Legalities Around Delta-8 THC

Image with chemical structure of THC
Image created by Market Business News.

Delta-8 THC is disrupting the world of hemp in a significant way. Before Delta-8 THC products hit the mainstream, users had the option of consuming cannabis for two different types of high effects: psychoactive and cerebral marijuana high or a relaxing yet prolonged CBD high.

Delta-8 THC, however, offers a delightful middle ground many users find much more effective.  This article will go over what Delta-8 THC is, why users rave about it, and the legalities around Delta-8 THC. Let’s begin!

What is Delta-8 THC?

Often referred to as the “lite” version of marijuana, Delta-8 THC shares many similarities with CBD and Delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC contains all of CBD’s naturally occurring benefits and packs a powerful mind and body high just like Delta-9 THC. For those who enjoy the benefits of CBD but want more of a heady user experience, Delta-8 THC is an attractive option. Delta-8 THC offers a clear-headed high that eliminates the paranoia and severe anxiety many users experience while on a marijuana (or Delta-9 THC) high. Delta-8 THC is also legal for sale in many states, a topic we’ll go over more in-depth further in the article.

Why are Consumers Crazed about Delta-8?

Delta-8 THC is one of the newest cannabinoids on the market, even though it has been in existence for several decades. There are several reasons Delta-8 THC products have become extremely popular recently. Continue reading to learn all about the hype.

Safe To Consume

Like high-quality Delta-9 THC products, many companies offer independent third-party lab testing to screen the components of the Delta-8 THC. Likewise, the lab results alleviate consumer concern by stating precisely what compounds are in the products and how it was acquired.

Additionally, Delta-8 THC does not produce any psychoactive effects, so it is less likely someone will have a bad first-time experience when smoking Delta-8 than Delta-9 THC or marijuana. It’s always wise to have water beside you if you get too high – hydration will alleviate many side effects like dizziness and cottonmouth. Yet, Delta-8 THC does not produce intense psychoactive effects.

Precise Effects

If you’re an inexperienced marijuana user, trying weed for the first time may often result in anxiety, paranoia, or other unpleasant reactions. Many users don’t know how much to consume at once, leading to double dosing or unintentional microdosing.

With Delta-8 THC, however, you can feel the suggested serving amount and estimated reaction time. Some products have quicker reaction times than others: Delta-8 THC flowers and vapes will show effects after just a few minutes, whereas tinctures and gummies can take up to an hour to set in. Nonetheless, the high effects may kick in sooner or later depending on several factors, such as BMI, age, previous exposure to THC, and metabolism.

A More Controlled High

Once the effects begin to kick in, the user experiences a euphoric mind and body high while remaining in complete control. Many users report an increase in focus, better sleep, and stimulated appetites. Along with the powerful mind and body high, there is a very low chance of experiencing crippling anxiety and paranoia. This fact alone attracts many users who have had a bad experience with marijuana but crave a heady high that still allows them complete control. Delta-8 THC enables the user to relax and focus without being held powerless to an intense psychoactive high.

Delta-8 THC: Is It Legal?

The tricky question that surrounds anything derived from the cannabis plant is always “is it legal?” The answer is even more tricky: yes and no. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, any product containing less than 0.3% THC levels is legal, which Delta-8 THC falls within. However, some technicalities prevent this cannabinoid from being as universally accessible as CBD products.

Federal Government

The federal government has not recognized Delta-8 THC as legal for resale, just like Delta-9 THC (traditional marijuana). However, nearly all states permit both the sale and distribution of Delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC can be shipped to other states that allow the sale and distribution, but only to an age-verified individual. This regulation may change as more states push for the federal legalization of Delta-8 THC and traditional marijuana. But, as for now, Delta-8 THC remains legal within a majority of the states and not on the federal level.

In the States’ Hands

Even though Delta-8 THC is technically legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, many states are firmly anti-THC, meaning Delta-8 THC cannot be bought, sold, or distributed statewide. States including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah currently ban Delta-8 THC products. The states’ current regulations indicate Delta-8 THC is an illegal cannabinoid that cannot be sold or distributed within the state.

Where to Find Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is growing in popularity, and more sites are offering Delta-8 THC products as part of their inventory. Dimo Hemp is a new premium online retailer that provides a delightful assortment of gummies, disposables, cartridges, and pre-rolled joints. Another retailer of fine Delta-8 THC products is Elevated Wellness. This Texas retailer offers several tinctures and extracts that deliver a powerful mind and body high that can help you focus your thoughts and relax. As with any online or in-store retailer, make sure you check for independent third-party lab results to confirm the product contains what it is advertising.

Final Thoughts

Delta-8 THC is a new cannabinoid with a plethora of attractive elements: powerful yet clear-headed mind and body high, legal for sale and distribution in nearly the entire US, and premium options from reputable buyers. While traditional marijuana is making good progress at becoming recreationally legal, Delta-8 THC offers users a more controlled high that isn’t as intense. Not to mention, Delta-8 is a lot more versatile than Delta-9 THC. Always make sure your Delta-8 THC products come from reputable brands and display third-party independent lab tests to confirm the validity and quality of the ingredients. Getting high doesn’t have to be viewed as something taboo or dangerous; now, you can enjoy a strong yet controlled mind and body high, thanks to the beautiful Delta-8 THC cannabinoid!


Interesting Related Article: “5 Cannabis Products Shaking Up the Cannabis Industry