July 14, 2022

Can You Get Arrested For Delta 8?

Among the cannabis community, there is one compound that has recently gained popularity for its mild yet euphoric effects. Delta-8, along with other hemp-derived cannabinoids, are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.

And at one point, Delta-8 was legal in every state, too. However, some local governments have banned or set severe restrictions on the sale and purchase of this compound, creating a whirlwind of confusion.

Why are some states banning Delta-8 while others don’t? Can you be arrested for having Delta-8?

If you are curious about these restrictions and how they apply to you, keep reading. We’ll explore the legality of Delta-8 in the United States so you can avoid any unnecessary trouble.

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a naturally occurring compound found in all cannabis plants, though the Delta-8 you’ll find in delta-8 gummies and delta-8 vapes comes from hemp, not marijuana. Hemp is defined as cannabis with less than a 0.3% concentration of Delta-9.

Delta-8 is actually an isomer of Delta-9 THC, the more popular form of THC people associate with cannabis. This means the two psychoactive compounds have a similar makeup, but Delta-8 holds a chemical bond on the 8th carbon chain instead. This leads to their different effects, where Delta-8 is known to be less potent.

Generally speaking, some of the effects you can expect when enjoying Delta-8 include:

Mild euphoria
A sense of wellbeing
Uplifting feelings
Relaxation

Just keep in mind that effects vary by person.

How Old Do You Need to Be to Buy Delta-8?

In states where it’s legal, you must be 21 years or older to purchase Delta-8 or any other hemp product. Although there’s no federally established age limit for hemp-derived products, this is the limit that most manufacturers and brands set for their products.

Why Isn’t Delta-8 THC Legal In Every State?

After hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids were legalized on a federal level, it was up to each and every state to begin amending its hemp policy to align with federal law.

This initial step is what made hemp legal in all 50 states. However, some states have made additional adjustments.

Although Delta-8 is federally legal and legal in most states, some areas of the United States have explicitly prohibited it or restricted it.

As of August 2024, states that have restricted include:

Alaska
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Idaho
Iowa
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New York
North Dakota
Ohio
Oregon
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Tennessee
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington

It is illegal to manufacture, possess, distribute, or consume Delta-8 THC products in the states above. But as such regulations are always changing, it’s best to check with your state laws first.

Where Is Delta-8 THC Legal?

Delta-8 remains federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, and although some states have amended their hemp policy, most have not. Individual states have continued authorizing the production and distribution of Delta-8 THC products.

As of August 2024, the states below allow the sale of Delta-8:

Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Keep in mind that laws are subject to change, so it’s important to stay updated on your local laws before purchasing these products.

Can You Be Arrested For Delta-8 THC?

Sometimes, Delta-8 products are nearly identical to marijuana products, making it difficult for law enforcement to distinguish them.

This can make it difficult for police officers, so keeping your products in their original packaging is important. For example, whether you buy our Delta-8 THC products or hemp-derived Delta-9 products, they all have a QR code printed on the packaging. This links to their COA (Certificate of Analysis), the legally required document developed by a third-party lab that verifies the product’s cannabinoid content is compliant with federal law.

But whether or not you bought Delta-8 products in a state where it was legal, if you are traveling with it in a state where it is unauthorized, you risk facing criminal charges. So before taking a road-trip or flying with Delta-8, make sure it is legal at your destination. If not, leave it at home and find an alternative.

Can You Get Arrested For Smoking Delta-8 THC?

Unfortunately, possibly. If your state prohibits this cannabinoid, you cannot consume, possess, or distribute these products.

Can You Be Prosecuted For Delta-8 Consumption?

There are some circumstances where it’s possible to be arrested and prosecuted due to Delta-8 THC consumption.

For example, if you are on bond or probation, a judge can issue an order stating you cannot possess or consume cannabinoids.

This means all cannabinoids. It doesn’t matter if it is hemp-derived or marijuana-derived. You cannot consume or possess hemp products during this period.

There will be severe penalties if you are in this situation and go against the judge's orders.

Can You Bring Delta-8 THC On A Flight?

According to federal law, hemp products like Delta-8 can be taken on a plane.

But before you jump to any conclusions, you need to follow up on a few things. Since Delta-8 isn’t legal in all states, research to clarify that Delta-8 is permitted at your destination.

Then you need to contact the airline to find out their policy on hemp products. If they allow it, keep your hemp products in the original packaging and store them in your carry-on until you arrive at your destination.

Can You Fail A Drug Test After Using Delta-8?

When drug tests were developed, they weren’t made to detect the difference between hemp and marijuana-derived cannabinoids.

They were only designed to detect certain metabolites- the compounds your body produces when breaking down a substance. So if you have an upcoming drug test, immediately stop using hemp products. You will likely fail a drug test after consuming Delta-8 or Delta-9 THC, whether the products are legal or not.

Delta-8 THC Alternative: Delta-9 THC

Delta-8 is well-liked, but its legal status could be a barrier. If you live in a state where Delta-8 is not legal, we have the ideal alternative: hemp-derived Delta-9 THC. Delta-9 is the classic euphoric compound found in cannabis plants and is known to be more potent than Delta-8. If you like a milder experience, you can adjust your serving accordingly.

Hemp-derived Delta-9 is legal in all 50 states, which means it can be your travel buddy on nearly any trip. We offer Delta-9 products in the form of drinks, gummies, and baked goods!

Conclusion

Finding out Delta-8 is illegal in your state is a bummer, especially if it’s your favorite cannabinoid. But by keeping up to date with your local laws, you’ll know what is allowed and what isn’t.

If you’re unsure of your state’s stance on Delta-8, reach out to a government official to find out. Depending on their answer, you may discover it’s illegal. If so, hemp-derived Delta-9 will allow you to enjoy the euphoric effects of cannabis with the advantage of legality in all 50 states!

And who knows? You might enjoy it more.