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

Delta 8 THC is an analog of delta 9 THC. Both cannabinoids share many of the same qualities but are listed under entirely different regulations in West Virginia.

Delta 9 THC is federally illegal; however, delta 8 THC remains in a legal grey area because of the changes in hemp legislation put into place by the 2018 Farm Bill.

Because delta 8 THC provides many of the same benefits and effects as delta 9 THC, many people resort to recreational and medicinal purposes. This article explores the use and legality of delta 8 THC and the differences and similarities between it and delta 9 THC.

IS DELTA 8 THC LEGAL IN WEST VIRGINIA?

Delta 8 THC is legal in the state of West Virginia.

Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid compound that can be isolated from hemp. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, which was introduced to legalize hemp for CBD production, delta 8 THC is also legal.

The 2018 Farm Bill strictly removed all hemp-derived products from the list of Schedule I illegal compounds — including delta 8 THC. However, delta 9 THC — another intoxicating compound that is nearly identical in structure and effect — is strictly regulated. As a result, Delta 8 THC falls into a legal gray area.

The West Virginia Industrial Hemp Act mimics the language used in the federal literature, which makes delta 8 THC legal under the same interpretation [1].

WHAT ABOUT DELTA 10 THC?

Delta 10 THC is another compound that can be isolated from the hemp plant. As such, it falls under the same legal jurisdiction as CBD and delta 8 THC. This means that in West Virginia, delta 10 THC remains legal.

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

Delta 8 THC falls under the same restrictions as CBD and delta 10 THC. However, since these are considered hemp-derived products, they can all be purchased legally in all 50 states without the need for a medical card.

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

The most commonly referred-to compound in marijuana is THC. THC is actually short for delta 9 THC, the most abundant cannabinoid found in the plant. While Delta 8 THC shares many similarities, it is not identical to delta 9 THC.

Delta 8 THC is an analog of delta 9 THC. An analog is a compound that shares the same structure as another compound, minus one difference. This difference lies in the location of a double bond in the molecular structure.

In delta 9 THC, the bond is found at the 9th carbon chain. Delta 8, on the other hand, has its bond at the 8th carbon chain. This is where the compounds derive their names.

Delta 9 THC actually breaks down into delta 8 THC over time.

The difference is fairly small in terms of structure, but it does impact the effects of the compounds:

• Delta 8 THC is generally acknowledged as “smoother” and easier to manage than delta 9 THC.
• Delta 8 THC is only about half as potent as delta 9 THC.
• Delta 8 THC has a longer shelf-life than its analog.
• Delta 8 THC has stronger appetite-stimulating effects.
• Delta 8 THC binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
• The human body develops tolerance to delta 8 THC much quicker than delta 9.

IS DELTA 8 THC NATURAL?

Whether or not delta 8 THC is considered ‘natural’ is determined by how the FDA defines the word.

From a regulatory perspective, the word “natural” doesn’t necessarily refer to something sourced from a plant. For example, when a company says something is “all-natural,” the ingredients might be sourced from a plant. However, the same ingredients can be made in a lab and still be referred to as natural.

To be considered natural, a substance needs to be found in nature without intervention from humans.

This is true for delta 8 THC, which is found naturally in cannabis plants (albeit in low concentrations).

Some delta 8 THC preparations are sourced from hemp. However, due to the large amount required and the relatively low concentration found in hemp, many companies produce their delta 8 THC in a lab. This works by creating the perfect environment for other cannabinoids (change shape) into delta 8 THC.

If you wanted to learn more about how delta 8 THC is made, head over to this POST.

HOW TO USE DELTA 8 THC

Much like any other cannabinoids, there are several different ways that you can use delta 8 THC.

DELTA 8 THC VAPES

Delta 8 THC vapes are made from a concentrated delta 8 THC distillate filled in an electronic disposable vape pen or replaceable cartridge.

Delta 8 THC distillate is sold as a thick paste with a clear to light brown color. Sometimes the extract is a light pinkish in color — all are perfectly normal; it depends on how the extract was made.

Distillates are then filled into a special reservoir with a heating element at the bottom. The heat converts the distillate into a vapor which is then inhaled. Once in the lungs, the delta 8 diffuses into the bloodstream. This process only takes a few minutes.

Vaping is most popular for its ease of use, portability, and rapid onset of effects.

DELTA 8 THC GUMMIES

Gummies are a popular way to consume delta 8 THC. These products are made by mixing d8 distillate with a fruity gummy base. They’re like a capsule but are much more enjoyable to use.

Delta 8 THC gummies are popular for ease of use (no fussing with oils) and cost-effectiveness. They don’t hit quite as fast as a vape, but they’re a good option for people who prefer to avoid smoking or vaping their cannabis extracts.

WHERE TO BUY DELTA 8 THC

If you’re going to buy delta 8 THC, your best bet is to look online.

Purchasing online allows you to order directly from the manufacturer. This allows you the due process of determining whether or not the manufacturer is legit and legal. One of the best ways to do this is to look at any third-party lab tests available from the website.

Third-party testing is incredibly important for anyone who is going to be buying delta 8 THC due to legal conflicts. Many delta 8 THC products are sold with significant amounts of delta 9 THC, which remains illegal. Third-party tests allow you to see the final content of the products before buying them.

WHAT’S THE FUTURE OF DELTA 8 THC IN WEST VIRGINIA?

The future of delta 8 THC in West Virginia remains promising. However, there’s reason to believe that it may be made fully legal across all 50 states in the near future.

The landscape of the cannabis industry is changing rapidly. Legislators realize that there is a lot of money to be made from cannabis products, and medical professionals are beginning to understand the impressive medicinal benefits of these compounds.

Even now, delta 8 THC remains unrestricted and can be purchased in West Virginia. Whether or not this change is something nobody can know for sure.