Wondering what cannabis products you're allowed to purchase in The Lone Star State? You may be surprised to know that Delta-9 THC is legal in Texas.
Yes, even without a medical card. How is this possible?
If Delta-9 THC is derived from hemp and does not exceed a 0.3% concentration by dry weight, it is legal to purchase in Texas.
If you want to learn about Delta-9 products and what they have to offer, keep reading. Here we will discuss hemp-derived Delta-9 THC, its legality, and its effects.
How Is Delta-9 THC Legal in Texas?
The
2018 Farm Bill federally legalized the production of hemp. A
ll cannabinoids and products derived from hemp, including CBD, Delta-8, and Delta-9 (among others) were made legal on a federal level by this bill as well.
But what about state-level regulations? Texas legislation followed suit and passed the
Texas House Bill 1325 signed by Governor Greg Abbott in June 2019. Under this bill, all derivatives, cannabinoids, extracts, and isomers derived from hemp are legal.
As of this writing, there are no limits on the concentration of CBD or Delta-8 within a product. However, the legality of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC does have a limitation. You can legally purchase products containing hemp-derived Delta-9 THC as long as the concentration is at or below 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
With that said, any hemp product used must comply with Texas laws and regulations.
These sections of Texas
HB 1325 outline Delta-9 legality in Texas:House Bill 1325 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE)
Sec. 121.001 Definitions In this chapter, “hemp” means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds of the plant and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.
Sec. 443.201. POSSESSION, TRANSPORTATION, AND SALE OF CONSUMABLE HEMP PRODUCTS.
(a) A person may possess, transport, sell, or purchase a consumable hemp product processed or manufactured in compliance with this chapter.
What is Delta-9 THC?
Delta-9 THC is a cannabinoid, or compound found in cannabis plants (i.e., hemp and marijuana). Over 100 different cannabinoids can be extracted from the cannabis plants. The most popular constituents of cannabis include:
- Delta-8 THC, or Δ-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol
- Delta-9 THC, or Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol
- CBD, or Cannabidiol
Again, Delta-9 THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is simply one of the natural compounds that can be found in cannabis plants. While commonly associated with marijuana, Delta-9 THC can be extracted from hemp in a legally compliant concentration while still delivering the same effects (since its actual chemical formula is the same no matter what plant it is derived from).
At Hometown Hero, we test our products multiple times throughout our manufacturing process to ensure compliance with federal Delta-9 THC limits. Certificates of Analysis, or COAs, are accessible via our website or packaging by scanning the provided QR codes. Our customers can feel confident knowing they are receiving safe and high-quality hemp products.
What Are the Effects of Delta-9 THC?
All cannabinoids are likely to cause some sort of effect on the body when consumed. However, depending on which cannabinoids you consume, the amount you consume, the method of consumption, and
your body's endocannabinoid system, the effects will vary.
Generally speaking, when it comes to taking Delta-9, cannabis enthusiasts have reported the following effects:
Again- these effects will vary on an individual basis. If you are new to THC or unfamiliar with how your body processes a particular cannabinoid, we recommend the "low and slow approach." Start with a small serving and wait an hour for the effects to kick in. Then, evaluate how you feel and determine how to proceed from there.
What’s the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9?
While both
Delta-8 and Delta-9 are cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, they are not the same. For one, Delta-9 is way more abundant in cannabis plants than Delta-8. Delta-8 is what's known as a "minor cannabinoid."
But the real difference comes down to the science of each of these cannabinoids. Each compound has a distinct structure that will result in a unique set of effects. Interestingly, while Delta-9 and Delta-8 share the same chemical formula, it's arranged in a significantly different way.
Without getting too complicated, Delta-9 has a chemical bond on the ninth carbon chain, while Delta-8 has a chemical bond on the eighth carbon chain. The difference may seem slight here, but it determines how the cannabinoid interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is a network of chemical messengers and receptors in the human body. CB1 receptors are a major component of the ECS that is located mostly in the brain. Delta-8 has a weaker binding affinity to CB1 receptors than Delta-9, resulting in "lighter" effects.
For example, Delta-8 may leave you with uplifted feelings and a sense of relaxation. The effects of Delta-9 may feel similar to Delta-8, but more intensified.
The other difference is their legality. As mentioned above, there is currently no federal limit on the concentration of Delta-8 products. However, Delta-9 products cannot exceed a 0.3% concentration of Delta-9 THC.
Can You Buy Delta-9 THC Products in Texas?
Yes, you can legally buy
Delta-9 products online in Texas! In fact, if you have ever purchased full-spectrum CBD products in The Lone Star State, that means you’ve already bought Delta-9 THC.
While you can buy these products in-store, it may be a challenge. So, it’s common for people to buy Delta-9 products online in Texas using a credit or debit card.
Delta-9 Products for Sale in Texas: Delta-9 Gummies & Drinks