Rise of US-Grown Hemp: A New Era For Consumers
It all began with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp-derived THC products with less than 0.3% THC. This new law opened the doors to a whole new market of hemp-derived vapes, gummies, edibles, and flowers. These products, often made by existing well-known cannabis brands, are readily available on store shelves across the nation, from gas stations to boutique dispensaries, liquor stores, and smoke shops.
Cannabis has gone mainstream, infiltrating every major U.S. city with Delta 9 and THCA products, regardless of whether the state has legalized recreational use or not. Hemp-derived products have increased so much in quality, and in the vape department, seem to be on par with state dispensary products. This is happening very quickly and much of the public is unfamiliar with the advancements in states historically known to be unfriendly to any form of cannabis consumption. Take Texas, for example— Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Lubbock and Houston have decriminalized cannabis and boast bustling hemp scenes, complete with lounges, clubs, and high-end craft stores. In 2022, the Texas hemp market approached twenty billion dollars compared to one billion Arizona cannabis revenue.
Customers are enjoying hemp-derived vapes containing THCA, HHC, Delta-9, and Delta-8 available at every gas station. The cannabinoids are blended for differing therapeutic applications, relaxing CBD effects, and recreational experiences. This hemp movement also includes a rise in medicinal mushrooms, precursors to psilocybin, sold as supplements at vitamin stores. Cultivating a pharmaceutical image on cannabis, a plant that has no history of lethal overdose is one of the biggest mistakes made by the legal states and our surrounding community. Charging a 25% tax to regulate a plant under the guise of “Medical Marijuana” and “Safety” and “Compliance” reveals more complicated motivations.
What is most important for retailers to keep customers and communities safe? How do retailers truly ensure the safety of products? The average customer may not know that legislation is discussed by dispensary owners who are fighting against hemp derived products in political association meetings. After paying millions of dollars for the privilege to sell recreational cannabis, some owners feel slighted by the appearance of an overnight hemp market that operates outside of state taxes and regulations. However, instead of fighting to outlaw hemp, we hope these state programs can honor the cannabis retailers by relaxing both regulations and taxes that are strangling our cannabis economies. Many dispensaries started out with honorable intentions to be a positive influence in their local communities. However, many retailers are affected by the extreme pressure from ever increasing city and state taxes.
Many still believe that a state-licensed cannabis program in every state is the only way to access cannabis, however New York has been the slowest to transition to this state dispensary model since legalizing on March 31, 2021. New York City boroughs are a cannabis retail bazaar, with bodegas and dispensaries on every corner serving cannabis, CBD, and hemp. I have watched customers purchase at stores right in front of a police officer and then spark up in front of the NYPD. Cannabis is legal in New York, however state run dispensaries are mostly ignored because street-smart New Yorkers aren’t paying an additional 25% tax to shop with state licensed retailers.
States like Texas and Tennessee, which many think would resist cannabis legalization, already have dispensaries, lounges, therapy spas and beauty salons offering hemp, cigars, vapes, fresh infused juices, edibles and more. Some legal recreational states have remained surprisingly behind the curve regarding public consumption, events and lounges. For those seeking a more nuanced cannabis plant experience, cannabis and hemp both offer so much therapeutic value for customers and producers. Cannabis and Hemp are essentially the same plant, with their genetics intermingling over time. Cloning and breeding only go so far to maintain certain traits; ultimately, all cannabis returns to hemp in the dirt. This beautiful hemp plant, with or without modification, offers countless benefits state-sponsored programs fail to appreciate.
I encourage our readers to try hemp products from reputable retailers in your local state. We have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of vapes, flowers, and edibles available from retailers. Hemp prices are also competitive, and no additional taxes are imposed at the register. Whether you're a medical consumer or seeking recreational enjoyment, know that great THC hemp-derived products are available in every state. If you still like to shop at dispensaries for special treats or unique products, that option will likely remain. However, state licensed dispensaries will not be able to outlaw hemp.
The United States of Hemp Cannabis is here to stay. Enjoy hemp with your friends, whether you’re in a legal state or not and explore new THCA products— you’ll be amazed by the variety. We support everything of this beautiful plant, but we do not support trying to shut down or regulate hemp sales. From greenhouse grown hemp to high-end indoor cannabis, every part of Cannabis Sativa plant offers incredible benefits. Don’t be afraid to explore and enjoy any cannabinoids that are naturally occurring.
Cheers to a new era of cannabis and hemp!
Top Hemp-Derived Cannabis Brands by Category
Here’s a list of some top hemp-derived cannabis brands, categorized by their products. These brands represent some of the top players in the hemp-derived cannabis market, each excelling in their respective categories. Whether you’re looking for high-quality vapes, delicious edibles, or premium hemp flowers, these brands offer reliable and effective products that cater to a wide range of preferences.
Vapes:
Known for their sleek design and high-quality oil, Stiiizy offers a variety of strains and formulations in their vapes. Stiiizy not only excels in vapes but also offers a range of other products, including edibles and pre-rolls, maintaining high quality across the board.
Torch specializes in potent and flavorful hemp-derived THC vapes, known for their consistency and effectiveness. Torch stands out in the vape market but also offers other hemp-derived THC products, known for their potency and reliability.
Delta Extrax provides a wide range of hemp-derived THC vapes, including Delta-8, Delta-10, and HHC, with a reputation for high purity and great flavors.
Edibles:
Koi CBD is well-known for their high-quality, hemp-derived THC gummies that come in various flavors and formulations, including Delta-8 and Delta-9 options. Koi CBD offers a wide range of hemp-derived products beyond edibles, including vapes and tinctures, all maintaining high standards of quality and efficacy.
3Chi offers a wide selection of hemp-derived edibles, including Delta-8 THC gummies and brownies, praised for their potency and taste. 3Chi is a major player in the hemp-derived THC market, offering a variety of products, from vapes to edibles and tinctures, known for their innovation and quality.
Galaxy Treats produces a range of hemp-derived THC edibles, known for their unique flavors and reliable effects.
Flower:
Plain Jane offers a variety of high-quality hemp flowers, including CBD and Delta-8 strains, known for their aromatic profiles and smooth smoking experience.
Botany Farms is a premium brand offering craft hemp flowers, including CBD, CBG, and Delta-8 options, with a focus on small-batch, hand-trimmed buds.
Secret Nature specializes in organic, hemp-derived THC flowers, providing a top-shelf smoking experience with various strains available.
Puro focuses on providing premium hemp-derived THC products, including flower and pre-rolls, known for their high quality and consistency.
Jeeter is known for their pre-rolls and infused joints, providing a strong and enjoyable smoking experience with a variety of strains.
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