared to standard THC.

Although the distinction may seem minor at first glance, it represents a divergence between well-known marijuana and a largely unexamined compound purported to be 2-3 times more potent and possessing psychedelic properties.

As someone familiar with traditional cannabis, I find myself intrigued by these newer products. When I see items labeled with “THC-JD,” I can’t help but wonder how the experiences they offer compare to those from conventional marijuana.

This emerging market is rife with opportunism, exploiting the general lack of understanding surrounding cannabis. Retailers rely on eye-catching displays to lure in customers, who often leave with products they mistakenly believe are equivalent to regular marijuana. Their choices underscore the urgent need for a regulated cannabis market.

Despite my reservations, I let my curiosity lead me, purchasing a disposable cartridge claiming to contain two grams of THC-JD. However, I remain skeptical about the actual contents.

Upon using it, both my girlfriend and I were met with an overwhelmingly fruity flavor and smoke harsh enough to induce coughing fits. The resulting high was both unexpectedly intense and fleeting.

Information regarding THC-JD is scarce, and research on this new compound is virtually nonexistent. Various vendors assert that it is 19 times more potent than Delta-9 THC, but verifiable evidence for these claims is lacking.

An article titled “What Is THC-JD? Legality, Effects, Potency Explored,” published recently, provides one of the most comprehensive examinations of this substance to date.

> With over 100 cannabinoids identified in hemp and marijuana plants, manufacturers have a vast array of options to explore — and the market for cannabis products continues to expand. Some of these compounds have been thoroughly researched, particularly Delta-9 THC, which has been the subject of decades of study. However, lesser-known cannabinoids such as THC-H and THC-B are still in preliminary stages of research, while others, including THC-JD, lack any published findings regarding their effects, potency, and safety.

Though it’s premature to determine the potential benefits or dangers of THC-JD, it is undeniable that the industry promoting it has often been opaque with consumers. A series of health incidents linked to cannabis cartridges and dubious CBD products highlights a troubling trend: many companies prioritize profit over the well-being of their customers.

It’s entirely possible that each of these emerging cannabis products may eventually find appropriate uses. However, the requirement for further investigation into their effects is indisputable.

Allowing new retailers to sell unexamined products with the professionalism of a fast-food establishment poses significant risks. As we delve deeper into the chemical diversity of cannabis, the associated benefits and risks of each new variant will become clearer.

In time, we will likely reach a point of understanding regarding which cannabis alternatives can be used safely. Yet for now, even as a long-time cannabis user, I cannot ignore the severe oversight and disregard for consequences that characterizes the rapidly expanding market of cannabis derivatives.