In 1991, Louisiana policymakers legalized medical marijuana use in the state. Last year, it was recognized as a safe and effective treatment for any debilitating medical condition.
But there are still people in the state that just are not comfortable using marijuana because it is still federally illegal. Because of this disconnect, savvy entrepreneurs developed more ways to bring marijuana products to consumers in need. One of these ways is through the product delta-8 THC.
What makes delta-8 so controversial is that there are no regulations surrounding this product. So basically when you consume it, you have no idea what you are actually consuming. With a medical marijuana card, you can go to a dispensary (also known as a pharmacy) which is legally bound to provide high quality marijuana products. Since delta-8 can be purchased without a card, it lies outside of those restrictions.
A lot of people have been excited about using delta-8 but really don’t know much about it at all. So today we will be giving you the answers to all your questions regarding delta-8!
What is delta-8?
Many people are simply just not sure what delta-8 is, even if they consume it! Delta-8 is a chemical compound in marijuana that is similar to the traditional delta-9 THC compound.
When you hear of THC in marijuana products, what is being referred to is delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC is the compound in marijuana that makes you feel the psychoactive effect or the “high”. Delta-8 is a different compound altogether but is similar to THC and causes similar effects in the body.
For clarity, in this article we will be referring to delta-9 THC as just THC and delta-8 THC as delta-8.
Why is Delta-8 Controversial?
Delta-8 has come with a lot of controversy because the legality of it is a bit clouded.
Delta-8 can be extracted from hemp plants. Hemp plants can be grown legally in the U.S. since 2018.This is because hemp plants, which are in the same family as marijuana plants, contain less than 0.3% THC whereas marijuana plants contain over 0.3% THC.
Since delta-8 can be extracted from hemp, it is technically legal where THC extracted from marijuana plants can still be illegal in some states or only medically legal. But since not much is known about delta-8 some states have made it illegal even though it is a hemp product.
Can Delta-8 Make You High?
THC in medical marijuana products is the compound that produces the psychoactive effect; this is the compound that makes you feel “high.” CBD is the sister compound in marijuana that does not have psychoactive effects. Both of these popular marijuana compounds can aid debilitating medical conditions.
Delta-8 on the other hand is different from THC since it has a different placement of a single double bond. Although we are not sure of the medicinal properties of delta-8, most who use it agree that it does in fact produce a psychoactive effect.
Because delta-8 is extracted from hemp and not marijuana, companies have branded it as a less potent version of THC. This is a cheap marketing tactic that has made delta-8 appear gentler than THC since it is fully legal in some states. But there is an easy work around to this. Just upping the dosage will increase the effects!
Since delta-8 is easily accessible, many increase the dosage since it is branded as “gentler” than THC and are not happy with the results. If you are trying delta-8 for the first time, we suggest starting low and slow just like with any other marijuana product on the market.
Is Delta-8 illegal in some states?
Delta-8 has become popular because it is the closest thing to THC found in marijuana products that can be purchased without a medical marijuana card. But, as we mentioned before, a lot of users are overconsuming delta-8 which has been associated with intense panic attacks and even hospitalization! Because of this, delta-8 has been made illegal in some states.
Just because something is readily available and easily accessible does not mean that it is safe to use. Even states with progressive marijuana laws have prohibited the use of delta-8! Among these states are:
Colorado
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Delaware
Idaho
Iowa
Mississippi
Montana
Rhode Island
Washington
Utah
Vermont
Even though Louisiana is not on this list, it is possible that this could change in the future.
Is Delta-8 More Popular Because it is Easy to Extract?
This seems like it would be the case but it actually is not.
Small amount of delta-8 can be found within all marijuana varieties naturally but the concentrations are very low. This makes it more difficult to extra in comparison to THC and CBD which are more plentiful.
Delta-8 is only growing in popularity because people are seeing it as a legal work around to getting the benefits of THC, even though they are not.
Because delta-8 is concentrated in such small amounts it is synthesized from hemp-derived CBD. This means that delta-8 is not directly made into gummies, capsules or tinctures. Since hemp and hemp-derived products are legal in the U.S., delta-8 can be synthesized with CBD as long as it is hemp-derived.
Can I Use Delta-8 to Pass a Drug Test?
THC is THC. So although delta-8 is different from traditional THC found in marijuana, it will still show up on a drug test. If you believe that you are going to be drug tested for work, it is best to stay away from marijuana products and delta-8 altogether!
What is the Most Popular Way to Consume Delta-8 Products?
If you are still interested in delta-8 products, then go ahead and give it a try!
Since delta-8 is in such low quantities in marijuana and hemp, there isn’t enough to give you that psychoactive effect that you are clearly looking for. So vape cartridges and gummies are going to be your best bet for consumption.
Remember, start low and slow just like with any marijuana or hemp product. Everyone has a different reaction to marijuana products so this is the best way to avoid an uncomfortable “high.”
Final Thoughts
If you are trying delta-8 to help aid a medical condition, you’re in luck! You can skip this step and head straight to the medical marijuana program in Louisiana for assistance. Any medical condition could potentially qualify you for treatment.
Delta-8 is not the only solution for you. It is also not the safest or most effective. At Louisiana Marijuana Card, we will help you every step of the way to getting your medical marijuana card!
You deserve safe, effective relief and connecting with us is the first step.
Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.
At Louisiana Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (833) 253-2943, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Louisiana Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Louisiana!