As federal and state governments are remodeling their stance on marijuana, Delta 8 has become a relatively popular substance. While Delta 8 may not be legal in all states, it is legal in the state of Missouri and other states may follow suit.
That can mean a long process of bureaucracy and red tape before such substances are legal throughout the United States. Thankfully, Delta 8 is legal in Missouri and others (see also “Is Delta 8 Legal In Indiana?“), mainly due to a legal definition from how it is derived.
In this guide, we will look at whether Delta 8 is legal in the state of Missouri. We will also look at what Delta 8 is, and the difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9.
Is Delta 8 Legal In The State Of Missouri?
You may be pleased to know that Delta 8, and several other products derived from hemp, are legal in Missouri. This legalization has mainly come from the Farm Bill of 2018 which provided a legal definition of marijuana and hemp.
Though the two substances are closely related, the bill distinguished them on a legal basis and created the only cannabis products which are federally legal.
Cannabis plants are classified as marijuana if they contain over 0.3% THC but if they have less than 0.3% THC then they will be classified as hemp.
The House Bill 2034 also gave Delta 8 more solid legal protection as it legalized hemp and the compounds derived from hemp. That makes the possession, use, sale, purchase, distribution, and production of Delta 8 totally legal in Missouri.
The classification also removed the tetrahydrocannabinol from Missouri’s list of controlled substances. While recreational marijuana remains illegal, the state’s stance on Delta 8 may change things, though legislation can always shift both ways.
What Is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is known as a cannabinoid that is derived from hemp that has been legal (see also “Is Delta 8 Legal In South Carolina?“) in Missouri since 2021 after the passing of House Bill 2034.
That specific method of production helps its legal status in various states according to federal legislation, including the state of Missouri. This is important to recall as Delta 8 has become popular, particularly in states where the use of marijuana is still illegal.
The Difference Between Delta 8 And Delta 9 THC
The two substances may only differ by a single incremental number yet there are more telling differences. Delta 8 is derived from CBD and legal hemp which has a total THC percentage below 0.3%.
However, Delta 9 is increasingly more potent, largely because the compound is made of marijuana plants which have a higher THC percentage, certainly higher than 0.3%.
Though both are known as tetrahydrocannabinols, and both are psychoactive molecules, they can produce varying effects. That’s because the chemical structure of both tetrahydrocannabinols is pretty much identical, apart from where the double bonds are.
On a Delta 8 molecule, the double bond is on the eighth carbon atom whereas on the Delta 9 molecule, that double bond is on the ninth carbon atom.
The positioning of the double bond means that Delta 8 has milder effects including less paranoia and anxiousness.
In Which Other States Is Delta 8 Considered Legal?
Missouri is not the only state that considers Delta 8 to be legal. Delta 8, and other hemp-derived products, are legal in the states of Wyoming, Wisconsin, Tennessee, South Dakota, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Oklahoma.
The tetrahydrocannabinol is also legal in the states of New Mexico, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Nebraska, Mississippi (though some online retailers do not ship there which is confusing).
The states of Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Louisiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Alabama, Kansas, and Indiana (though not smokable products) also consider Delta 8 to be legal.
The substance is also legal in West Virginia but it is not yet on the state’s controlled substances list and in Virginia it is legal except for food and drink that contain it.
Delta 8 is legal in Hawaii, except for products which are inhalable and edible, Georgia, Florida, Connecticut, and Arkansas. The substance is also legal in the state of California but it is highly restricted.
Final Thoughts
Some states still consider Delta 8 to be an illegal substance, mainly due to their stance on marijuana. The use of Delta 8 is illegal in states including Washington, Vermont, Utah, Rhode Island, Oregon, Arizona, Alaska, North Dakota, and New York.
Delta 8 is also illegal in Nevada, Montana, Minnesota, Iowa, Idaho, Colorado, and Delaware. It is also illegal to sell Delta 8 in Michigan, just as it is for recreational cannabis in the state (see also “What Gas Stations Sell Delta 8?“).
States like Missouri have taken a more open stance on substances that provide a mellow high. With the appropriate dosage, the use of Delta 8 will be pleasurable and relatively safe.
Over time, it is possible that more states will follow Missouri and legalize the substance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I Need A Medical Card To Order Delta 8 In Missouri?
According to current legislation, you only require a medical card and a medical license to buy marijuana in Missouri. Cardholders can order up to four ounces of marijuana which is unaltered and has a THC limit exceeding 0.3%.
This regulation is for every 30-day period, after which an individual would be able to order the same amount again. For Delta 8, the process is a little easier as Missouri does not require the provision of a medical card to purchase it, or any other CBD derivative.
There is also no minimum age requirement, in Missouri, for purchasing CBD. As Delta 8 is known to fall under the same known restrictions as CBD, the rules apply just the same.
However, certain manufacturers have decided to implement a requirement for a minimum age restriction when purchasing Delta 8 or CBD products.
How Can You Use Delta 8?
There are several different ways you can use Delta 8 as a tetrahydrocannabinol. This is a relatively versatile product that can be smoked or vaped. The substance can be consumed as edibles or gummies, or even as infused tinctures.
Delta 8 can be found as topical lotions, oils, and sprays yet each method should be dosed correctly as it can be stronger than CBD.
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