When you hear the three letters THC, most of you would think of the revered Delta-9. Delta 9 THC is the compound that is responsible for the psychoactive effects you experience after consuming cannabis. But THC is not just a single compound.
Different THC analogs interact with your body differently, and no two analogs are the same. A lesser-known cannabinoid poised to challenge Delta- 9’s dominance is Delta 8 THC. Though similar to Delta 9 THC, they are not precisely the same.
So, Is Delta 8 Legal? The Farm Bill that was passed in December 2018 legalized cannabinoids. But there is more to it. You may find it confusing when it comes to the legality of Delta 8 THC. Here is everything you should know about it:
How Different Is Delta 8 from Delta 9 THC?
Though Delta 9 has been the well-known cannabinoid until now, Delta 8 THC has now found its footing in the market. Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC are chemically distinguishable only by a few atomic bonds.
Delta 8 THC naturally exists only in fractions of a percent. But many companies are now finding its value by concentrating it from CBD. It isolates its unique effects and can be used in different forms.
While Delta 9 THC can produce mind-altering effects, Delta 8 evokes wellness and is less psychoactive. Its unique effects have driven it to be the main component of many wellness and health-related products. As it comes packed with such benefits, you may be tempted to get your hands on it soon.
Is Delta 8 THC Legal?
Like mentioned earlier, the Farm Bill signed in 2018 is widely lauded in the cannabis industry. According to it, hemp and its derivatives are not restricted under CSA (Controlled Substances Act). They are not prohibited as long as they have a THC content of less than 0.3%.
The derivatives that exceed the 0.3 % mark are still considered illegal. According to the Farm Bill, it is clear that Delta 8 THC is not restricted if the ingredient is derived from hemp and if the product contains less than 0.3 % Delta 9 THC. But the analysis of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is quite complicated.
What Does the DEA Say?
In August 2020, DEA declared that along with end-products containing more than 0.3 % Delta 9 THC, even those including partially processed hemp exceeding the 0.3% threshold is illegal too.
It makes it risky for retailers. For those processing hemp, if at any point during the process, even if the Delta 9 THC increases above 0.3% by chance, they can be illegal and unsafe to consume.
Besides, individual state laws also come into play to address the legality of Delta 8 THC. States like Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah may have restricted sales of Delta 8.
There are still many debates about Delta 8 THC’s legality. But in the United States, the derivatives of hemp are indeed not legal. To answer the question “Is Delta 8 Legal?” if you buy Delta 8 THC health and wellness products with a THC concentration of less than 0.3 %, those are considered safe and legal.
So if you are looking to buy Delta 8 THC products, make sure you find trustworthy CBD retailers who have a pure and reliable inventory. They ensure that you have access to safe Delta 8 THC products that contain the mandated levels of THC.
