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

We are in the middle of a marijuana revolution. The war on drugs that began in the ’60s is getting a remodel as federal and state governments are seeing the benefits of legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana.

As the legalization of marijuana begins to happen across the nation, each state, or in some cases each city, is responsible for carrying out the process. This means a long line of red tape and bureaucracy standing in the way of progress. Even though the wave is starting, full legalization across the country is still years away.

But what if there was a way around the current regulations? A THC loophole, so to speak.

Here enters delta 8 THC. This legal CBD derivative is the loophole that allows users to achieve the experience they want without breaking the law. Delta 8 THC can be made from hemp, which is already legal in all 50 states. This new compound provides a similar euphoric effect; however, its effects are milder than traditional Delta 9 THC.

IS DELTA 8 THC LEGAL IN MISSOURI?

Long story short, delta 8 THC is legal in Missouri.

Missouri has been a progressive state in terms of laws surrounding marijuana. In 2018 the state introduced House Bill 2034, which officially removed hemp and any of its derivatives from the list of controlled substances. Hemp refers to any cannabis Sativa plant that has less than 0.3% THC by weight. CBD is produced from these hemp plants. Since delta 8 THC is made from legal CBD, it falls under the category of a legal hemp derivative.

The legality surrounding delta 8 THC has hugely benefited from the federally passed 2018 Farm Bill. This bill clearly removed hemp, with a THC concentration less than 0.3%, and all of its derivatives from the list of Schedule 1 controlled substances. It also made a clear distinction between marijuana and hemp.

WHAT ABOUT DELTA 10 THC?

Delta 10 THC follows the same extraction method as delta 8; therefore, the same laws apply. There is one main difference users have described between delta 8 and delta 10.

Delta 8 provides a more relaxed euphoric experience similar to the Cannabis indica strain. On the other hand, delta 10 has a more energized, uplifting experience closer to that of a Cannabis sativa strain.

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

Missouri only requires a medical license to purchase marijuana. Individual cardholders are allowed to have up to 4 ounces of unaltered marijuana with a THC limit over 0.3% per 30-day period.

The state does not require a medical card to purchase delta 8 THC or any other CBD derivative. In fact, Missouri does not have a minimum age requirement for purchasing CBD. Since delta 8 falls under the same restrictions as CBD, the same rules apply. Although, some manufacturers have chosen to implement a minimum age for purchasing CBD or delta 8 THC products.

DELTA 8 VAPES & THE PACT ACT

In an effort to curb children ordering vapes and cartridges online, vendors in the US are required, by law, to verify the age of their customers if they wish to order vape products. It is illegal to not comply with this law. If you’re ordering from a site that does not ask for this verification, it’s best to not order from them. It’s a sign they are cutting corners and might be engaging in other unethical practices.

The PACT (Protect All Cigarette Trafficking) Act was introduced in 2009, but in addition to the new age verification requirements, online retailers will now need to also:

• Use a third party delivery service that requires an adult signature
• Follow strict labeling and reporting guidelines
• Register with ATF and US Attorney General
• Register with all respective tax administrations in the state
• Collect and pay all applicable taxes on qualifying products sold

The largest challenge affecting the distribution of delta 8 vapes and other vape products is delivery. The USPS, UPS, and FedEx will no longer deliver products purchased online to residential or business addresses. Online retailers are actively working to navigate the new regulations and continue to make their products accessible.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DELTA 8 THC & DELTA 9 THC?

Delta 8 THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) and delta 9 THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) are both psychoactive molecules that can produce perceptual differences. The chemical structure is virtually identical except for one small difference. The delta 9 THC has a double bond on the 9th carbon atom in the chain, while the delta 8 THC molecule has a double bond on the 8th carbon atom in the chain.

These molecules also differ in the way they are derived. Delta 8 THC finds its origins in CBD, which is produced from legal hemp with a total percentage of THC less than 0.3%. On the other hand, delta 9 THC is more potent and is a compound made from marijuana plants with a concentration of THC higher than 0.3%.

Although a small difference, the location of the double bond results in delta 8 THC having milder effects. Users often describe less anxiety or paranoia as opposed to their delta 9 THC–traditional THC–counterparts.

HOW TO USE DELTA 8 THC?

An added benefit of delta 8 THC is the number of ways in which you can use it. It is a versatile product that can be used in several ways, including:

• Smoking or vaping
• Gummies and edibles
• Oils or Sprays
• Topical Lotions

The challenge can be with how to dose delta 8. It is stronger than CBD but less potent than delta 9 THC compounds. Therefore finding the right dose may take a bit of trial and error. The dosage will also need to take into consideration the method in which it’s being administered. For example, topicals will take a longer time to absorb into the skin, whereas inhaling is the quickest method of administration.

No matter the type of administration, the user will still be able to enjoy the effects of delta 8.

WHERE TO BUY DELTA 8 THC?

While we may be a little biased, the best place to buy delta 8 THC is online. There are some good reasons for this.

Buying online is almost always cheaper; it’s easier, and you don’t need to leave your house or seek out a dispensary. If you’re new to delta 8 THC, we recommend checking out our gummies. They make dosing super easy, can be split in half for the first dose, and taste great.

You can always seek out delta 8 from local sources too. You’ll find these products at dispensaries or headshops.

We don’t distribute any of our products to local dispensaries because we’ve found it too difficult to ensure the same level of care and attention with how these products are stored when they’re out of our care. We’re an online brand only.

WHAT’S THE FUTURE OF DELTA 8 THC IN MISSOURI?

Missouri was quick to remove all hemp products and their derivatives from its list of controlled substances.

Under the current legislation, delta 8 THC remains legal, and there appears to be very little resistance to this type of cannabis derivative. The progressive laws already in place may foreshadow the state opting to fully legalize marijuana.

It seems this trend is only going to continue until the legalization debate reaches the federal level.