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

Delta 8 THC is quickly becoming the next big thing in the cannabis industry, especially in the United States. It’s a fast-growing market, and unsurprisingly, many hemp enthusiasts are eager to get their hands on this trendy cannabinoid.

But the question remains, is delta 8 THC legal in Ohio? Where can you buy high-quality delta 8 THC products in the state?

This article will clarify the confusing laws regarding hemp derivatives, particularly the delta 8 THC.

IS DELTA 8 THC LEGAL IN OHIO?

Yes, delta 8 THC remains legal in Ohio as long as it contains less than the federal limit of 0.3% delta 9 THC and is derived exclusively from hemp.

Delta 8 is a minor cannabis compound closely linked to the commonly known cannabinoid THC (delta 9 THC). It’s similar but different enough to have a different regulatory status and effect profile than the delta 9 isomers.

It’s all thanks to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (AKA the 2018 Farm Bill), which considered hemp as an agricultural commodity, legalizing the growth, production, and extraction of hemp and its derivatives in the United States. This means hemp and other hemp-based products are legal as long as they contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC.

Some states opted to prohibit delta 8 THC by listing all forms of THC illegal — but fortunately, Ohio has not chosen to do this.

It means delta 8 products remain fully legal within the state of Ohio.

What About Delta 10 THC?

Like delta 8 THC, delta 10 isn’t specifically listed as illegal as per Ohio state law.

It’s legal under the same pretense as delta 8 THC. As long as it’s derived from hemp and doesn’t contain more than 0.3% THC by weight — it’s legal to purchase without a medical card in Ohio.

Do I Need a Medical Card in Ohio to Order Delta 8 THC?

You don’t need a medical card to order delta 8 in Ohio.

Delta 8 THC derived from hemp falls under the same state laws as CBD.

However, marijuana-derived delta 8 THC products are only available for qualified marijuana patients. You need to have a medical license to order marijuana-derived delta 8. If you qualify, you can get a 45-day supply at a time.

DELTA 8 VAPES & THE PACT ACT

The Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act) got revamped and signed into law late last year. This new law is what vape users call the ‘vape mail ban,’ which is more telling than its moniker.

The new amendment to this act did two things that change matters for vapers and vaping businesses:

1. It added vaping products under the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act.
2. It instructs postal services to put forward regulations that ban all vaping product shipments to residential addresses through the U.S. Mail.

The new regulation covers a broad range of products and is not limited to nicotine vaping devices and e-liquids.

It means the postal ban and the PACT Act provisions include delta 8 carts, oils, liquids, and every related product, accessory, components involved with vapes and vape pens.

The inclusion of vaping products in the new law is primarily intended to prevent online sales to minors. The Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act now requires online retailers to:

• Verify the age of their customers through the commercially available database.
• Use a private shipping service that only releases a product with an adult signature at the point of delivery.

If you’re buying delta 8 vape products online and the site doesn’t include an age verification process, it’s most likely unregulated. It’s illegal not to verify age, and companies doing illegal business are very likely cutting corners. You don’t know what other unethical practices they are doing, so it’s best not to trust their delta 8 products and avoid buying from these sites altogether.

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

Delta 9 is what most people recognize as the psychoactive cannabinoid THC. Meanwhile, delta 8 is a minor cannabinoid and its less potent counterpart.

There are different ways to compare delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC.

1. Chemical Structure

From a chemical perspective, both cannabinoids bind to the CB1 receptor in the brain to induce an intoxicating effect.

The difference, however, is the placement of the double bond in each of their structures. Delta 8 has its double bond on the 8th carbon atom, while Delta 9 has a double bond on its 9th chain. With its different double bond location, the delta 8 THC binds to the endocannabinoid system differently, making it less potent than delta 9.

2. Molecular Stability

Delta 8 is also more stable than the delta 9 THC. The popular THC compound is easily oxidized, turning to either delta 8 or cannabinol (CBN). In this sense, delta 8 is more stable as it doesn’t oxidize and transform into CBN. Hence, it has a considerably longer shelf-life than delta 9 THC.

3. Effects from Consumption

Many anecdotal and clinical evidence points out the intoxicating effects you can get when ingesting or inhaling delta 9 THC. There are even fewer studies about the effects of delta 8 in the body, but many say it has a much milder and more relaxing effect than delta 9.

It’s why a typical dose for delta 8 THC is double that of delta 9 to get the same effects.

IS DELTA 8 THC NATURAL?

Whether delta 8 THC is natural or synthetic depends on who you ask and how they differentiate natural from synthetic.

When a product says ‘natural’ or ‘all-natural,’ you often go to a conclusion that a certain product or substance is available in nature, created without any human intervention. In this sense, ‘natural’ substances are compounds found in nature.

Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis. It forms as a byproduct as delta 9 THC breaks down under exposure to heat and light.

Most legal experts agree delta 8 THC is classified as a naturally derived substance — rather than synthetically derived.

HOW TO USE DELTA 8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is the talk of the town, at least in the cannabis industry. If you want to try out this exciting new cannabinoid, there are many ways you can use it. Essentially, you can use delta 8 like you would other hemp-derived products.

Delta 8 comes in all kinds of formulas, delivery methods, and strengths. You can also find it combined with different strains and hemp compounds. If you are looking for delta 8 products available in Ohio, here are some of the most common forms you can find in markets and how to use them.

1. Delta 8 Gummies

These gummy candies contain delta 8 THC extract. Gummies are one of the best ways to get started using this cannabinoid. It’s ideal for beginners because the dosing for gummies is simple. When you buy delta 8 THC gummies, the amount of active ingredients per candy is pre-measured for you.

2. Delta 8 Capsules

Besides the candy form, you can also find delta 8 encapsulated in a soft gel that you can easily dose and ingest. Capsules usually take longer to take effect, but the potential benefits you get are long-lasting.

3. Delta 8 Tinctures & Oils

Another common method of using delta 8 THC is through tinctures or oils. This product is a mixture of carrier oil and delta 8 concentrate and has a long shelf life.

You can find delta 8 THC oil with varying potencies, making dosing simple and accurate. You can use tinctures the same way you use CBD oil or any other hemp-based tincture. To use delta 8 tinctures, you can:

• Add a dose to a glass of water or other drink
• Place a few drops directly under your tongue for faster absorption

Before using tinctures, make sure you are familiar with the dose of the product you are using. It can vary depending on the potency or how strong the delta 8 THC oil you have.

4. Delta 8 Distillates

This product is delta 8, derived from hemp through distillation techniques. It’s an efficient method to isolate THC from other compounds.

Delta 8 distillates come as a thick paste or resin, either having a light brown color or transparent. You can use distillates by:

• Eating it
• Add it to a vaporizer
• Smoke it through a dab rig

5. Delta 8 Vape Pens & Cartridges

One easier alternative to using delta 8 THC is by vaping. You can purchase disposable pre-made delta 8 THC pens. If you have a reusable pen, you can also buy delta 8 cartridges. Vape the delta 8 like usual, but if it’s your first time, here are a couple of tips.

• Turn your vape on and take a deep breath, holding the vapor as long as you can to give the compound time to absorb
• Start with one puff and wait for a couple of minutes before taking another — be patient

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

Delta 8 THC is rising in popularity, and thankfully for those who want to try this new trend in the cannabis world, all things are possible in Ohio.

There might be some confusion and vagueness in the laws regarding the use of THC. But you can still purchase delta 8 products over the counter or online without a medical card. Delta 8 is fully legal throughout the state of Ohio under the condition that it’s hemp-derived and contains no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC.