The market is saturated with CBD products, and this was brought on by the legalization of hemp. However, CBD is not the only cannabinoid that is gaining the limelight. There is a new kid in town and he is making some very big waves in the cannabis world. Delta 8 THC is a predecessor of its well-known cousin Delta 9 THC.
The legalization of hemp has brought more awareness of cannabis in general. More studies are being conducted on various cannabinoids and the cannabis market is only expected to grow. Cannabis has around 144 cannabinoids with the most popular being THC (Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol). However, the question at hand is, “Is Delta 8 THC legal?” Yes, Delta 8 is hemp-derived and falls under the Farm Bill. However, there are some states where D8 is illegal according to their laws.
Let’s explore more about Delta 8 and what makes this form of THC legal.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Cannabinoids are really being explored for the first time due to the legalization of hemp. Consumers are becoming more aware of components that live in the cannabis plant and the science behind it. However, all the terms relating to these compounds are still evolving. In the near future, it is certain that these terms will become regular chatter among consumers.
During discussions, many people lump cannabinoids under generalized terms such as CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, the reality is, the cannabis plant has over 144 different cannabinoids. When using these simple terms a short definition comes along with them. This unfortunately has led to a lot of the components within cannabis being left out. So, many consumers are unaware that there are different forms of THC that exist.
Delta 8 is one of the newest forms of THC that is being recognized for its overall wellness support. It is actually only one chemical bond away from Delta 9. Both are structurally similar, but there are some key differences that set these two apart.
Hemp plants produce a small amount of Delta 8 THC, which means it is rarer than Delta 9. Delta 8 can be produced by a specialized breeding, extraction, and processing method.
Is Delta 8 THC Legal?
Delta 8 THC contains unique properties and best of all it is completely legal. This hemp-derived THC falls under the Farm Bill which legalized all hemp products that contained 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC.
This THC is gaining traction fast because unlike Delta 9 THC it is legal in most states. Many people feel Delta 8 will act as a bridge between those who want to try cannabis but it is not legal in their state.
While Delta 8 and Delta 9 are similar there are some differences. Delta 8 has some psychoactive properties but they are far less than Delta 9. The difference in the name and the sources that these THC compounds come from may seem like minuscule details, but it is the reason why Delta 8 THC is legal. Within the United States, hemp-derived products that lack Delta 9 THC help place Delta 8 in the same type of class as CBD products.
Delta 8 lacks federal scheduling, which is one of the main legalities for Delta 9. However, consumers should be aware that it is possible to fail a drug test when using Delta 8. Drug screens do not know how to tell the difference between types of THC, it is just looking for the presence of it in your body.
It is highly important that you conduct your own research and vetting regarding the legal status of any cannabinoids in your state. This should be done before consuming or purchasing any products. Laws will vary and happen to be complex when talking about hemp and cannabis.
States Where Delta 8 THC Is Illegal
Delta 8 THC is still new to the market and there are several states that have laws against this form of THC. D8 is illegal in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah. Keep watching the laws in your state and be sure to offer support when you can. We can not offer you legal advice, so if it is unclear rather or not Delta 8 is available in your state you will need to consult with a legal professional.
