Can You Buy Delta-8 Without a Medical Card?

A few years ago, you had to have a medical card or live in a certain state to enjoy any form of cannabis. Now, hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal on a federal level, meaning you can find various THC gummies and vapes for sale online and in stores!

Although state laws vary, Delta-8 THC is one of the hemp-derived compounds you'll find around the country. But do you need to have a medical card to buy Delta-8 products? Not at all!

If you're wondering how this is possible, you've come to the right place. Read on to learn the differences between hemp and marijuana, what Delta-8 is, how it's legal, and why you don't need a medical card to buy it.

Let’s address the elephant in the room... how can you buy a psychoactive cannabinoid like Delta-8 without a medical card?

First off, Delta-8 is not "weed." Delta-8 THC is one of many naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis. However, the Delta-8 you'll find infused in Delta-8 gummies or Delta-8 tinctures comes from hemp, not marijuana. In other words, it's a hemp-derived cannabinoid, which means it's federally legal.

Just keep in mind that state laws vary for Delta-8, with some local governments putting restrictions or bans on it. 

Now, if you're new to hemp products, this may be a bit confusing, so let us briefly explain. Hemp and marijuana are two sides of the same coin- cannabis. The only difference is the concentration of Delta-9 THC in the plant. Hemp contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, whereas marijuana contains any concentration greater than this. Hemp is federally legal, marijuana is federally illegal.

Legal hemp products are not a new concept by any means. In fact, hemp used to be one of the leading crops back during the colonial era, but after a series of unfortunate events, marijuana was banned, along with hemp. What was once a versatile crop used for various items was abolished and forgotten.

It took years until hemp was finally introduced back into society and eventually, the 2018 Farm Bill was passed. Before this legislation, only a few states had legalized hemp, but once federal law passed this bill, everything changed. Hemp is now not only federally legal, it is seen as an agricultural commodity, allowing it to be produced, and sold for an array of different purposes. Under this law, all hemp derivatives and cannabinoids are federally legal. This includes Delta-8 THC, CBD, and up to 0.3% of hemp-derived Delta-9 on a dry weight basis. 

The legal framework set in this bill has been incorporated by most states, resulting in the availability of hemp products countrywide. The federal government has not set an age restriction on hemp. However, reputable sellers have set a minimum age requirement for purchase at 21 years old.

Let's say you'd rather have marijuana than hemp-derived cannabinoids. There are many things to consider before getting a medical marijuana card, but we are not doctors. Whether you should or shouldn’t get a medical marijuana card should be a question left to your doctor. 

Below are just some advantages that patients get to experience: 

Although these do seem like incomparable advantages, some cons that can feel like a roadblock include:

Again, these are just a few factors to ponder. If you feel that you would qualify for a medical marijuana card, contact your physician for further information. But if you're ready to enjoy easily accessible hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8, read on to learn more.

Hemp-derived products tend to cost less, are more accessible, can cross state lines, and can be purchased online from the comfort of your home. And the best part is that you don’t need a medical card to buy them.

Most dispensaries primarily hold marijuana-derived products, but sometimes hemp-derived Delta-8 can be at those locations.  The main drawback of shopping for Delta-8 at a dispensary is the price and variety. Oftentimes, dispensaries will focus more of their brand on marijuana products, which could affect the selection they carry, so make sure you call ahead to see what they have in stock.

If you like shopping in person, the best place to find Delta-8 is at a local hemp store. As long as Delta-8 is legal in your state, you should be able to find a good selection of Delta-8 THC products.

Shopping for Delta-8 online happens to be the most convenient option for a lot of customers. Whether you have a busy schedule or don’t feel like making an additional trip to the store, you can find a large selection of Delta-8 online.

When you purchase Delta-8 products online, you can get high-quality cannabis goods delivered to your doorstep, but you need to do some research. It can feel impossible to determine the best product with many hemp brands to choose from. But once you know what to look for, it doesn’t have to be.

Before purchasing hemp, make sure that the manufacturer follows a rigorous quality testing process. The best indication of this is if their products have a valid Certificate of Analysis (COA). The COA is a legally required document developed by a third-party laboratory that showcases a product's cannabinoid content and ensures it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals or heavy metals.

And to get one last stamp of approval, read the customer reviews. At Hometown Hero, our Delta-8 products are some of the highest-praised hemp products you can find on the market today.

With each product made from American-grown hemp, tested at a DEA-certified third-party lab, and quality checked, there is no doubt you are receiving top-shelf quality. Click over to our online store and be met with a variety of Delta-8 edibles, tinctures, and even Delta-8 flower. 

If Delta-8 is illegal in your state, rest assured you have many alternatives to choose from. CBD is one, but this mellow cannabinoid is non-psychoactive.

If you're seeking a euphoric experience, consider hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products. Infused with the more well-known form of THC people associate with cannabis, Delta-9 products are legal in all 50 states. The only thing is they can contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry-weight basis. There's no limit on the milligrams of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC allowed in a product, but the dry-weight basis component means you can only find Delta-8 in edibles rather than inhalables.

There are many reasons to get a medical marijuana card, but you should always talk to your doctor to see if it’s a right fit for you.

With their approval, you can begin the process of getting your card and learning all the benefits that come with it.

And for those who would consider themselves a hemp lover, don’t forget—as long as you live in an authorized state, you can order Delta 8 products directly from us and have them shipped right to your door in no time.