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

Oklahoma’s hemp laws currently follow federal regulations and maintain that natural cannabinoids derived from hemp plants are legal and unregulated for the general public.

This means that delta 8 THC, CBD, and various other cannabinoids remain legal within state lines as long as they’re made from hemp (not marijuana).

In this article, we explain the differences between delta 8 THC and other cannabinoids and why some people refer to delta 8 THC as synthetic. At the same time, most experts maintain that it’s a natural compound.

We’ll also discuss the legality of marijuana and other hemp-derived compounds in Oklahoma, how to use delta 8 safely, and where to buy it locally.

IS DELTA 8 THC LEGAL IN OKLAHOMA?

Delta 8 THC is entirely legal in Oklahoma. There is just one restriction that prevents users under the age of 21 from purchasing delta 8 products.

Oklahoma’s Industrial Hemp Program declares that hemp and all cannabinoids derived from it are legal. The program defines hemp as any part of the Cannabis sativa L. plant containing no more than 0.3% THC by dry volume.

Oklahoma’s laws mimic the federal 2018 Farm Bill, which also legalizes cannabinoids derived from hemp and the sale and use of hemp flowers [1].

IS DELTA 10 THC LEGAL IN OKLAHOMA?

Delta 10 THC is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid extracted from what Oklahoma considers “industrial hemp.” As such, it’s legal to purchase and consume within state lines, provided you are over the age of 21.

MARIJUANA LAWS IN OKLAHOMA

Although hemp and hemp-derived compounds are wholly legal in Oklahoma, the state laws governing marijuana are more strict.

Marijuana products are defined as any cannabis extracts that contain delta 9 THC concentrations greater than 0.3% by dry weight. Recreational marijuana has yet to be legalized in Oklahoma.

However, medical marijuana is legal throughout the state, so you can purchase marijuana and delta 9 THC (commonly referred to as “THC”) products, provided you have a medical marijuana card.

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

You do not need a medical marijuana (MMJ) card to purchase delta 8 THC in the state of Oklahoma.

Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in hemp plants. It’s similar to CBD and follows all of the same rules and regulations.

Since hemp and all of its constituents are legalized in Oklahoma, you can buy and use delta 8 THC legally in any part of the state as long as you are over 21 years of age.

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

Delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC are very similar in their chemical makeup. The only difference between them on a molecular level is where the double bond occurs in the carbon chain. As their names suggest, the double bond is found on the eighth carbon bond in delta 8 THC and on the ninth carbon bond in delta 9 THC.

While these compounds differ only slightly in their molecular construction, they have different effects on humans. Delta 9 THC is typically referred to simply as THC, and it is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that produces a high. It can lead to feelings of euphoria, creativity, and relaxation.

Delta 8 THC is far less potent, but many users maintain that it can still provide a psychoactive effect. Most people note that delta 8 THC is about half as potent as delta 9 THC, is less likely to produce feelings of anxiety or paranoia, and delivers a more relaxing and mellow experience.

Finally, these two compounds differ in their legality. Delta 9 THC is still illegal for recreational use in most states, while delta 8 THC is legal in nearly every state, even those where marijuana isn’t.

IS DELTA 8 THC NATURAL?

The word “natural” can mean different things depending on the context in which it’s used. When consumers read that a product is all-natural, they often believe it is found in nature exactly as they buy it.

When the FDA and other regulatory agencies state that something is natural, it doesn’t contain anything synthetic. When it comes to regulated substances like delta 8 THC, “natural” means the components come from nature and aren’t manufactured, but they could be prepared or extracted in a lab.

Delta 8 THC occurs naturally in hemp plants, so in the eyes of the FDA, it is “natural.” The cannabinoid is extracted from the plant and suspended in other constituents in a controlled lab setting. It doesn’t contain anything synthetic, so it’s considered natural.

HOW TO USE DELTA 8 THC

Much like delta 9 THC and other cannabinoids, there are many ways to use delta 8 THC, depending on your preference. Each form of consumption has its pros and cons, which will be discussed below.

1. DELTA 8 THC TINCTURES

A tincture is a liquid, usually containing vegetable glycerin or some fatty oil. The liquid is used to suspend delta 8 THC extract, either pulled from a distillate or directly from a hemp plant. Users hold the tincture under their tongue for about 30 seconds before swallowing. This allows the delta 8 THC to be absorbed by the capillaries lining your mouth.

Tinctures offer a discreet way to consume delta 8 THC. They come in a dropper bottle that is easy to transport. They also provide a consumption method that doesn’t involve inhaling, so it’s ideal for those who cannot or prefer not to use vapes.

However, tinctures can take an hour or two to deliver the desired effects, and some individuals complain about the taste.

2. DELTA 8 THC VAPES

Many delta 8 manufacturers offer vape cartridges or disposable vapes containing delta 8 THC. Vapes have a concentrated form of delta 8 THC that you can inhale like a typical nicotine vape.

Vapes deliver the desired effects in just a few minutes, requiring the least amount of planning for consumption. They’re very easy to transport, and they’re the easiest to dose due to the rapid onset effects.

Vapes require that you inhale the substance, so they may not be ideal for individuals who have asthma or other medical issues that make smoking and vaping impractical.

3. DELTA 8 THC GUMMIES

Delta 8 THC gummies are chewable gummy candies that contain delta 8 THC. They’re typically flavored to make them enjoyable.

Gummies are great for individuals who choose not to vape, and they offer a very natural and familiar way to consume delta 8. They also help those who don’t like tinctures to avoid the sometimes unpleasant taste.

Gummies take the longest to deliver the desired effects because the delta 8 THC will need to be processed by your digestive tract. They can take up to three hours to become effective, so planning and dosing can be a challenge in some cases.

WHERE TO BUY DELTA 8 THC

You can purchase delta 8 THC products online or in-store throughout Oklahoma. Generally speaking, buying online is the better option for several reasons.

Most notably, reputable online delta 8 THC vendors put their products through rigorous third-party testing. This process confirms both the potency and purity of the delta 8 to ensure you’re getting a safe product that delivers the expected results. Almost all delta 8 THC products sold in brick-and-mortar stores aren’t tested and don’t offer a guaranteed chemical analysis as online vendors do.

Online delta 8 THC vendors also either produce their own products or work directly with the manufacturer. There is no intermediary like a store owner who takes a cut of the sale, which ultimately means you pay less for your delta 8 THC and still get a higher quality product when you buy online.

Finally, online delta 8 vendors don’t need to manage shelf space, so they’re far more likely to have more products from which you can choose. In Oklahoma, local retailers and smoke shops typically have very few delta 8 THC products available and instead focus on more popular products like nicotine and CBD.

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

Delta 8 THC is currently legal in Oklahoma and all other naturally occurring cannabinoids in hemp plants. There are just two restrictions in place: the first requires purchasers to be over 21 years of age, and the second requires that any product containing hemp-derived cannabinoids contain less than 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight.

There are currently no proposed laws in Oklahoma that would restrict the sale of delta 8 products or illegalize them altogether. Most states are legalizing delta 8 THC, and since legalization is in line with federal law, delta 8 will likely remain legal in Oklahoma, at least for the foreseeable future.