For so long there has been a long standing debate on if there are any Legal THC products, and the answer has been confusing. The National Institute of Health claims there are at least 144 known cannabinoids that have been located in the cannabis plant. The most popular one is the Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol which is the primary psychoactive compound known to give the usual effects of feeling high.
However, there’s a lesser-known cannabinoid with a little more than half of the psychoactive potency of Delta-9-THC. It is the Delta-8-THC.
Over the past few months, the sales of Delta-8-THC, also known as ‘weed light,’ have increased incredibly. It has become so popular, but the question is, is it legal? The answer is a bit hazy; there is no straight answer at the federal level, but in Rhode Island, Delta-8-THC is illegal.
What Is Delta-8-THC?
Delta-8-THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis Sativa, which produces hemp and marijuana. Federal law states that marijuana is a cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3% Delta-9-THC, which is the compound responsible for the physiological effects of feeling high. Delta-8-THC is said to have similar effects as Delta-9-THC, but it is less potent. These days, different legal THC products in Nebraska are available for sale that contain Delta-8-THC; they include edibles, cartridges, concentrates, tinctures, and other products. These products can be bought online, at convenience stores, gas stations, or in a cannabis store.
It’s difficult to find Delta-8-THC in significant concentrations in most hemp strains, which is why it is usually produced from hemp-derived cannabidiol, hence the confusion around Delta-8-THC.
Is Delta-8-THC Legal?
The legality of Delta-8-THC under federal law is not straightforward due to the Drug Enforcement Administration regulation and the law. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived cannabinoids, including Delta-8-THC derived from hemp, fall within the definition of hemp, which is no longer a federally controlled substance, which means it can be legally produced and sold following a complex set of federal regulations.
In 2020, the DEA sent out an Interim Final Rule, which states that all synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinol remain a schedule one controlled substance. The Biden Administration has decided to allow the Final Rule go into effect in 2021.
Due to the Final Rule being issued, there has been confusion about the legality of Delta-8-THC. When it is produced from hemp-derived CBD and not directly from the hemp plant, it is a controlled substance under federal law. Except the DEA, Congress, or the courts resolve this issue, there will be uncertainty about Delta-8-THC and if it remains illegal.
The FDA regulations do not prohibit products that include Delta-8-THC, but they must get pre-market approval. The FDA reserves the right to regulate products that contain cannabis under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).
Before consuming any product that contains cannabis or its derivative, ensure you buy the best option. To find legal THC products in your area, browse the internet for the best cannabis store in Omaha, Nebraska.