Is Delta-9 Legal in Florida?

What Is Delta-9 THC?

Delta-9 THC is often referred to as THC as it is the most abundantly occurring isomer of Delta THC. The cannabinoid may be found in both marijuana and hemp plants but occurs more abundantly in marijuana plants. Delta-9 THC was the first psychoactive cannabinoid identified in the cannabis plant due to its abundance in the cannabis plant. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp plants cannot contain more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, while the DEA reported roughly 14% Delta-9 THC levels in confiscated marijuana samples in 2019. Many cannabis retailers now sell marijuana strains containing more than 30% Delta-9 THC. It is also possible to find cannabis concentrates and distillates containing up to 90% Delta-9 THC. Such products are highly potent and can cause intoxication even in small doses.

Delta-9 is the cannabinoid responsible for the intoxicating high that cannabis users feel and is commonly used for this recreational purpose. It has therapeutic values in addition to its recreational use, such as its use in managing medical conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, seizures, and cancer. Paranoia, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, hallucinations, and decreased sensory perception are all commonly experienced side effects of Delta-9 THC.

Is Delta-9 Legal in Florida?

Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is legal in Florida. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived products in the United States, provided they do not contain more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Florida also enacted a bill (SB 1020) permitting residents to purchase and use hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products containing the stipulated Delta-9 THC limits under the 2018 Farm Bill.

Floridians registered with the state medical marijuana registry under the Florida medical marijuana program can purchase marijuana-derived Delta-9 products containing up to 0.8% Delta-9 THC within the state’s specified possession limits.

What is the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC?

Delta-8 is an isomer of Delta-9 THC that exists in cannabis in small concentrations. On a molecular level, Delta-8 and Delta-9 are almost identical, but for a slight structural difference. Both cannabinoids have double bonds in their respective carbon chains, but the locations of these bonds are different. As its name indicates, the double bond of Delta-8 is located on the eighth carbon chain. The double bond of Delta-9 is on the ninth carbon chain. This difference in structural configuration alters how the compounds interact with the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and how strongly they bind to the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the ECS, resulting in comparable but distinct user experiences.

Delta-8 produces a less intense and more pleasurable high. A study on Delta-8 THC indicates that compared to Delta-9, its effects are sedative and not as potent. Some anecdotal information suggests Delta-8’s effects lie between CBD and Delta-9, resulting in a clear-headed body high without a "heavy" sensation. However, the effects experienced by a user often depend on the dose and potency of the Delta-8 product taken.

Delta-8 THC may induce side effects comparable to those of Delta-9, including anxiety, agitation, paranoia, enhanced self-awareness, and sickness. However, a higher dosage is usually required for adverse effects to manifest than with Delta-9.

Delta-8 THC products are much more available than Delta-9 THC because Delta-8 derived from hemp is legal pursuant to the 2018 Farm Bill. Hence, Delta-8 is federally legal, not included on the controlled substances list, and accessible in many states in the United States. Delta-9 products are only available in states that have legalized cannabis for medicinal or recreational use.

Delta-9 vs Delta-10

Delta-9 and Delta-10 THC are isomers, which means they have the same chemical formula but vary slightly in structure. Specifically, a double bond occurs in a different position in Delta-10 THC, on the tenth carbon in its carbon chain instead of the ninth (Delta-9 THC). Unlike Delta-9 THC, which occurs naturally in large quantities in cannabis plants, Delta-10 THC occurs in trace concentrations, particularly in hemp plants. As a result, Delta-10 THC must be extracted in a carefully regulated environment to get any usable amounts of the cannabinoid.

The variations in the chemical structures of Delta-9 and Delta-10 THC result in differing effect profiles in users. Both Delta-9 and Delta-10 THC are psychoactive, but the nature of the "high" produced by each compound differs. Delta-9 THC's effects vary in small to medium doses, with most users experiencing calming effects. Higher doses of Delta-9 THC are more stimulating and induce an intoxicating high. By contrast, Delta-10 THC induces a lesser calming effect but produces energizing effects, which users have reported led to increased productivity.

Many cannabis users, especially first-time users, prefer Delta-10 THC as it has a much lower impact on “headspace” than Delta-9 THC. Hence, they can experience a mild high while still maintaining the ability to complete demanding tasks. Due to its derivation from hemp plants, Delta-10 THC enjoys a less restrictive status than Delta-9 THC. Delta-10 is federally legal as long it contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC and is derived from hemp plants.

How Long Does Delta-9 Stay in Your System?

The effects of Delta-9 THC, or the high it induces, are often short-lived, but the metabolites of the cannabinoid may linger in the body for weeks or even months after ingestion. The time it takes for marijuana to be broken down and eliminated from the body varies from a few hours to 90 days after consumption, depending on various factors. These factors include:

• Dose: The higher the Delta-9 THC dose consumed, the longer it takes for the body to break down the compound and eliminate its metabolites
• Frequency of Use: The duration and frequency of use significantly impact how long marijuana will remain in your system. Generally, chronic Delta-9 users retain THC in their systems far longer than infrequent or even occasional users
• Fat: Some Delta-9 THC metabolites are fat-soluble and therefore attach to fat molecules in the body, where they can be stored for extended periods. Similarly, exercising can impact the detectable levels of THC metabolites in the body. When Delta-9 users burn fat, dormant THC metabolites can be released back into the blood
• Metabolism: Individuals with faster metabolism break down Delta-9 THC at faster rates, shortening the period that THC and its metabolites remain detectable in the body

Blood, urine, saliva, and hair follicle tests are all examples of drug tests that may be used to detect Delta-9 THC. These tests are typically designed to detect THC metabolites and are not sophisticated enough to differentiate between THC isomers. Hence, regardless of the Delta THC product consumed, drug tests may return positive if the metabolites have not been completely eliminated from the system.

Where Can I Find Delta-9 Gummies in Florida?

Hemp-compliant Delta-9 edibles, including Delta-9 gummies, are legal in Florida as long they do not contain more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Delta-9 gummies are safe for consumption and can be purchased from hemp shops, convenience stores, and other cannabis shops in the state. A medical marijuana (MMJ) card is not required to buy hemp-derived Delta-9 gummies in Florida. If a cannabis store is not located near your residence, you can order Delta-9 gummies from credible online vendors. Purchasing Delta-9 gummies online allows you to read reviews, check products' third-party test results, and compare different brands and flavors.