The US market for intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids (IHDCs) and other psychoactive ingredients is exploding, according to new research from CannIntelligence.
Surveying the online offers of major retailers and brands in the US, CannIntelligence found that the number of intoxicating products on offer grew by nearly 300% in the last two years, and now approaches 10,000 products in all.
The range of psychoactive ingredients being used has doubled, with consumers now able to choose from 40 ingredients found in different products.
And the number of brands involved in the market has also more than doubled.
“IHDCs are chemicals derived from the hemp plant, and because of this they are permitted in many jurisdictions,” explained Ana Liz Molina, a market analyst at CannIntelligence and author of the report.
“There have been some attempts to tighten regulation around IHDCs, but for now they clearly represent an area of enormous interest for brands in the US – one that was not anticipated when hemp was legalised in the US by the 2018 Farm Bill,” she added.
“And it’s not just a regulatory issue – there is significant product innovation too. Although the cannabinoids THC-A and delta-8 remain the mainstay of this market, we are seeing new compounds such as THC-P being used more by brands, and also new, non-cannabinoid ingredients, notably mushrooms.”
The most popular formats with IHDC brands are edibles and vapes, according to CannIntelligence’s findings, although smokable products are also common. IHDC products are also being introduced in medical formats such as capsules, lozenges and even oral oils.
About CannIntelligence
CannIntelligence provides independent, in-depth regulatory and market data and intelligence for the global cannabis and cannabinoid sector.
