Everyone is familiar with delta 9 THC, whether they call it cannabis, marijuana, or THC. But few people know of the hemp-derived version that’s taken the cannabis world by storm. It’s just one of a new wave of legal compounds that does what classic THC can’t; offer consumers a high without interference from the federal government. For the first time in over a century, almost anyone can purchase legal delta 9 products such as delta 9 gummies. There are no more back alleys or awkward conversations with your dealer. But what are delta 9 gummies, and are they legal, really?
As a result of Congress’ legalization of hemp in the past few years, hemp-derived delta 9 products have been gaining traction in the market. Not only has this been a super-exciting development for anyone who loves cannabis products, but it’s also been an incredible moment for everyone hoping to see Congress accomplish anything! Thanks to Congress, we can enjoy federally legal delta 9 safely.
Is this really delta-9?
Let’s take a brief look at delta 9, or hemp-derived delta 9. Everyone wants to know if delta 9 from hemp is the same as THC (weed, marijuana) from cannabis. The only way to answer that is to note that delta 9 is delta 9. Confused? Let’s dig a little deeper.
The United States government and our friends in Congress decided that marijuana and hemp were two different plants when they legalized the latter under the 2018 Farm Bill. Although they both belong to the cannabis family, the terms are not interchangeable. So what’s the big difference? Perhaps most importantly, the two plants differ as follows:
- Hemp is a cannabis plant with 0.3% or less THC.
- Marijuana plants have 0.3% or more THC.
Hemp-derived delta-9 gummies vs classic delta-9
But what about hemp-derived delta 9? Are the delta 9 gummies real? Well, the chemical composition and effects of hemp-derived delta 9 are precisely the same as THC. It has less than 0.3% THC, meaning the only difference between these gummies and traditional cannabis is the legal status of each. So, while 0.3% may seem like a small number, it’s the difference between a legal plant and a restricted one.
Hemp-derived delta 9 differs from regular cannabis only because of the amount of THC contained in each. Other than that, delta 9 derived from hemp and classic delta 9 are the same molecule. For practical purposes, users will feel the same effects from each. Most people couldn’t tell the difference in a blind taste test.
Are delt- 9 gummies legal (really)?
It seems pretty unbelievable that delta 9 gummies, like the ones sold at premium online retailer Diamond CBD, are legal. How can this be possible? After all, marijuana is still a federally illegal drug. It’s classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Sure, a few states have decriminalized or legalized cannabis, but for the most part, the country still has a long way to go.
And yet, thanks to the Farm Bill that Congress passed in 2018, delta 9 gummies are very much legal. But how?
How are delta-9 gummies legal?
When Congress legalized hemp, they legalized all of the plant’s derivatives. That’s why products like HHC, delta 8, THCO, and so many more have thrived on the market in recent years. But how do you know when delta 9 gummies, or any delta 9 product, is legal? Well, it has to meet specific criteria:
- The delta-9 has to come from hemp
- It must have less than 0.3% THC
Still, it’s not all coming up roses with hemp-derived delta 9 gummies. Some states have begun to impose restrictions or even outright bans on cannabinoids that come from hemp. Ironically, we live in a world where some hemp-derived cannabinoids are now federally legal and banned in the states, while cannabis is federally prohibited and legal.
For now, hemp-derived delta 9 gummies are legal thanks to the Farm Bill. However, potential consumers should review state laws where they live.
Takeaway
We live in a fantastic world. Today almost anyone can go online and purchase delta 9 gummies from reputable retailers like Diamond CBD without worrying about government interference. But we still have a long way to go as well. It’s the perfect time to learn more about delta 9, the law, and the restrictions on your favourite cannabinoids and then to make some noise. Let your leaders know you want to set your favourite cannabinoids free.
Simona LeVey did her degree in psychology at Tel Aviv University. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
