Is Delta 8 Legal in Ohio?
Delta 8 THC is found in the cannabis plant (hemp and marijuana). However, in general, neither hemp nor marijuana contains significant amounts of it.
Therefore, while it exists naturally in tiny amounts, manufacturers tend to convert CBD or delta 9 THC into D8 via a chemical reaction. This process typically involves the use of heat, solvents, or enzymes.
As mentioned above, delta 8 THC is similar to its more well-known counterpart, delta 9 THC. However, it is less potent and less likely to cause adverse side effects.
Additionally, delta 8 provides a clear-headed high, as opposed to the couch-locked feeling often associated with delta 9.
In terms of its legal status, delta 8 THC is currently in a bit of a gray area. While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD, it did not specifically address other cannabinoids, like delta 8. As a result, some manufacturers and retailers claim that delta 8 is legal nationwide.
Delta 8 Ohio: State Law vs. Federal Law
There is a major difference between state and federal laws when it comes to the cannabis plant and its compounds. While most states have a medical marijuana program, the plant remains illegal as part of the Controlled Substances Act.
This means that while patients in some states may be able to legally use cannabis for medicinal purposes, they could still face federal charges for doing so.
This discrepancy has created a lot of confusion, and it’s still unclear how the federal government will enforce its laws in states where medical marijuana is legal.
As far as D8 is concerned, things aren’t nearly as clear. It seems that naturally derived delta 8 THC from hemp is legal, for now. But it’s possible that the DEA could consider it a synthetic cannabinoid and make it illegal.
So, while delta 8 THC may be legal in your state, there’s always the risk that the federal government could crack down on it at any time.
Of course, this is all just speculation. For now, delta 8 THC is legal in Ohio, and you can purchase it from various online retailers.
Just be sure to check your local laws before purchasing or consuming any cannabis products, as the laws can change at any time.
DEA Rules About Delta 8 THC in Ohio
There is genuine confusion over how the federal government views delta 8. This is in stark contrast to its rigid stance on delta 9 and marijuana in general.
Those who sell delta 8 and delta 10 claim that both are legal due to the federal Farm Bill. It states that ALL hemp-derived cannabinoids fall within the legal definition of hemp, which licensed growers can produce.
However, the DEA’s IFR says that all synthetically derived THCs are controlled substances. This includes all isomers, stereoisomers and analogues of tetrahydrocannabinol.
So, while delta 8 may be found in trace amounts in hemp plants, it’s the synthetic version that’s illegal according to the DEA.
The FDA is yet to give a ruling on delta 8 THC. However, it has approved Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication for certain forms of epilepsy.
In its approval process, the FDA acknowledged that “CBD is the main active ingredient in the drug product Epidiolex.”
This is significant because it would be hard to argue that delta 8 is not a cannabinoid if CBD is one. As such, the FDA’s silence on delta 8 could be interpreted as an indication that it does not consider it to be a controlled substance.
Delta 8 is Legal & Regulated in Ohio
According to the Ohio Department of Commerce, all MMJ processors in the state must now test their products for delta 8 THC and list the cannabinoid’s content on product labels. The department said it is implementing the new measures to improve safety.
Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid that is similar to delta 9 THC, the main psychoactive component of marijuana. However, delta 8 THC is only about one-tenth as potent as delta 9 THC.
The new rules apply to all MMJ processors in Ohio, including dispensaries and cultivators. All products must be tested for delta 8 THC content before they can be sold. Products that are found to contain delta 8 THC must be labeled accordingly.
The Ohio Department of Commerce said that the new measures are necessary to ensure patient safety. Delta 8 THC is a relatively new cannabinoid, and not much is known about its effects. The department said that it wants to make sure that patients are aware of the presence of delta 8 THC in their medicine.
Some MMJ processors have already announced that they will no longer be using delta 8 THC in their products. Pure Ohio Wellness, a processor in Med River Township, said that it is no longer using delta 8 THC in its products.
The new rules are sure to put many MMJ processors out of business and hurt the income of others. Delta 8 THC is a popular cannabinoid, and its ban will likely cause a decrease in demand for MMJ products.
How to Use Delta 8 Legally in Ohio
If you want to purchase delta 8 THC, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, check your state laws.
In most states, you must be 21+ to purchase delta 8 THC products. However, if you are an MMJ cardholder, you may be able to purchase delta 8 THC products from a dispensary.
Secondly, make sure you are buying from a reputable source. There are many companies selling delta 8 THC products online, but not all of them are created equal.
Do your research to find a company that offers high-quality products and has positive customer reviews. Finally, be aware that delta 8 THC is a federal controlled substance, so it is illegal to ship it across state lines. If you are caught doing so, you could face serious penalties.