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Delta 8 THC in Virginia: Is It Legal and Where Can I buy in 2021?

Delta 8 THC in Virginia

As of July 1, 2021, possession of marijuana is considered legal in Virginia. Why bother buying or considering delta 8 THC when people can get a medical marijuana card and purchase various Cannabis products? The quick-changing laws and regulations surrounding derived hemp products have made delta 8 THC a great alternative to marijuana. Those who want to use delta 8 THC recreationally will not need a medical marijuana card, and the ease of purchasing delta 8 THC is much more effortless in Virginia. 

However, we still need to know the differences between delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC (Cannabis). In this article, we will discuss the many important questions surrounding the controversial delta 8 THC. 

What is Delta 8 THC?

Most people are aware of delta-9 THC (cannabis), the prominent cannabinoid that gets you high. Recently, a new cannabinoid has been introduced to the market called delta-8 THC, a similar compound to delta-9 THC. The chemical structures between the two can cause some confusion because they both consist of tetrahydrocannabinol. We like to compare delta-8 THC as the sibling to delta-9 THC because of the similar effects that delta-8 THC can produce. When ingesting delta-8, one can experience euphoria, happiness, sleepiness, increased appetite, and much more.

Health benefits of delta 8 THC

Delta 8 is a cannabinoid that can interact with the endocannabinoid receptors of the human body. Receptors such as CB1 and CB2 receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system involved in maintaining balance in the body. This system affects pain, mood, memory, appetite, immune responses, and many other functions. Various research studies on human as well as animal models indicate that delta 8 may help provide the following wellness benefits:

  • Neuroprotective abilities to promote healthy brain
  • may act as an appetite stimulant 
  • May provide antiemetic effects 
  • May offer potent analgesic benefits
  • Antianxiety abilities may improve anxiety

Delta 8 products: natural or synthetic source?

According to Drug Enforcement Agency, any substance that is synthetically produced irrespective of its source – hemp or marijuana- will be considered a Schedule I Controlled Substance.

Although the concentrations of natural Delta 8 in the hemp plant are meager, the plant still produces it, making it a natural compound. Moreover, if it is derived from one of the natural compounds of a plant, then it cannot be called a synthetically produced substance. It is a natural compound.

How to use Delta 8?

The best thing about hemp-derived cannabinoids is that they are available in a variety of products and forms. You can select one of the following products according to your need and preference.

  • delta 8 tinctures

These products usually come with the oil form of Delta 8 along with the dropper. Dropper helps you to consume the precise amount of delta 8. This sublingual method of consumption is very effective and quickly shows its effects.

You have to put a small drop of oil under your tongue, and the capillaries work-absorbing it in the bloodstream.

If you cannot tolerate the bitter taste of Delta 8 THC, edible forms such as Delta 8 gummies would do the trick. Gummies come in a variety of flavors that can successfully mask the taste of the hemp plant.

Edibles gummies may take a while to start showing their effects, but Delta 8 consumed through this method stays for a long time in the body as compared to other products

If you want to experience the effects of Delta 8 instantly, vaping is the best option for you.

However, it would be best to buy from reputable sources and always consult your physician before purchasing any delta 8 product for medicinal use.

Delta 8 vaping and Pact Act

On December 27, 2020, the government passed a Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT act) legislation that covers all ENDS or Electronic Nicotine Delivery System products. Under this Act, the United States Postal Service must impose stringent requirements for online sales and shipping of ENDS products.

The primary purpose is to impose strict rules for tax collection and regulate the collection of taxes paid by online sellers. And to prevent minors from buying vape products or tobacco-related products online illegally, the PACT act tries to establish the best standards for delivering such products.

This Act impacts vape oils and vaporizers containing delta 9, delta 9, CBD, nicotine-free e-liquids, or nicotine e-liquids.

In addition to non-mailing services, The PACT act requires online retailers to;

  • Register with Us Attorney General, state and local tax administrators, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives
  • They must engage in identity verification via a third party for all sales.
  • Online sellers should use private delivery services that verify the buyer’s age at the time of delivery.
  • The sellers must collect and pay proper local and state taxes on the products being sold.
  • The sellers also have to send a monthly report to the tax administrator of the state. This report must include the name, address, and contact information of people receiving and delivering the shipment, brand, and the amount of product shipped.

The legal status of delta 8 in Virginia

The majority of legal experts believe that the possession and sale of delta 8 products are permitted in Virginia. But how?

So it all started in 2018 when President Donald Trump signed a Farm Bill that clearly defined hemp and marijuana: considering them different types of Cannabis Sativa plant. 

According to the Bill, any product made by using hemp or its compounds is legal and can be easily bought, sold, and consumed without any legal hassle. However, all types of products, such as topical vape products under the farm bill, are permitted.

The legal threshold for intoxicating cannabinoid THC 9 is 0.3%. The new law means that the products should not exceed this value of THC 9, or else they would be illegal.

So, where is delta 8 in this scenario?

As already discussed, the Farm Bill specifically mentioned the legal amount of THC 9 in hemp-derived products, including CBD products. We all know that CBD has gained remarkable popularity and demand in recent years because of its therapeutic abilities, inability to cause intoxication, and legal status.

Like most other states, Virginia does not treat delta 8 THC separately, and it follows the federal laws and guidelines for cannabinoids obtained from the hemp plant.

According to these guidelines, all hemp plant products are legal if they don’t contain more than 0.3% of delta 9 THC. Similarly, if delta 8 THC products are also obtained from hemp plants containing less than 0.3 % delta THC, they are legal.

Is delta 10 THC legal?

Just like delta 8 THC, delta 10 THC is also a minor cannabinoid that occurs in significantly less concentration in nature. This cannabinoid is similar to delta 8 as it is less potent than delta 9. It is thought that it gives energy, motivation, and focus. Since it is new and not yet analyzed by lawmakers, it is only “believed” legal federally. However, this cannabinoid complies with the guidelines of the Farm Bill. It is safe to say that it is permitted if it doesn’t contain more than 0.3% THC 9.

Wrap up

In a nutshell, delta 8 THC is legal in Virginia, and its future looks very optimistic. The state still bans the use of marijuana, but we are hopeful that hemp and all kinds of its derivatives will continue to be legal over the following years.