You're listening to shortwave from NPR.

Okay, so there's weed, pot, grass, whatever you call it.

We're talking today about the cannabis industry, which is kind of where the Chem Lab meets

agriculture.

And there's this one type of cannabis product that's getting a lot of attention.

It's called Delta ATHC, or simply Delta 8.

It's chemically synthesized, and it's now the fastest growing product in the hemp industry.

You can get it in the form of edibles or vapes for vape pens, tinctures, infused beverages,

and you can get it at smoke shops, CBD shops, vape shops all around.

And you can also get it at some gas stations, just at the counter like you would, you know,

cigarettes or other tobacco products.

Caitlin Kessheimer is a researcher at Auburn University, an Alabama Cooperative Extension.

She's been watching Delta 8 products populate the shelves in her community.

They're kind of eye catching.

There are some colorful and shiny, and usually have some sort of floral component to it,

whether it's a hemp leaf or other kind of botanical picture.

And it usually has a wellness kind of vibe to it.

No, just to be clear, Caitlin doesn't work for the cannabis industry.

She's actually an entomologist, helping farmers around Alabama with any insect that might

affect their crops.

Hemp and Delta 8 is something I never thought I'd have to know about, but here we are.

So always exciting.

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