Legal THC? Is that possible? The relatively new Delta 8 THC is all the rage and raising questions. There is a lot of confusion within the public, and the industry, about whether Delta THC is a natural product. Here we will separate fact from fiction and tell you where the government stands on the legality of the substance.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is a chemical compound found naturally in cannabis plants. While it has properties like Delta 9 THC, it interacts differently with the human body and is less potent. The “high” provided by Delta 8 THC is mild with a relaxing sensation without the harsh effects and complications found with Delta 9 THC.
Delta 8’s psychotropic properties are milder and offer many therapeutic benefits. Although it is found naturally, it can also be sourced in the lab converted from CBD or Delta 9 THC. When harvested naturally it is extracted from hemp and cannabis plants.
You can find Delta 8 THC around the nation and its legality has been inconsistent. Some law enforcement agencies have been cracking down on those selling the substance. But federal laws are being interpreted differently across the country.
What is Synthetic Weed?
Synthetic cannabinoids were first introduced in the early 2000s. These man-made products are created in labs and are considered psychoactive substances (NPS). Some are like THC in structure and work on brain cell receptors. Synthetic weed looks like dried leaves packaged in plastic bags or in liquid form to be used in vaporizers.
The side effects from synthetic marijuana, or “spice” has been linked to many mental, and health issues. This includes trips to the emergency room for rapid heart rates, vomiting, headaches, anxiety, and more. Also, you can overdose from synthetic marijuana due to toxic reactions, elevated blood pressure, and can cause seizures.
Is Delta 8 THC Synthetic Weed?
The short answer is no – synthetic cannabinoids (weed) do not come from Hemp or Marijuana. However, Delta 8 THC does come from the Hemp plant and is part of the other 120 cannabinoids. The goal of synthetic weed is to replicate the cannabinoids found in Hemp or Marijuana. This is by combining different chemicals in order to replicate the feeling you get from THC.
Where Does the Law Stand on Delta 8?
Through an exception in the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp-derived cannabinoids, Delta 8 THC is booming across the country. But some points render the decision vague. First off, the bill was passed with Congress having hemp products in mind.
Hemp products are non-intoxicating, Delta 8 THC is. Secondly, Delta 8 is on the DEA’s list of controlled substances. Their Interim Final Rule still lists it as a schedule I controlled substance. And lastly, there is not a substantial amount of Delta 8 in hemp to extract for use.
Let’s address the extraction issue. As defined by the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is defined as “the plant Cannabis Sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers.” If this is the wording, then Delta 8 THC checks all the boxes.
The case has been made by the cannabis community that when Delta 8 THC is derived from cannabis, it is considered hemp. This means it is not illegal under the federal CSA no matter what the DEA rule states.
Conclusion
So, as it stands Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring product, but its legality is currently being debated in different states. The high delivers a feeling of body euphoria very similar to Delta-9 THC (Marijuana). Delta Extrax carries a large selection of original products including Delta 8 and Delta 10 THC. We invite you to experience the Higher Standard by trying some for yourself today!
