

The wording clearly suggests that Delta-8-THC that is naturally derived from industrial hemp which contains less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC is specifically exempt from scheduling. However, the 2018 Farm Bill (the bill that effectively legalized hemp) includes a clause in Section 12619b that specifically addresses tetrahydrocannabinols in hemp. Plus, the lack of federal support makes it difficult to get funding for research or business purposes in the cannabis space, which may hold the industry back in various ways.ĭelta-8-THC legality is also a confusing subject that many people see as a “legal grey area.” Technical details seem to settle the matter for now, but keep in mind that laws regarding cannabinoids are still subject to change as hemp regulations are ironed out by the DEA and FDA.ĭelta-8-THC has been listed in the Controlled Substances Act as a Schedule I substance alongside delta-9-THC since before hemp was legalized on a federal level. Even less states have legalized it for recreational use. Still, cannabis is legal only for medicinal use, which is subject to strict regulations, in just over half of the U.S. Delta-9-THC is federally defined as a Controlled Substance, though some states have taken the initiative to legalize cannabis under their own jurisdiction.

Legalityĭelta-9-THC’s legalityis a heavily debated topic and the political space surrounding cannabis use is constantly changing. Read our article about Delta-8-THC effects to learn more. Just like Delta-9, Delta-8 is thought to encourage many of the same effects, like reducing stress, enhancing mood, and increasing appetite. Delta-8 is not frequently linked to the “couchlock” feeling of some potent Delta-9 products. The effects of Delta-8-THC are thought to be about half as potent as the effects of Delta-9, but are often described as “euphoric” or “relaxing.”ĭelta-9-THC is known for having potent psychoactive effects that are sometimes sedating, but not always. Generally speaking, Delta-8 is known for having psychoactive effects just like Delta-9’s, but to a lesser degree. Effectsīecause they are molecularly similar, there’s not a lot of difference in Delta 8 vs Delta-9-THC effects. As a consumer you just need to know that Delta-8 and Delta-9 are very much alike with only a few key differences. Thankfully, it's really only important for cannabinoid researchers, extraction technicians, and manufacturers to understand. Delta-9's double bond is at chain position 9, while delta-8's comes one carbon atom sooner, at position 8. They share the exact same structure, except for a slight difference in their double bond (identified by the signifier "delta"). In fact, the only difference between the two cannabinoids is one atomic bond.
