How Is Delta 9 Legal?
Delta 9 stands for delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. It is a THC cannabinoid molecule long recognized for its psychoactive properties. In short, it is one of the main components of cannabis that makes you feel “high.” So, if Delta 9 THC can make you feel “high,” how is it legal in states where marijuana is still illegal?
The legality of Delta 9 is controversial. It’s caught in a middle ground between being federally illegal and accepted in states where marijuana use is still prohibited. How is it possible to get your hands on Delta 9 in areas that prohibit the sale of cannabis? The answer is complicated.
Agriculture and the 2018 Farm Bill
Believe it or not, it was a national farm bill that shook up the cannabis industry and paved the way for THC products, including Delta 9, to hit store shelves nationwide. On December 20th, the 2018 Farm Bill became law. The U.S. Department of Agriculture began overseeing the implementation of programs outlined in the legislation. The measure included provisions to assist the dairy industry, improve rural development, and bolster crop insurance. However, it also added provisions that legalized federal land use for cultivating hemp. In addition to expanding hemp growth and cultivation, it legalized the sale of hemp-based products.
Although the concentration of Delta 9 THC is not as high in hemp plants, it is present. The newly passed bill meant Delta 9 THC derived from hemp was now federally legal in the United States. The only stipulation? Hemp-based products could not contain more than 0.3 percent Delta 9 THC by dry weight.
Delta 9 Products Hit the Market
In the years since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived Delta 9 products have flooded the market, even in states where cannabis is still illegal. Gummies, edibles, lotions, and oils infused with hemp-derived THC became available on store shelves. Some states scrambled to respond. Although hemp-derived Delta 9 is legal in 42 states because of the Farm Bill, some states, like Idaho, banned Delta 9. Others continue fighting, trying to limit the sale and use of the compound.
What’s the Difference?
What is the difference between hemp-derived Delta 9 and cannabis-derived Delta 9? Technically, not much. Hemp and cannabis belong to the same family. They are different types of cannabis Sativa plants. Although the family of plants contains many of the same compounds, the concentration of these compounds varies. Hemp contains lower concentrations of Delta 9 THC than other cannabis plants, but essentially Delta 9 is the same molecule whether it comes from hemp or cannabis.
Using Hemp-Derived Delta 9
The effects of hemp-derived Delta 9 may be milder, but people across most of the country can now buy the substance and investigate the recreational and medicinal properties themselves.
If you are interested in experimenting with Delta 9, the LĒVO family of products, including the LĒVO II, LĒVO Lux, and LĒVO C, is a great place to start. These machines allow you to infuse any dried herb or plant, like Delta 9, into oil, butter, milk and honey. From there, you can make edibles, candy, and skincare products tailored to your unique tastes and needs. It is a fun way to get creative with Delta 9 and other culinary herbs and plants.
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