Is Delta-8 Legal in Florida?

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, also called Delta-8 THC, is a psychoactive chemical found in the Cannabis sativa plant, including marijuana and hemp. It is one of over a hundred cannabinoids naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. However, Delta-8 THC only occurs in trace amounts in cannabis plants. Due to its occurrence in limited quantities, cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp is usually used to make concentrated amounts of Delta-8 THC.

There is currently insufficient research on how Delta-8 impacts consumers' health. However, this THC is used in addition to prescription drugs to help with depression. Delta-8 may also be used to:

• Calm nausea
• Boost appetite
• Help ease pain
• Boost mental health
• Prevent vomiting during cancer treatments

Commonly reported side effects of Delta-8 THC include: 

• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Drowsiness
• Bradycardia (Slow heart rate)
• Numbness
• Tachycardia (Fast heart rate)
• Hypotension (Low blood pressure)

Is Delta-8 Legal in Florida?

Yes. Upon enacting the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products, including hemp-derived Delta-8 THC products, became legal in the United States. In order for hemp to be federally compliant, it must contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.  

Following up on the 2018 Farm Bill, the Florida legislature passed SB 1020, which removed all hemp derivatives and cannabinoids from the list of prohibited substances under the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. SB 1020 legalized the sale and use of hemp-derived Delta-8 THC products in the state. Note that any Delta-8 THC produced from marijuana remains illegal in the state. Floridians may also travel with Delta-8 THC products, provided these are derived from federally compliant hemp.

Delta-8 vs Delta-9

Delta-8 THC is a chemical compound typically made by extracting CBD from hemp plants. This THC isomer affects the brain similarly to Delta-9 THC. In all its isomeric forms, THC possesses varying degrees of psychoactive impacts on users. The molecular structure of THC is similar to that of a neurochemical called anandamide. Neurons in the brain naturally release anandamide to communicate with other neurons. Due to the similarity in their structures, THC readily binds with anandamide receptors to produce psychoactive effects. THC interferes with anandamide functions and produces effects involving changes in time perception, pleasure, and memory.

Although Delta-8 THC binds to anandamide receptors in the brain, it has less affinity binding to these receptors in comparison to Delta-9 THC. Hence, the psychoactive effects of Delta-8 THC are milder than that of Delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC’s psychoactive effects are about half as strong as Delta-9's. After use, Delta-8 users may experience euphoria, bliss, or upliftment similar to the effects of low doses of Delta-9 THC.

Delta-9 stimulates appetite and can help persons with eating disorders, such as individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa. By contrast, Delta-8 THC is suggested to be even more of an appetite stimulant than Delta-9 THC. In addition, low to moderate doses of Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC help users alleviate stress and anxiety. Also, both cannabinoids may be used as natural sleep aids.

Delta-9 THC is classified as a Schedule I Substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Also, under the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabis plants or products containing more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight are prohibited under federal law. Delta-8 THC is federally legal when obtained from hemp plants containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC but prohibited if produced synthetically, even from legal hemp sources.

Delta-8 vs Delta-10

Delta-8 and Delta-10 are isomers of the more commonly known Delta-9 THC. Both Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body and impact the functioning of this system. The ECS is essential for maintaining homeostasis, the internal physiological and chemical balance between the brain and body. In order to interact with the ECS, Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC bind to the CB1 receptors located in the brain. Although both THC isomers also bind to CB2 receptors, Delta-10's binding with the CB2 receptor is not yet fully understood, owing to its recent discovery.

Delta-8 THC is derived from hemp plants. However, it occurs in limited quantities in the majority of hemp cultivars. In order to make its manufacturing financially feasible, businesses often derive Delta-8 THC by concentrating CBD from hemp using a chemical conversion process known as isomerization. Cannabis contains only trace amounts of Delta-10 THC, making it difficult to extract from the plant. Typically, businesses use raw hemp extracts or CBD isolates to produce Delta-10.

Delta-8 THC produces a light, uplifting high. In addition to a mild buzz, users may experience feelings of relaxation and increased appetite. Delta-10 THC delivers a milder high than Delta-8 THC. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Delta-10 mimics the effects of Sativa strains, whereas Delta-8 mirrors the effect of Indica strains. Delta-10 has a lower sedative effect than Delta-8 and a more substantial stimulating effect.

How Long Does Delta-8 Stay in the Body?

Delta-8 THC may remain in detectable amounts in the blood or urine for 2-30 days. Several factors may influence the period taken for Delta-8 to completely exit your system. Tests performed on hair follicles can detect Delta-8 THC in the body for up to 90 days. However, hair follicle tests are not considered reliable.

The length of time that Delta-8 THC will remain in your system is dependent on the following factors:

• Use frequency: The more you use Delta-8 THC products, the longer its metabolites remain in your body
• Age: Young persons tend to metabolize THC more quickly than individuals of older age.  Therefore, the test result for an older person who has taken the same dose as a younger adult may be positive while the younger person's result returns negative
• Consumption Method: Inhaled forms of Delta-8 THC tend to leave THC metabolites in the body in the shortest period compared to other forms of the cannabinoid
• Metabolic Rate: Persons with faster metabolisms will eliminate Delta-8 THC metabolites more quickly from their systems than individuals with slower metabolic rates
• Dosage: The higher the Delta-8 THC dosage consumed, the longer it will take for the substance to be eliminated from the body
• Interactions with other Medications: The breakdown of Delta-8 THC may be affected by certain medications taken by users. Some medications and supplements may hinder the body's breakdown of THC. Consuming such medications will increase the period required to flush out THC metabolites from the body

Does Delta-8 Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes. Delta-8 THC can show up on a drug test if metabolites of the compound have not been entirely eliminated from the body. Although most drug tests are designed to detect Delta-9 THC in the body, they are usually unable to differentiate between Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC metabolites. Also, many Delta-8 products contain higher levels of Delta-9 THC than indicated on their labels. Hence, it is recommended to avoid Delta-8 THC products if you are scheduled to undertake a drug test soon.

Where to Buy Delta-8 in Florida

Delta-8 products are available in vape shops, dispensaries, and convenience stores. However, shopping online usually offers buyers cheaper and wider ranges of products. By purchasing online, you can buy directly from the manufacturers, review products, and check third-party test results to ensure you are not getting adulterated products.

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