With Delta-8 And Delta-9 THC-O Deemed Illegal, What Are The Alternatives?
DEA says both Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC-O are controlled substances because they do not naturally occur in the hemp plant.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration recently deemed two novel cannabinoids, Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC-O illegal. These synthetic psychoactive cannabinoids, and many others, have become increasingly popular and can be found in vape shops and gas stations across the United States. So, what does the DEA ruling on Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC-O mean for other similar products? And, what are the legal alternatives?
The DEA decided that Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC-O are controlled substances under Schedule I of the Controlled Substance Act because they do not occur naturally in the hemp plant and can only be made synthetically. That means that both cannabinoids do not fall under the definition of hemp.
The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized the cultivation of hemp and the sale of CBD and cannabinoids that contain less than 0.3% THC. However, this also led to the creation of psychoactive cannabinoids designed to skirt the law and act as substitutes for marijuana, especially in states where it is difficult or impossible to purchase marijuana legally.
The DEA’s ruling on the legal status of Delta-8 and Delta- 9 THC-O came following an inquiry from attorney Rod Kight. Kight was not surprised by the ruling and wrote in response:
“I have been concerned about the proliferation of THC acetate ester (THCO) for a while. It has always been my view that THCO is a controlled substance under federal law. Although it can be made from cannabinoids from hemp, THCO is not naturally expressed by the hemp plant. It is a laboratory creation that does not occur in nature, at least not from the hemp plant.”
What Is The Legal Status Of Other Synthetic Cannabinoids?
In this Forbes article, Shane Pennington, counsel at Vicente Sederberg LLP, who focuses on cannabis and hemp regulation, said that the DEA’s determination applies “not only to delta-8 and delta-9 THC-O products but also to other hemp-derived synthetic cannabinoids with intoxicating effects that have emerged in recent years, such as HHC.”
Although other psychoactive cannabinoids such as HHC-P, THC-P, THC-B, Delta-8-THC and Delta-10-THC do exist naturally in extremely small quantities in hemp and cannabis plants, virtually all of the products containing them have been made synthetically. (CBD is extracted from hemp and then converted or synthesized into these other cannabinoids). These products do not explicitly fall under the new Delta-8 THC-O and Delta-9 THC-O decision, but could be subject to it, per Pennington’s explanation of synthetic cannabinoids used to get high.
Furthermore, THC-O and other synthetically-derived cannabinoids have never been tested for safety in human studies. This new study in the Journal of Medical Toxicology raises serious safety concerns abut the inhalation of THC-O. The FDA has also issued health warnings following hundreds of consumer complaints and poison cases involving Delta-8-THC products.
Delta-9-THC Gummies Offer A Natural Alternative
With legal and safety worries around Delta-8 and Delta-9-THC-O and other synthetic cannabinoids, is there a healthy alternative? Yes, Delta-9-THC is the natural form of tetrahydrocannabinol found in both cannabis and hemp plants. Delta-9-THC offers potential benefits for discomfort, soreness, and stress.
If you live in a state with medical or recreational cannabis dispensaries, you can safely purchase Delta-9-THC products that are derived from cannabis.
Across all 50 states, you can also buy legal hemp-derived Delta-9-THC gummies online and have them shipped to your home. Of course, they are only legal if they are derived from hemp, contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, and are not synthetically manufactured. You can tell if they are a natural product because the lab report will show that they contain a full spectrum oil that also has high levels of CBD.
Our full spectrum THC Mood Gummies contain 5mg Delta-9-THC, and, in addition to CBD, also contain high levels of CBC (cannabichromene) for mood improvement. You can also taste the full spectrum hemp oil in our vegan gummies as well as the natural mint and fresh lime flavoring.
Many people find that our hemp-derived THC gummies are preferable to pure cannabis-derived THC products because the CBD, CBC and trace phytocannabinoids in the extract round out the THC. This leads to a more balanced, relaxed feel.
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THC Gummies Packets: 10 gummies for $25
THC Gummies Bottles: 30 gummies for $49