Delta 8: The New “Legal Cannabis”

Watching politicians, preachers, and occasionally Karens lose it with Delta 8 over the past years has been fun to watch but mostly educational. What are they freaking out about? – Delta 8’s neither legal nor illegal status.

The lack of federal consensus on the legality of delta 8 allows the continuing debate on everything delta 8 related (its legality, safety, etc.).

If only the state finally decides to put the gravel down and laid out the rules on Delta 8’s commercial use like any other emerging product. We like to think that the state is still working on its regulatory framework. For now, it’s a wild wild west out there.

For today’s feature, let’s look inside the weed world’s compound dubbed as “legal cannabis” – delta 8.

Delta 8 Basics

First isolated in the 1940s, delta 8 or delta 8 THC is a compound found naturally occurring in varieties of the cannabis plant. Although it’s chemically possible to extract delta 8 from cannabis, most delta 8 products you’re seeing on shelves today are synthetically made.

Synthetic delta 8 is simply economically attractive and fuss-free to make at a mass production level. In theory, CBD (cannabidiol: another important compound of cannabis), added with acid and solvent changes CBD’s molecular structure. The end result is you get delta 8.

No one took notice of delta 8 before for the sheer difficulty of extracting a vial of it from cannabis. It being manufactured synthetically opened new doors of different delta 8 products in the market.

Delta 8’s rise to fame also gave birth to legally obscure cannabinoid analogues like delta-10 THC and hexa-hydrocannabinol or HHC.

Is Delta 8 Legal? “Mostly”

While some states explicitly ban, regulate, or haven’t made any remarks at all on the subject of consumption and selling of delta 8 products, a rally of states allows it.

Advocates claim delta 8 to be a legal substance because it is synthesized from an equally legal compound – CBD. Also, CBD, in standard, is extracted from hemp – a type of LEGAL cannabis plant that can’t get you high in its natural state.

Hemp and its compounds have been legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill. As long as the raw source (which is hemp) doesn’t contain 0.3% of THC in dry weight, any other compounds extracted from the plant are deemed legal. The law specifies the 0.3% THC restriction to be delta 9 THC; NOT delta 8 THC. Hence, delta 8 is in the clear, federally speaking.

The DEA is maintaining that the semblance between delta 8 (and other similar synthetic analogues) and delta 9, automatically puts delta 8 under Schedule I substances. This reasoning is in conflict with the logic that Delta 8 products derived from hemp should not be categorized under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

Delta 8 and delta 9 are very much under the umbrella of the psychoactive compound group called THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. Both can induce a certain level of high albeit delta 8’s is milder in comparison to delta 9.

If both compounds can bring feelings of high, why is delta 8 still federally legal as we speak?

Because the 2018 Farm Bill simply says so by not explicitly adding delta 8 in the “illegal list.” As we all know by now, the bill now passed as law didn’t have a section explaining as to why delta 9 is the only compound from either hemp or marijuana, restricted. This obvious loophole is an advantage to merchants in their advance to sell delta 8 products “legally.”

Where to Buy Legal Delta 8 Products?

With the boom of delta 8 and its products, it seems like delta 8 is everywhere. You can buy one or a variety of it in gas stations, supplement stores, spas, and more. But where are the safest and most legitimate places to buy delta 8?

Dispensaries

If you’re lucky to be living in a state where recreational or medicinal cannabis is legal, you may be able to spot a local dispensary not far from your residence that sells delta 8.

Dispensaries are heavily regulated by the government which only makes sense since one can’t just install a physical cannabis business casually. So you can bet dispensaries as one of your safest retail choices for delta 8 products.

E-commerce sites

You can easily buy delta 8 products online even in states where marijuana is banned. Not to mention, shopping online is the most convenient way of getting hold of delta 8.

Credible delta 8 brands like Delta Extrax, Not Ya Son’s Weed, or Space Gods generally sell their full line of delta 8 goodies in their online stores. The online transaction would also mean the product getting delivered and dropped directly in front of your house on a scheduled date.

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Lookout!

One persisting problem with the available delta 8 products seen on shelves is the lack of a unified federal requirement often implemented in major cannabinoids like delta 9 THC. You don’t necessarily get what you’re expecting “everytime.” Others are smart enough to purchase from credible delta 8 e-commerce sites that sell products rigorously tested for quality and safety.

To be fair, not all sellers of delta 8 products are scammers. You simply need to research more especially if the offers are tempting and the claims are far-fetched.

What States Have Legalized Delta 8?

Delta-8 is legal on the federal level – the 2018 Farm Bill secured that by making all hemp and hemp compounds legal except for the 0.3% delta 9 THC limit. However, each state has its own protocols and regulations for various substances like delta 8 THC.