DELTA 8 THC IN LOUISIANA: IS IT LEGAL & WHERE TO BUY IN 2022?

Want a product that gives you just the right kick but won’t affect your mental clarity or induce anxiety and paranoia?

If so, delta 8 THC could be just what you’re looking for.

The question is — is delta 8 THC legal in Louisiana?

Fortunately, it is.

According to state laws, delta 8 THC is legal in Louisiana as long as it’s derived from industrial hemp.

This article discusses delta 8 THC’s legality, its effects, and uses. It also gives you tips in choosing and buying delta 8 THC products.

IS DELTA 8 THC LEGAL IN LOUISIANA?

It’s important to know the source of delta 8 THC since it plays a role in its legality in Louisiana.

Delta 8 THC is naturally formed when delta 9 THC (the cannabinoid we commonly refer to as THC) degrades; its degradation process is affected by light, air, and heat exposure.

Through special methods, delta 8 THC can also be made from hemp.

In Louisiana, delta 8 THC that’s sourced from industrial hemp is legal, while delta 8 THC sourced from marijuana is illegal.

The 2018 Farm Bill [1], which was signed into law in December 2018, legalized the use of industrial hemp and all its parts across the entire United States. This includes the leaves, stalks, flowers, stems, and cannabinoids, extracts, derivatives, isomers, salts, etc., of industrial hemp.

For industrial hemp to be legal, its delta 9 THC content must not exceed 0.3% on a dry weight basis.

In 2019, to align state laws with federal laws, Louisiana passed HB 491. This law legalized industrial hemp with a THC content of no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. It also legalized all derivatives, cannabinoids, extracts, isomers, acids, salts, etc., of industrial hemp. The law was recently updated via HB640, which made a few amendments, but none that would make delta 8 or delta 10 THC illegal.

Simply put, delta 8 THC products are legal in Louisiana. Federal and state laws allow residents of legal age to buy, consume, and possess delta 8 THC products sourced from compliant industrial hemp.

WHAT ABOUT DELTA 10 THC?

Delta 10 THC is another type of THC very similar to delta 8 and delta 9, but with more stimulating effects.

Moreover, delta 10 THC is naturally formed only during the plant’s early phases and at a very low amount at that.

Now, all three THCs are psychoactive, with delta 9 THC being the most psychoactive cannabinoid. At very high doses, THC may also trigger anxiety and paranoia.

Delta 8 THC, on the other hand, has a mild, smooth, and clearer cognitive effect, while delta 10 THC has a more invigorating and energizing effect.

Delta 10 THC is covered by the same laws as delta 8 THC, so yes, delta 10 THC sourced from industrial hemp that contains less than 0.3% delta 9 THC is legal.

DO I NEED A MEDICAL CARD IN LOUISIANA TO ORDER DELTA 8 THC?

No, you won’t need to get a medical marijuana card in Louisiana to buy delta 8 THC products, nor would you need to obtain your doctor’s recommendation.

Again, hemp-derived delta 8 THC is covered by the federal government and state hemp laws, making this cannabinoid available even without a medical marijuana card or doctor’s recommendation.

DELTA 8 THC VAPES & THE PACT ACT

What is the PACT Act, and what does it have to do with vapes?

The PACT (Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking) Act is actually an old law. It was introduced in 2009 to prohibit the shipment of tobacco products via the USPS to consumers.

In December 2020, the bill was amended and now includes vaping products. This means that all vaping products, whether they contain nicotine or not, can no longer be shipped via the USPS. Additionally, an age-verification process is required before anybody can order vapes online.

With the USPS no longer shipping vape products, other private delivery companies like FedEx and UPS followed. This, of course, impacts the cannabis vape industry.

Does the PACT Act mean that you can no longer buy delta 8 THC vapes online?

Not necessarily.

The USPS, UPS, and FedEx are only three of the many existing shipping companies in the country, and some companies might also follow suit in the coming months.

If an online cannabis store isn’t requiring its customers to submit proof of identity and age, they’re breaking the law. It’s wise to stay away from these companies.

Remember, a non-compliant cannabis producer or vendor may be more than willing to sacrifice their customer’s health and wellbeing for profit.

HOW DOES DELTA 8 THC DIFFER FROM DELTA 9 THC?

Both delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC have the same chemical structure of 21 carbon, 30 hydrogen, and 2 oxygen atoms.

They also bind well to the CB1 receptor. This receptor, when activated, produces the effects associated with cannabis. It’s also responsible for regulating mood, emotions, stress, anxiety, depression, fear, etc.

When the CB1 receptors are overstimulated by high THC levels, instead of promoting relaxing, uplifting, and calming effects, it can result in opposite effects. These include anxiety, fear, panic attacks, paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions.

Now, the only difference between the delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC is the location of their double bond.

Delta 9 THC has the double bond on its ninth carbon chain, while delta 8 THC has it on its eighth carbon chain.

This slight difference creates a milder experience with delta 8 THC compared to delta 9 THC.

IS DELTA 8 THC NATURAL OR SYNTHETIC?

As mentioned earlier, delta 8 THC is naturally created when THC degrades over time. It’s also formed when THC is exposed to light, air, and heat.

Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid. It can be made from both hemp and marijuana — but most companies make it from hemp to remain compliant.

Once CBD is melted down, the pH of the solution is reduced to turn CBD into delta 8 THC, after which it will be neutralized, cleansed, and refined. The final product is then tested to confirm the purity of delta 8 THC.

Because it’s converted from CBD, does this make delta 8 THC a synthetic cannabinoid?

Delta 8 THC isn’t a synthetic cannabinoid like spice or K2 — which is a man-made THC-like chemical. It occurs naturally in cannabis plants.

Even if it’s been prepared in a laboratory setting, it still came from a naturally occurring cannabinoid, CBD.

This is why it’s pretty unlikely for regulatory bodies like the DEA to consider delta 8 THC derived from CBD a synthetic cannabinoid since both cannabinoids are found in nature.

HOW TO USE DELTA 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC has properties that support a healthy immune system. It’s also known to help maintain normal physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Similar to other cannabinoids, delta 8 THC products also come in many forms and may be used in many ways.

Ingestible delta 8 THC products like gummies and edibles produce longer-lasting effects.

There are also inhalable or smokable forms of delta 8 THC such as vape oils, cartridges, distillates, concentrates, and flowers and pre-rolls infused with delta 8 THC. Similar to sublingual delta 8 THC products, inhalable forms also offer fast onset of effects since they bypass the stomach and liver and go directly into the bloodstream.

If you’re new to this type of cannabinoid, then start with a lower dose. Controlling the dose allows you to enjoy delta 8 THC better since you get to gauge your body’s response and avoid side effects.

Side effects include dry mouth and dry eyes.

WHERE TO BUY DELTA 8 THC?

You can buy delta 8 THC in your local dispensary, but the options are usually limited.

Be sure to look for the product’s certificate of analysis, too. Having a COA means that the product was tested by a certified third-party laboratory and found safe and free from pathogenic microorganisms and toxic residues.

We provide third-party analysis for every batch of delta 8 THC that leaves our facility. You can also reach out to our customer service team at officialfarmacy.com should you have any questions.