Most people are familiar with what delta-9 THC is — and even how illegal it is federally. But, if THC is so strictly regulated, how is it legal to buy delta-9 products online?
We know you’ve seen the products, and we know you have questions. And don’t worry: you’re not the only one confused about the legality surrounding buying D9 online.
Here, Elevate Holistics will give you the rundown on the 2018 Farm Bill loophole, explain how buying certain delta-9 products online is legal, and tell you where to look to purchase these products — safely. Let’s get into the fine print.
Understanding the 2018 Farm Bill and Hemp
The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp cultivation in the United States, creating landmark changes in the industry as a whole.
The law removed hemp (cannabis with no more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC) and hemp derivatives from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act, allowing for farmers to now grow and produce hemp for sale and consumption.
This act essentially allows all hemp-derived cannabinoids that follow the THC limit to be legal under federal law; thus, you’re able to buy these products readily online.
So, when you go to buy delta-9 products online, these products have to follow the guidelines of the 2018 Farm Bill in order for them to be legal.
However, one of the biggest loopholes in the 2018 Farm Bill comes from the language surrounding the THC cap. The bill states that products cannot contain more than 0.3% by weight. The addition of the “by weight” at the end of the percentage changes absolutely everything about what this means for products, allowing for far more than just 0.3% THC (as long as it’s not more than that weight-wise, though).
So, let’s keep this in mind when we go into the next section: how is it legal to buy delta-9 products online?
How is it Legal to Buy Delta-9 Products Online?
If the cannabinoid is federally illegal, how is it possible to buy delta-9 products online? Well, that all comes down to the loophole and the specific language in the Farm Bill.
The Farm Bill didn’t just legalize cannabinoids like CBD; instead, it legalized all hemp-derived cannabinoids that contain 0.3% THC or less. This means that cannabinoids such as CBG, delta-8 THC, and even delta-9 THC are legal as long as they come from hemp.
With delta-9 products, it is tricky since manufacturers have to be extra careful about how much THC is going into the products, guaranteeing it abides by federal law. However, this is very doable, and many companies have begun perfecting their hemp-derived, federally permitted delta-9 THC products.
Does this mean you can buy delta-9 products online and have it shipped to your place anywhere in the US? Not exactly.
Even though these products follow federal guidelines, many states have placed bans on hemp-derived THC or THC isomers, making them illegal in various places around the country. So, just because you can find delta 9 online, doesn’t mean you can necessarily buy delta-9 products online and have them shipped to you. Many websites simply will not deliver to areas where the cannabinoid isn’t permitted.
However, if you are lucky enough to live in a state that hasn’t regulated hemp-derived THC, then you can absolutely find D9 products on the Internet and have them sent to your doorstep — and it’s completely legal.
LEARN MORE: What is Delta-8 THC? | Is Delta-8 Legal in Your State?
Where Can You Buy Delta 9 THC?
If you’re looking to buy delta-9 THC, you have to consider what kind of D9 you’re wanting to buy before determining where to actually purchase it.
If you want to purchase marijuana-derived delta-9 THC that doesn’t have THC caps, then you’ll find these products at your local dispensary in states that have legalized the plant. You will only be able to buy these products if you have a medical marijuana card or are at least 21 years old and live in a place that has legalized cannabis recreationally.
In the event that the state you live in hasn’t legalized cannabis, then your next bet is to purchase hemp-derived delta-9 THC.
Can You Buy Delta 9 Online?
Can you buy delta-9 products online? If a cannabis product containing delta-9 THC complies with federal law, it is legal for retailers to sell online and ship to your home. When it comes to purchasing delta-9 products online, there are a plethora of retailers. However, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research before making a purchase.
Consumers should look for credible retailers that boast a COA from third-party testing. Online shoppers should also prioritize trusted online retailers with a history of selling CBD, hemp, or other cannabis products.
Due to federal restrictions, some retailers cannot ship products containing delta-9 to the following states:
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- Idaho
- Kansas
- Oregon
- Wyoming
- Arizona
- Georgia
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
However, these regulations change frequently, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the regulations in your area regarding delta-9 THC, as well as other hemp-derived THC cannabinoids and THC isomers.
What Types of Delta-9 Products Should I Look For?
Hemp-derived delta-9 products are likely to contain much higher levels of CBD than traditional cannabis products.
CBD can act as a buffer for THC’s psychoactive effects, which can be wanted or unwanted, depending on the consumer. From a wellness standpoint, the mix of THC and CBD is considered beneficial.
For a therapeutic experience, we suggest consumers look for “full-spectrum” cannabis products. Full-spectrum products contain all parts of the cannabis plant, like THC, CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes.
According to the entourage effect, the cannabis compounds synergistically work together to produce maximum medicinal benefits and a more well-rounded experience.
Even at low doses – doses unlikely to produce psychoactive effects – delta-9 THC is a beneficial component in cannabis products. Delta-9 THC helps your cannabinoid receptors bind to other therapeutic cannabinoids, helping each cannabinoid do its job to treat your body’s mental, physical, or spiritual ailments.
If you can’t consume any THC, “broad-spectrum” cannabis products that contain no THC are the next best option.
Elevate Your High With a Medical Dose of THC
While federal lawmakers haven’t pulled in the reins just yet regarding the 2018 Farm Bill loophole, it’s bound to happen at some point.
The DEA is already coming out to say that THC isomers like delta-8 THC and THC-O are not covered by the 2018 Farm Bill, making them controlled substances.
Unfortunately, there’s no saying that this won’t happen to hemp-derived delta-9 THC, as well.
So, to stay medicated legally (and have access to higher levels of delta-9 THC), it’s time to get your medical marijuana card.
When you have a medical marijuana card, you gain access to legal cannabis products of all types, and you don’t have to worry about sticking within THC percentages.
Plus, MMJ cardholders save money at recreational dispensaries, so even if weed is legal in your area, you won’t get the same benefits as you would with medical cannabis if you just stick to adult use.
While being able to buy delta-9 products online can be great for those who cannot access cannabis, it leaves room for too much risk within the gray areas of the cannabis world.
Thus, having your medical card is the best, safest way to enjoy delta-9 THC completely legally.
If you don’t have your MMJ card but are interested in getting one, you’re in luck! At Elevate Holistics, we virtually connect patients with certified MMJ doctors for medical marijuana card approval.
Our MMJ card process is 100% online, straightforward, secure, and trusted by over 70,000 patients. We’re here to help you.
