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

As more states continue to decriminalize and legalize marijuana, the opportunities for first movers to benefit from this booming industry continue to grow.

While some states, such as California or Colorado, have been quick to jump on the bandwagon, the same is not the case for all states. This doesn’t mean states aren’t looking to move forward with legalization; it just means it can be a slow-moving process involving a lot of bureaucracy and roadblocks along the way.

So how can companies get around this legal red tape while still offering their products to users across the country? The answer lies in CBD and, more specifically, a derivative called delta 8 THC.

Delta 8 THC offers an alternative to traditional THC while remaining entirely legal in the state of Pennsylvania. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about delta 8 THC in the keystone state.

IS DELTA 8 THC LEGAL IN PENNSYLVANIA?

Yes, at least for the time being, delta 8 THC is legal in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania has previously been open to the use of hemp, thanks to Act 92 passed in 2016 [1]. However, the definition of “industrial hemp” did not include language that discussed compounds or derivatives of hemp. Although this did not technically make those products illegal, it meant they operated in a grey zone.

In 2019 the introduction of Senate Bill 335 helped clear up the ambiguity around delta 8 THC and other derivatives [2]. This bill clearly stated that any compounds, cannabinoids, or derivates of hemp with a Delta 9 THC concentration of less than 0.3% were deemed legal.

Since delta 8 THC is manufactured from concentrated legal CBD, it also falls into this category.

Furthermore, the 2018 Farm Bill formally declassified hemp — with delta 9 THC concentrations less than 0.3% — and its derivates from the federal list of controlled substances. This makes delta 8 THC legal at the federal level. Although some states may not have updated their state laws surrounding hemp and its derivatives, the federal law has allowed the delta 8 THC market to continue to flourish in the meantime.

WHAT ABOUT DELTA 10 THC?

Delta 10 THC is another new cannabinoid derivative on the market. It’s extracted from CBD using the same method as delta 8 THC. Both of the compounds produce reduced psychoactive effects.

The major difference users have described is delta 8 THC produced a relaxed state of euphoria similar to Cannabis indica, while Delta 10 THC produces uplifting, energizing effects similar to Cannabis sativa.

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

You do not need a medical card to purchase delta 8 THC in Pennsylvania.

Since CBD is a fully legal substance, there is no special identification needed. The state does have a minimum age for CBD consumption of 18 years old.

Delta 8 THC is made from CBD, and therefore the same minimum age also applies to these products.

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

At first glance of the molecules of delta 9 THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and delta 8 THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) look almost identical. They’re both psychoactive molecules that can produce a euphoric experience. However, there is one small difference. The Delta 9 THC molecule 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 come from different plants. Delta 8 THC is derived from CBD, which is extracted from hemp. The hemp plant is categorized as a cannabis plant with a THC concentration of 0.3%. On the other hand, delta 9 THC is extracted from the marijuana plant. This type of cannabis plant has a concentration of THC above 0.3%.

In terms of user experience, Delta 8 THC will produce milder effects than its delta 9 THC counterpart. Many people describe reduced incidences of anxiety and paranoia that are traditionally associated with stronger delta 9 THC strains.

HOW TO USE DELTA 8 THC

A great feature of delta 8 THC is the versatility in the ways it can be administered:

• Edibles or Capsules
• Smoking or Vaping
• Oils, Tinctures, and Distillates
• Topical Sprays and Lotions

Delta 8 THC is not as strong as delta 9 THC products, but it is stronger than CBD products. This can make it challenging when determining the correct dosage. As a regular rule of thumb, as with other THC products, you should take a smaller dose to begin and slowly increase to determine your tolerance level.

It’s also important to remember, the length of time to feel delta 8 THC’s effects will be dependent on the administration method. If the product is inhaled, the user can expect to feel the effects in 10 to 20 minutes, but if the product was ingested, it could take 1 to 2 hours.

WHERE TO BUY DELTA 8 THC

Delta 8 THC products can be found at some specialty medical marijuana shops, but the best place to find these products is online (wink wink).

Online retailers provide users with access to the largest selection of delta 8 products at the best prices.

Since this is a relatively new technology operating in a relatively unregulated market, it can be easy for companies to make false claims. To increase safety and buyer confidence, many companies have submitted their products for third-party review.

It’s important to fully research these products to ensure they have to correct potency as they claim. This will allow you to correctly dose delta 8 THC and ensure a positive experience.

Check out our selection of delta 8 THC products to get started.

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

Pennsylvania already put into place progressive laws that allowed the legal growth of hemp for research and restricted use two years before the federal 2018 Farm Fill was passed. After the federal ruling, the state followed the lead and added its own senate bill protecting CBD products and their derivatives. This further provides a positive outlook for the future of delta 8 THC in Pennsylvania.

As legalization of marijuana, including all of its derivatives, continues to sweep across the country, it’s only a matter of time until other states follow suit. However, it’s still a process with a lot of red tape to get through.

In the meantime, delta 8 THC will continue to make strides in the legal THC market. Since Pennsylvania already adopted progressive laws that protect the CBD market and its derivatives, it can be expected that delta 8 THC use will only continue to grow within the state. This interim growth means, by the time full legalization arrives, delta 8 products will have a solid hold of the overall cannabis market.