Is Delta-8 Legal in North Carolina?

What Is Delta-8 THC?

The Cannabis sativa plant contains over a hundred different cannabinoids, one of which is Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol. Delta-8, which is often referred to as "cannabis lite" and "diet weed," has recently seen a surge in popularity among cannabis enthusiasts due to its milder effects than the more popular cannabinoid: Delta-9 THC.

Both marijuana and hemp plants contain trace amounts of the Delta-8 THC cannabinoid. Delta-8 THC combines with cannabinoid receptors, which are proteins located on the surface of cells throughout the body, to produce psychoactive effects. Delta-8 THC induces euphoria and relaxation, even though these are less intense than the high associated with Delta-9 THC use. Many prefer Delta-8 for its therapeutic effects, despite its lower potency, as it does not induce a pronounced high. Memory loss, increased heart rate, dry mouth, red eyes, difficulties with coordination, anxiety, and slower response times are some of the possible adverse effects of Delta-8. 

Delta-8 THC products are deemed legal under the 2018 Farm Bill provisions, as long as their primary source materials are hemp plant parts containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

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Is Delta-8 Legal in North Carolina?

Yes, Delta-8 THC is legal in North Carolina. Hence, residents can possess and use Delta-8 THC products without fear of prosecution or penalty. Delta-8's legality is based on the 2018 Farm Bill, which authorized the cultivation, processing, sale, and consumption of hemp and hemp-derived products as long as they contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Note that Delta-8 products are commonly derived from hemp plant parts.

Upon enacting the 2018 Farm Bill, North Carolina passed SB 352, which amended the state's Controlled Substance Act to remove all hemp-derived THCs, including Delta-8 and Delta-10. Therefore, both isomers are legal under state law. Marijuana-derived Delta-8 THC products remain illegal in North Carolina except for qualified and registered medical marijuana patients who are permitted to use marijuana-derived Delta-8 products containing up to 0.9% Delta-9 THC.

Delta-8 vs Delta-9

Delta-8 THC is an isomer of Delta-9 THC with identical chemical structures but slightly different atomic configurations. Per its name, Delta-8 has a double bond on its eighth carbon atom, while Delta-9's double bond is located on its ninth carbon atom. The double bond location impacts the interaction of the isomers with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in the body, which results in varying effects in users of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC products.

Delta-9 THC is the most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant, naturally occurring in both marijuana and hemp plants. Due to its abundance, cannabis processors can extract it easily, typically through propane, butane, ethanol, and carbon dioxide-based methods. Following extraction, the extract may undergo further distillation and filtration to remove chlorophyll, pesticides, lipids, fats, and other unwanted compounds and impurities. The residual solvent is then purged in a vacuum to reduce the heat needed to evaporate the solvent and produce a refined end product.

As Delta-8 THC occurs in much lower concentrations in hemp plants, its extraction processes take longer and require more resources. To get a higher yield, cannabis processors put cannabidiol (CBD) isolate through synthetic conversion processes using acids, solvents, and regents to obtain Delta-8 THC.

Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC have therapeutic benefits. They impact the body by the activation of CB1 receptors in the brain. CB1 receptors are located in the parts of the brain, such as the frontal cortex, which are involved in various cognitive and motor-function processes. Also, the hippocampus, which plays a role in both learning and memory, is impacted by both compounds.

The "high" that users get from Delta-8 is less intense and mellower than the "high" experienced with Delta-9. Per a recent study, Delta-8's psychoactive effect is about half as intense as Delta-9’s. Delta-8 users may experience bliss, euphoria, and uplifting effects comparable to those associated with low doses of Delta-9 THC.

Delta-8 vs Delta-10

Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC are both derived from the cannabis plant. They are different from Delta-9 THC, the compound responsible for the intoxicating high in marijuana. Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC impact the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in much the same way as Delta-9 THC and CBD. Specifically, the effects of Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC are less potent and milder than those of Delta-9 THC, and they come with a lower risk of adverse effects.

Delta-8 THC is more potent than Delta-10 THC and produces a relaxed and sleepy feeling, making it suitable for nighttime use. On the other hand, Delta-10 THC induces an energizing effect in users.

Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC are becoming more popular for several reasons, especially as both are good introductions for first-time cannabis users and are legal in many states. Since most Delta-8 and Delta-10 products are derived from hemp plants, they are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, and you can find many Delta-8 and Delta-10 distillates, gummies, vapes, and flowers in convenience stores.

Due to a dearth of research on Delta-10 THC owing to its recent discovery, there is not enough information on its side effects. However, with Delta-8 THC having been on the market for much longer, it is known to cause dry mouth, dry eyes, diarrhea, fatigue, and drowsiness in high doses.

How Long Does Delta-8 Stay in the Body?

Once Delta-8 THC is consumed, it starts to produce effects that may last up to five hours. However, while the effects may subside after a few hours, the metabolites of the compound remain in the body for much longer. Once present, these metabolites do not instantly disappear from the body. Typically, they will stay in the system for at least a week or longer.

Various factors determine the period over which metabolites remain in the body. For instance, age, body weight and metabolism all influence the length of time taken for THC metabolites to be removed from the body. There is also a cumulative effect in the quantity of metabolites remaining in the body. As a result, the more Delta-8 products are consumed, the longer it takes for the body to clear the metabolites.

Does Delta-8 Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes. All Delta THC compounds can be detected with drug tests designed to find their metabolites. However, these drug tests cannot differentiate between Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC metabolites. The detection window for THC metabolites depends on several factors, such as the frequency and quantity of THC consumed. According to American Addiction Centers, THC will show up on a drug test for:

• Up to 90 days in hair samples
• Up to 48 hours in oral fluid (saliva) samples
• Up to 36 hours in blood tests
• Between 3 and 30 days in urine samples

Where to Buy Delta-8 in North Carolina

Delta-8 THC may be purchased online and at licensed retail shops in North Carolina. Several licensed CBD dispensaries and stores currently offer varieties of Delta-8 THC edibles, vapes, and distillates. If you do not reside near a retail location, you may order Delta-8 products from online stores within or outside North Carolina. If you want to buy a Delta-8 THC product, it is recommended that you verify its authenticity by checking test results from independent labs before placing your order.