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The Science Behind The Delta-8 Craze : Short Wave In the cannabis industry, the chemistry lab meets agriculture. A cannabis product called Delta-8 has been popping up in smoke shops, CBD shops and even gas stations.

Dr. Katelyn Kesheimer, a researcher at Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, joins the show to demystify Delta-8. In this encore episode, we'll learn what it's made of, where it comes from, why it's so popular, and why science and the federal government are falling so far behind the cannabis industry.

Email the show at ShortWave@NPR.org.

Short Wave

The Science Behind The Delta-8 Craze

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Sara Sarasohn

The Science Behind The Delta-8 Craze

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Delta-8-THC is derived from the cannabidiol (CBD) in hemp plants. MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images

Delta-8-THC is derived from the cannabidiol (CBD) in hemp plants.

MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images

In the cannabis industry, the chemistry lab meets agriculture. A cannabis product called Delta-8 has been popping up in smoke shops, CBD shops and even gas stations.

Dr. Katelyn Kesheimer, a researcher at Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, joins the show to demystify Delta-8. In this encore episode, we'll learn what it's made of, where it comes from, why it's so popular, and why science and the federal government are falling so far behind the cannabis industry.

Email the show at ShortWave@NPR.org.

This episode was produced by Eva Tesfaye and edited by Sara Sarasohn. Margaret Cirino checked the facts. Ted Mebane was the audio engineer.