Yo, what’s good, it’s your boy Dan and today we’re talking about delta 8 THC. You might know that it comes from the cannabis plant, both hemp and that good good. But, here’s the thing, it’s not really found in significant amounts in either one. So, manufacturers gotta get creative and convert that CBD or delta 9 THC into D8 using some serious lab equipment. We’re talking heat, solvents, pH changes, catalysts, you name it.
Now here’s where things get sticky. This process is becoming straight-up illegal in a bunch of states. And even though delta 8 is becoming more popular by the day for its less potent buzz with fewer side effects than D9, there’s still a ton of confusion out there about if it’s even legal or not. The feds aren’t making things clear and states are scrambling to figure out what to do.
This is why I’ve got your back with this state-by-state guide to the legality of delta 8 THC. Today, we’re looking at Ohio.
So, what’s the deal with delta 8 THC in Ohio? Well, there’s a big difference between state and federal laws when it comes to cannabis and its compounds. Most states have medical marijuana programs but weed is still illegal under the Controlled Substances Act.
When it comes to D8 though, things aren’t so clear cut. If the delta 8 comes from hemp and is naturally derived, then it’s legal…for now. That’s because there’s so little of it naturally that you need to extract it using a chemical process which makes things kinda gray area legally speaking.
But for now, as of writing this article, Ohio says that delta 8 is legal. The state allows all derivatives and cannabinoids from hemp, except for D9 THC. If you wanna get technical, check out Chapter 928.01 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Here’s the deal: delta 8 products derived from hemp are legal in Ohio as long as they contain 0.3% or less delta 9 THC. This is because of the federal Farm Bill of 2018, which legalized industrial hemp farming in the US as long as it doesn’t have more than that amount of D9.
But, there are 16 states that have already banned or restricted delta 8 usage. Ohio isn’t one of them but it has started to regulate the compound in medical marijuana products. The Ohio Department of Commerce has said that MMJ processors gotta start testing their products for delta 8, listing it on product labels, and explaining how they use it in their products.
The reason? Safety. Delta 8 is still unregulated and some brands produce products with questionable quality. It’s created in a lab which means you really need a trained chemist overseeing production. But some brands don’t even offer third-party lab reports with their products and tests have shown that some delta 8 products have excessive levels of THC or potentially dangerous metals like nickel.
So, if you’re gonna try out delta 8, stick with trusted brands and avoid buying it from gas stations. And don’t forget that state laws can change quickly so keep an eye out for any updates.
That’s the rundown on delta 8 THC in Ohio. Stay safe out there, fam.