People looking into medicinal CBD may have heard about delta-8-THC—a milder version of delta-9-THC that is commonly found in marijuana. This version has many of the positive effects of THC without most of the negative side effects.
If you want to find out how to get delta-8 near you, you are in the right place. But before we can understand why delta-8-THC might be hard to get, we have to cover why delta-8 might not be legal in all parts of the US.
Hemp VS Marijuana (and CBD VS THC)
Let’s clarify something before we go further: hemp and marijuana are, scientifically, the same plant (Cannabis sativa). The only thing separating them in the eyes of the law is the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The legal threshold is 0.3% THC content. Other than that, they are the same species.
But what’s the big deal with THC? THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana. It’s the chemical that gets you “high.” It is also used as a painkiller and for glaucoma. But it has some side effects that worry people, including hallucinations, memory loss, increased heart rate, and altered appetite. Regular users of delta-9 also describe something called “couch lock”—a state in which users feel so little impetus to move that they can’t leave their couch!
Cannabidiol (CBD) is seen as the safer of the two chemicals. Hemp has a higher amount of CBD than THC. CBD is often described as creating a feeling of “well-being” and a relaxed state. There is no high or crash. There aren’t many legal restrictions on it, either. In short, “CBD good, THC bad” according to the U.S. government.
What Makes Delta-8-THC Different?
There are a few ways in which delta-8 is different from delta-9, the more common form of THC:
• It’s weaker than delta-9.
• It has fewer side effects than delta-9.
• It’s made from hemp, not marijuana–an important distinction for lawmakers.
• It’s synthetic, which is also legally relevant.
Delta-8 is made with the idea that weaker THC gives you the pleasant effects of THC without a strong high or other terrifying side effects. People who take delta-8 report a milder high, but also being more productive. No couch lock here!
And of course, THC and CBD are different chemicals. THC gets you high, but CBD mellows you out. Delta-8-THC is still THC…so why is it treated differently?
Why the Controversy?
In theory, delta-8 should be legal everywhere because it comes from hemp, not marijuana. This would make it legal on a federal level. In practice, local legislation can put a damper on delta-8-THC. This can come from restrictions against brewing THC, but more often than not, it comes from whether THC is (or should be) legal or not. There may also be local laws against synthesizing delta-8 and other homebrews of THC.
Another reason delta-8 is controversial is the lack of regulation. This means, in theory, anything can be in your delta-8 THC. There are no FDA-approved formulas for THC, so don’t believe anyone who says that!
How Do I Get It (Legally)?
Now we get to the good stuff: how to get your delta-8-THC. If your state has no restrictions on delta-8-THC, the easiest way to acquire it may be just outside your door. Beware of local gas stations selling potentially illegal delta-8. Please check online for a reputable seller of delta-8 near you (and pay close attention to any feedback on their service). Best of all, you won’t have to pay for shipping!
But if you prefer to get things through the mail (or if your nearest source is hours away), the postal service is the safest, most legally-sound way to get delta-8-THC. It is technically legal to send delta-8-THC through the mail if it meets the 0.3% THC limit. Anything beyond that is riskier. Your gummies and caramels will probably be fine.
Please do not order high amounts of delta-8-THC through the mail if it is not legal in your state. Even though the 4th Amendment protects your mail, the post office still has the right to inspect your packages if they suspect you’re mailing drugs. Poorly packaged delta-8 may still set off alarms, even if it’s legal.
If the mail fails, you may need to border-hop. Depending on where you live, this could be more or less difficult. Good luck, in this case!
How Do I Minimize My Risk?
Once you know that you can get delta-8 legally in your state, you may be wondering how to protect the delta-8 you ordered online. A lot of precautions will be out of your hands; it is up to the seller to package their delta-8 correctly. If you have questions about additives in your THC, ask before buying! Take any feedback about the seller to heart.
Final Thoughts
Delta-8-THC might be just what the doctor ordered for some people. However, due to the nature of delta-8-THC, it is not legal everywhere in the United States. Online sellers may not ship to certain areas because they restrict or ban delta-8.
A reputable seller should have very few black marks on their name and package their delta-8 such that it doesn’t raise eyebrows at the post office. You, as a buyer, can ask good questions and not purchase beneath that 0.3% THC limit.
