Since moving to a state where marijuana is not only legal but heavily advertised, I have become more familiar with terms. Did you know that you can even order a pot pizza here? With so much going on in the world of cannabis and prohibition laws it can be difficult keeping track of what’s legal and what’s illegal. What is certain is that hemp is federally legal as of 2018. I recently learned that hemp is defined as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC-delta-9. Delta-8 has only recently become popular because of its close resemblance to delta-9, the stuff that produces a “high” from cannabis. Although delta-8 naturally exists in cannabis, it was only several years ago that some savvy chemists and plant growers realized they could get delta-8 out of hemp flowers, therefore bypassing some states where prohibition still exists. Is this making sense so far?
Delta-8 vs. Delta-9 THC
Both delta-8 and delta-9 are cannabinoid compounds found in hemp and cannabis. The more familiar high that people experience from cannabis however comes from delta-9, which is also considered to be far more potent and psychoactive compared to delta-8. This has left some to call delta-8 the “diet” or light version of delta-9. For some, that designation is just what they were looking for as those who tend to become paranoid when using delta-9 have noted less paranoia but similar effects in terms of relaxation and their “high” with delta-8. Therefore, delta-8 is like a toned-down version of delta-9, where some people like it spicy and others like it mild.
Is Delta-8 Legal
The question of delta-8 being legal is much more ambiguous than cannabis or plain old hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized all hemp and its products including ones for human consumption. So, technically, on the federal level if your delta-8 THC comes from a legal hemp plant, then it should be legal. But, not so fast, that would make too much sense. Instead, some states, including the likes of Colorado of all places have made delta-8 illegal while others who prohibit cannabis use have not made delta-8 illegal.
States like Colorado claim they still need time to determine the effects of delta-8 and whether any harmful byproducts are made during the production of delta-8 since it normally doesn’t occur in high enough concentrations to become a useable product. Other states, the prohibition states, typically have laws against analogs or similar chemicals to ones that are already banned. Meanwhile, others states have either ignored the issue altogether or quietly allowed the use and sale of delta-8. So, the answer to legality is, it depends on your state and what kinds of risks you’re willing to take. In most cases delta-8 is a concentrated compound that must be sprayed onto hemp flower or put into other products, so determining if it’s delta-8 just from looking at it or smelling it won’t be enough.
Finding Delta-8
With that said, delta-8 is quickly becoming a favorite among those searching for something a little stronger than CBD and a little weaker than delta-9 THC. If you live in a state where delta-8 is not explicitly illegal, then finding it easy. While some smoke shops may sell it, you should generally look for it online and make sure lab results are posted alongside it. Delta-8 is therefore very easy to come by if you’re of age and can be purchased online in all quantities from single grams up to a Delta 8 ounce.
I am not a pot aficionado because I chose not to use, but it is interesting to learn more about what is so much more out in the open now. I hope you learned something new too. It is important to know what things are all about and which of them are legal where you are. Here is a link to the legalities of weed by state in the U.S.
