Since the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018 that legalized the cultivation of hemp, the cannabis industry has been booming. More and more products pop up every day, including one of the newest and more popular, Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Delta-8 THC has been used to bring all sorts of products onto the market, such as Delta 8 gummies, vape cartridges, oils, and more. But is this new cannabinoid legal?
The short answer is yes, Delta-8 THC is legal in most states. However, the legal status of Delta-8 THC is a bit more complicated than that. Keep reading to learn more about Delta-8 THC and its legal status.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Before we dive into the legality of this cannabinoid, you should understand what exactly it is, first. So, Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. For commercial use, Delta-8 THC is sourced from hemp plants to make the various Delta-8 products available today. However, Delta-8 THC is only present in minute amounts in cannabis. Many manufacturers have turned to converting another popular cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), into Delta-8 THC to combat this scarcity. This way, manufacturers can keep these products affordable to as many people as possible.
Delta-8 THC is similar to its cousin, Delta-9 THC, which is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects that cannabis is known for. However, Delta-8 THC has a lower potency compared to Delta-9 THC. Many consumers report that the psychoactive effects of Delta-8 THC are much clearer than that of Delta-9 THC.
Is Delta-8 THC legal?
As we mentioned, the short answer is yes, it is legal. Delta-8 was made legal in part by the passing of the Farm Bill. Since this bill made hemp legal at the federal level, it is also repealed prohibitions on various other cannabinoids, including Delta-8 THC. So, Delta-8 THC is legal federally. However, this doesn’t mean that states can’t pass their own legislation regarding this psychoactive cannabinoid. In fact, at the time of this writing, 17 states have passed legislation making Delta-8 THC illegal in their states. These states include:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Montana
- New York
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Utah
Aside from these individual states, many city and town governments also have restrictions on Delta-8 THC. So, if you’re considering trying this cannabis product, check with your state and local laws regarding its sale and use.
What are the benefits of Delta-8 THC?
While there is still much research left to be conducted on the long-term effects this cannabinoid has on the body, there are some potential benefits that have been studied so far.
One potential benefit of Delta-8 THC is that it can help with occasional sleeplessness. Delta-8 THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system and produces a calming effect on the central nervous system. This calming effect shows potential in helping those affected by occasional sleeplessness get a longer, more restful night’s sleep.
In addition to occasional sleeplessness, this calming effect shows promise in helping people deal with an overly active mind and mild discomfort. The effect of Delta-8 THC on the central nervous systems has also been shown to promote overall relaxation.
It’s vital to note that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve cannabis products to treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Furthermore, if you’re considering trying a Delta-8 product, like any other supplement, remember to consult with your doctor first.
Check Delta-8’s legality in your state.
Overall, Delta-8 THC is federally legal. So, it’s legal in most states. However, this cannabinoid is illegal in 17 states at this time. If you’re considering adding Delta-8 THC to your routine for its potential benefits, remember to check with your local laws first.
Andrea Parker is a reporter for Zobuz. She previously worked at Huffington Post and Vanity Fair. Andrea is based in NYC and covers issues affecting her city. In addition to her severe coffee addiction, she’s a Netflix enthusiast, a red wine drinker, and a voracious reader.
