Delta 8 THC is a form of cannabis that has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential health benefits and milder psychoactive effects compared to Delta 9 THC, the main compound in marijuana.
But what is Delta 8 THC, and how is it derived? And more importantly, is it legal to consume or travel with Delta 8 THC in Illinois?
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 THC is one of the many cannabinoids, or chemical compounds, found in the cannabis plant. It is similar to Delta 9 THC, but it has a slightly different molecular structure that makes it less potent and more stable. Delta 8 THC can be found naturally in small amounts in some cannabis strains, but it is usually produced synthetically from hemp, which is a type of cannabis that contains less than 0.3% of Delta 9 THC.
Hemp-derived Delta 8 THC is made by extracting CBD, another cannabinoid, from hemp and then converting it into Delta 8 THC using a chemical process called isomerization. This process involves exposing CBD to an acid and a solvent, rearranging the atoms in the CBD molecule, and creating Delta 8 THC. The resulting Delta 8 THC is then purified and infused into various products, such as oils, gummies, vapes, and tinctures.
The main difference between marijuana-derived and hemp-derived Delta 8 THC is the source of the CBD that is used to make it. Marijuana-derived Delta 8 THC is made from CBD that comes from marijuana plants, which have higher levels of Delta 9 THC and other cannabinoids.
Hemp-derived Delta 8 THC is made from CBD that comes from hemp plants, which have lower levels of Delta 9 THC and other cannabinoids. However, both types of Delta 8 THC have the same chemical structure and effects, and both are subject to the same legal regulations.
Can You Consume Delta 8 THC in Illinois?
Yes. Delta-8 THC is legal in the Land of Lincoln, offering residents a pathway to explore this alternative cannabinoid.
While Illinois lacks specific laws addressing Delta-8 THC, the legal framework stems from the Illinois Industrial Hemp Act of 2018. This legislation paved the way for the legalization of hemp-derived CBD products, including Delta-8 THC.
To be within the bounds of the law, these products must contain no more than 0.3% THC. This aligns with the federal guidelines outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill, allowing residents to freely ship hemp-derived Delta-8 products into and out of the state.
The pivotal distinction lies in the source of Delta-8 THC. As a derivative of hemp rather than marijuana, Delta-8 THC remains legal and unregulated at the federal level. The 2018 Farm Bill played a pivotal role in this, ushering in an era where hemp became a versatile resource, finding applications in textiles, medicine, and, somewhat inadvertently, intoxicants.
However, the legal landscape in Illinois becomes even more intriguing when considering Delta-8 THC products derived from marijuana. The state's Adult-Use Cannabis Law, effective from 2020 onwards, empowers residents aged 21 and older to purchase marijuana products from licensed dispensaries. These dispensaries, approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), often offer Delta-8 THC through both online platforms and physical storefronts.
It's crucial to note that while marijuana-derived Delta-8 THC is legal within Illinois, the prohibition on shipping marijuana products across state lines remains in effect throughout the United States. This underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to both state and federal regulations to ensure a seamless and legally compliant experience for consumers.
Can You Travel with Delta 8 THC to Illinois?
Traveling with Delta 8 THC to Illinois may also pose some challenges and risks, as Delta 8 THC is not legal in all states or countries. Delta 8 THC is illegal or restricted in some states and countries, meaning that you have to consider the legality of the product in the place you’re coming from or passing through on your way to Illinois.
Therefore, if you plan to travel with Delta 8 THC to Illinois, you should check the laws of the state or country you are traveling from and make sure you comply with them.
Where Can I Get Delta-8 THC in Illinois?
You can only get Delta-8 products through licensed dispensaries and distributors in Illinois. This means that it can be illegal to purchase them from unlicensed sources. Furthermore, the quality of the product also comes into question, meaning you have to ensure that the Delta-8 distributor is well-licensed to sell them.
Distributors like Elyxr can get you the right Delta-8 product based on your various needs, with added convenience as you get the products delivered right to your doorstep.