Is Delta 8 Legal in kentucky?
If you are familiar with other common cannabis products, like cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC), you may wonder what delta-8 THC is. Like delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC is an intoxicating cannabinoid with psychoactive effects. Unfortunately, like delta-9 THC, not all states have legalized the use of delta-8 THC. Because of this, if you like Kentucky, you may wonder if you can buy delta-8 THC products.
But what exactly is this product, and is delta 8 legal in Kentucky? In this article, we will address what delta-8 THC is, how it differs from other cannabinoid products, and whether or not it is legal in Kentucky.
What Is Delta-8?
Over a hundred different types of cannabinoids are found in the cannabis sativa plants. Delta-8 THC is one of these cannabinoids. However, delta-8 is not present in these plants at significant levels, so, according to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), concentrated amounts of this substance are usually manufactured from hemp-derived CBD. Delta-8 THC products have also, at this time, not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use.
A lot of times, delta-8 THC is thought of as the “nice, younger sibling” of delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC is chemically similar to the intoxicating delta-9 THC but is less potent. Therefore, it is possible that delta-8 THC can provide many of the experimental benefits of delta-9 THC — such as pain relief and relaxation — but without as many side effects or adverse reactions.
How Does Delta-8 Compare to Other Cannabinoid Products?
While there are many different cannabinoid products, the three most common ones today are CBD, delta-9 THC, and delta-8 THC. So, how does delta-8 compare to these other two popular cannabinoids?
Delta-9 THC
As we mentioned above, a lot of times, delta-8 THC is thought to be a less potent version of delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC is the main active compound that creates the “high” associated with this substance. According to federal law, delta-9 THC is illegal, but some states have passed their own laws legalizing it.
Delta-9 THC is known for producing a state of euphoria and a number of less pleasant side effects. Some of these include panic attacks and an impaired ability to perform mentally. However, because delta-8 THC can be described as a less potent variation of delta-9 THC, it may be able to produce similar effects with less intense side effects.
CBD
The other common cannabinoid is CBD. Unlike delta-9 THC and delta-8 THC, CBD does not cause a feeling of euphoria or “high” when used. Many claim that CBD can provide many of the same benefits as delta-9 THC or delta-8 THC, just without the “high.” More research is needed to validate this claim, but a growing body of research dives into some of the benefits of this compound. Some possible benefits of CBD are relief from chronic pain and symptoms of depression and anxiety.
All the cannabinoids mentioned (and the rest from the cannabis sativa plant) interact with our bodies through the endocannabinoid system. This system is a part of our body’s neurological system and helps to control pain regulation and inflammation. Basically, the active constituents of the cannabinoids bind themselves to our body’s endocannabinoid receptors, affecting our system. These receptors are located all over the body in our brain, cardiac, gastrointestinal, muscular, and reproductive systems.
Is Delta 8 Legal in Kentucky?
Now that we have thoroughly gone over what delta-8 THC is, you may wonder, is delta-8 THC legal in Kentucky? Truthfully, delta-8 THC has had a relatively rocky situation as far as legalization goes in Kentucky. There have been quite a few times when the drug has been legal only for another piece of legislation to pass that declares it illegal.
Because of this confusing history, it is no surprise that you may be wondering about the legal status of delta-8 THC products. We will dive into this complicated history below, but before we do, if you are just looking for a quick answer to the question above, the answer is yes.
As of August 3, 2022, delta-8 THC products and production are legal in the state of Kentucky.
The Legislative History of Delta 8 in Kentucky
Now, for those of you who may be interested in the complicated legalization history of delta-8 THC in Kentucky, this section is for you. So get ready for an exciting ride.
2018
In 2018, the federal government signed the Agriculture Improvement Act (Farm Bill) into law. The Farm bill removed hemp from the Federal Controlled Substances Act. It also legalized hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids, derivatives, terpenes, isomers, and salts across the United States. Kentucky aligned its hemp laws with this amendment during this same year.
2020
When delta-8 THC’s federal legality was questioned, Kentucky and 17 other states reconsidered their stance on the substance.
2021
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture issued a memo labeling delta-8 as a controlled substance and prohibiting it in the state in April 2021. This memo caused outrage among delta-8 vendors already operating within state borders.
Many vendors experienced police raids, leading to the Kentucky Hemp Association suing the state and requesting a temporary injunction. The injunction was granted, and delta-8 THC remained temporarily legal while new legislation to ban the substance was shot down.
2022
On August 3, 2022, Boone Circuit Judge Rick Brueggemann declared delta-8 THC as a legal derivative of hemp. Additionally, Judge Brueggemann issued a permanent injunction against law enforcement regarding delta-8. This prevents law enforcement officials from charging retailers or producers with criminal activity for producing or selling delta-8 THC.
Where to Buy Delta 8 in Kentucky?
Since delta-8 THC products are once again legal in Kentucky, you may be wondering where you can buy them. You can find delta-8 THC products in local retailers that sell these products, or you can opt to purchase your delta-8 products online. Both of these approaches have their own benefits.
Realistically, where you purchase your delta-8 THC products is up to you, but online stores can often be more convenient and offer a wider variety of products. For example, if you are looking for a wide variety of delta-8 products, you can find a variety of inhalables, edibles, concentrates, and creams at SW Distro.
Conclusion
While delta-8 THC is not as potent as delta-9 THC, it can still provide you with a world of fun and potentially help you relieve chronic pain or anxiety symptoms. Now that we have answered the question “Is delta 8 legal in Kentucky?”, you can feel free to enjoy the benefits of delta-8 THC in any way you prefer.
Whether you are looking to try delta-8 THC for the first time or you are looking for a new favorite delta-8 product, SW Distro has something for you. Check out our selection of delta-8 products today!
