Today we’re talking about Delta 8 THC – a compound being hailed as the “legal” THC. According to Weedmaps, Delta 8 THC provides a smooth high with no paranoia. It’s no wonder people are excited about it. Delta 8 THC is a naturally-occurring minor cannabinoid that occurs in the cannabis plant. However, unlike Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC is only in the plant in trace amounts. The main difference between the two comes down to one little molecule. As the name implies, Delta 8 THC has a molecular bond on the 8th chain. This molecular difference changes how Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC bind to the brain.

Delta 8 THC is about 2/3 as potent as Delta 9. However, because of the different places that each chemical binds to, you get a different effect. As a result, mood can be impacted. Additionally, serotonin reuptake can change. As a result of these differences, users commonly report they don’t get as high. However, they do report a more calming effect from Delta 9. Many people can also focus and relax without being too high. In other words, it’s very mild but can be highly effective.

Again, Delta 8 THC is produced in very small quantities in the cannabis plant. With that said, why is it suddenly all the rage? Why is it the talk of the town? And where is it all coming from if it only found in trace amounts? The majority of the Delta 8 THC available is actually derived from other cannabinoids. Typically, people are taking CBD from hemp and converting it with sulfuric acid with acetic acid.

Is It Really Legal?

Now, the big question comes to this… If it’s a form of THC and it gets you high, is it legal? Well, that’s complicated. According to the U.S. Federal Government, the only chemical in the cannabis plant that’s illegal is Delta 9 THC. Therefore, Delta 8 is technically legal according to a loophole in the Farm Bill. However, the DEA may attempt to outlaw Delta 8 derived from CBD. In fact, they issued an interim ruling in 2020 stating that any THCs that are synthesized are illegal. On the other hand, that’s still left up to interpretation. In other words, it’s still quite complicated.

Additionally, a new vaping bill is coming into effect at the end of March. After March 28th, you can no longer ship CBD or Delta 8 THC via UPS, FedEx, or the US Post Office. Therefore, it appears things may get even more complicated. Furthermore, a lot of people stand to lose a lot of business and a lot of money. As a result, it’s reasonable to assume more industries will be driven into underground black markets which have, ONCE AGAIN, been created directly by the government’s failure to understand the human condition. For now, these restrictions will only create shipping issues and you will apparently still be able to purchase these products in stores. However, this could complicate things for product developers.

How About Nevada?

So, is it legal in the State of Nevada? Again, it’s complicated. The state recently changed its laws regarding Delta 8. However, on July 1st, 2020, they changed the wording and classification of what “THC” is. They now classified anything with those isomers as THC. Therefore, Delta 8 will fall into the “controlled” category and will likely be treated like similar cannabis products in the state.