If you live in Texas, you’ve likely noticed a surge of products containing delta-8 THC on the shelves. This cannabinoid is a much less potent alternative to marijuana which is now legal in many states.
But a recent change in the law is raising questions about whether or not delta-8 Thc is legal in Texas. Here’s what you need to know about this hemp-derived cannabinoid.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is a psychoactive chemical found in the cannabis plant. It’s about half as potent as delta-9 THC, and it’s also sometimes referred to as Delta-8’s “nicer younger sibling.”
While the cannabis plant produces hundreds of different chemicals, only two have the psychoactive properties that cause users to get high: delta-9 THC and CBD. The other cannabinoids have little to no effect on the mind, but they do have many other health benefits, including pain relief and anxiety reduction.
Unfortunately, the legality of delta-8 THC products is unclear in most states. Since they’re not regulated, there are no safety guarantees.
As a result, some states have banned the sale of Delta-8 THC products. In addition, these products are manufactured in unsanitary and unsafe environments. They can also contain harmful additives or byproducts. These risks are particularly dangerous for children, who may be more susceptible to harm because of their developing brains and bodies.
What is Delta 8 Hemp?
Delta-8 hemp is a form of marijuana with less potency than its more common cousin, delta-9 THC. It’s typically made synthetically from cannabidiol (CBD), a legal substance in many states that are extracted from the hemp plant, which is federally legal and grows across the US.
A recent study reveals that consumers don’t know much about the effective doses of delta-8, so they may be unaware of how it affects them. They also don’t understand its potential risks, especially since it’s not well-regulated and might contain additional compounds.
However, the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act, making it legal for vendors to sell products with a limited amount of delta-8 THC, as long as the hemp doesn’t have more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC based on the dry weight. This loophole allows vendors to sell delta-8 hemp in a wide range of forms, including vape cartridges, edibles, and tinctures, with no federal oversight.
How is Delta 8 THC Legal in Texas?
Delta-8 THC is one of the most popular cannabinoids currently on the market. It’s a variant of Delta-9-THC that can create a mild-to-moderate high.
Hemp-derived delta-8 THC is legal in Texas as long as it has less than 0.3% THC. This allows businesses to sell hemp-derived delta-8 products throughout the state, providing consumers with a legal alternative to traditional marijuana.
Many hemp and CBD retailers in Texas are selling Delta-8 products like gummies, vapor pens and oil tinctures. Several people have reported that these products have helped them get relief from chronic pain, anxiety and even PTSD.
But despite these positive reviews, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services recently updated its website to say that delta-8 THC is a Schedule I substance. Hometown Hero, a company that sells delta-8 gummies and other products in Austin, has filed a lawsuit against the DSHS to get a temporary restraining order to ensure that they can continue to sell their product.
Are Delta 8 Hemp Products Legal in Texas?
Delta 8 is a hemp-derived cannabinoid that’s been increasingly popular among new and experienced cannabis users alike. It’s half as potent as marijuana’s Delta 9 THC, meaning it’s a good choice for those who want to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it without fear of negative side effects.
It’s also been a big hit with veteran service organizations, as it can help ease anxiety and post-traumatic stress. For that reason, a portion of the proceeds from Delta-8 products sold at Hometown Hero in Austin go to a veterans charity.
The legality of hemp-derived Delta-8 has been in question since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed hemp from the list of federally recognized controlled substances. The Department of Health and Human Services later clarified that Delta-8 in all concentrations is now a Schedule I controlled substance, placing it alongside heroin, LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), and psilocybin as drugs with no medical value and open to abuse.
