Is Delta THC Legal in North Carolina?

North Carolina Delta-8 THC Overview >
North Carolina Delta-9 THC Overview >
North Carolina Delta-10 THC Overview >

What is Delta THC?

Delta THC is a family of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Some members of the family occur naturally in hemp and marijuana plants, while others are synthesized in the laboratory. Delta THC isomers are used to formulate many edibles and drinks for recreational and medicinal purposes. Popular isomers of the Delta THC family are THC-O, THCV, HHC, THC-P, THCjd, and HHC-O.

THC vs CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are both naturally occurring cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant, with identical molecular structures. THC is the main psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant and is responsible for the euphoric effect users get. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychotropic as it does not induce an intoxicating effect on consumers.

Despite their differing effects on users, CBD and THC have similar molecular structures. A slight variation in the arrangement of their shared atoms accounts for the difference in how they interact with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Research suggests that THC binds to the primary cannabinoid receptors in the brain since it shares a similar chemical structure to Anandamide. Anandamide is included in a class of cannabinoids that the body creates on its own, known as endogenous cannabinoids or endocannabinoids. Due to the structural similarity, THC may interact with these receptors and provide the high associated with recreational cannabis use. Research continues to understand how CBD interacts with receptors in the brain but they are believed to bind differently with THC.

CBD and THC are both present in hemp and marijuana. While THC occurs in large quantities in marijuana, the CBD content of the marijuana plant is not as high as it is in hemp plants. Per the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is defined as a cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% THC. Therefore, CBD products are primarily sourced from hemp, while cannabis products containing high THC levels are derived from marijuana.

CBD and THC are both used in treating specific medical conditions such as pain, nausea, and anxiety. CBD may also be used to treat:

• Seizures
• Inflammation
• Migraine
• Psychosis or mental disorders
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Depression

THC may be used to treat:

• Muscle spasticity
• Glaucoma
• Insomnia
• Low appetite

CBD and THC are fat-soluble and are, as a result, stored in body fat. Hence, they may be detected in the body using drug tests even weeks after discontinuing cannabis use. THC is readily identified on most drug tests; however, CBD is more difficult to detect since most drug tests are designed to identify THC. Nonetheless, since many CBD products include small amounts of THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid may be detected in drug tests given to CBD users. According to a 2017 study, approximately 70% of CBD products are mislabeled and contain much more THC levels than are indicated on their labels.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is an isomer of Delta-9 THC and one of the different naturally occurring cannabinoids in marijuana and hemp plants. However, Delta-8 THC is only present in cannabis plants in trace amounts and is typically extracted from hemp plants. Delta-8 is similar to Delta-9 in chemical structure, with both isomers having a double bond in their structures. The double bond is considered to produce the intoxicating effects users experience when taking products derived from both isomers. However, Delta-8 THC binds to the endocannabinoid system in the body in a slightly different manner due to the location of its double bond. The location of the double bond is believed to make Delta-8 less potent than Delta-9 and also responsible for a milder intoxicating effect in users.

Delta-8 consumers can get some of the same benefits associated with taking Delta-9 products, such as relief from anxiety, nausea, pain, and insomnia. However, the side effects of Delta-8 are also similar to Delta-9. These side effects include dry mouth, red eyes, paranoia, and anxiety. Delta-8 may show up on a drug test and can last up to 30 days in the body.

Is Delta-8 THC Legal in North Carolina?

Delta-8 THC is legal in North Carolina because the isomer is mainly derived from hemp plants. Delta-8 THC products can be purchased from convenience stores, dispensaries, and CBD shops specializing in cannabinoid products. One convenient way to purchase Delta-8 THC products is to order them online from reputable hemp shops. If you buy online, you can easily check the product's origin, the laboratory where the product was tested, and the product’s and selling company’s reviews.

What is Delta-9 THC?

Delta-9 THC is the most popular Delta THC known. It is the most abundant cannabinoid in the marijuana plant. It occurs naturally in cannabis and is more abundant in the marijuana plant than in the hemp plant. Delta-9 THC is the chemical compound responsible for the euphoric effect experienced by cannabis users. It also possesses therapeutic benefits, such as its use by medical marijuana patients in treating conditions including chronic pain, anorexia, glaucoma, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and seizures.

Metabolites of Delta-9 THC remain much longer in the body well after the physical effects of marijuana have worn off. Hence, drug tests can detect Delta-9 THC use up to 90 days after use. Saliva, urine, blood, and hair follicle tests are examples of drug tests that may be used in detecting Delta-9 THC. Urine tests can detect Delta-9 THC for up to 3 days after use, blood tests for up to 12 hours, and saliva tests for up to 72 hours after taking the last dose. Note that these periods slightly vary depending on the other factors such as the quantity taken, the body's metabolism, frequency of use, and body fat levels.

Is Delta-9 THC Legal in North Carolina?

Delta-9 THC is illegal in North Carolina. This is because it is a THC isomer obtained from marijuana plants. Therefore, products from the isomer are prohibited in the state. However, pursuant to the federal 2018 Farm Bill and North Carolina's S315, residents may purchase any cannabis products containing no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Also, patients diagnosed with intractable epilepsy may purchase cannabis products containing up to 0.9% THC. Approved Delta-9 THC products can be purchased online or from local CBD stores.

What is Delta-10 THC?

Delta-10 THC is another isomer of THC with the potential to get users high. Delta-10 THC occurs naturally in hemp flowers but in limited quantities, making it difficult to extract. Hence, Delta-10 THC is typically extracted using a process of selective extraction that recovers the compound on a molecular level. In molecular structure, Delta-10 THC differs from Delta-9 THC and Delta-8 THC by a few covalent bonds. Per psychoactive properties, Delta-10 THC is weaker than Delta-8 THC and produces milder psychoactive effects.

Research is still limited on the nature of Delta-10 THC, so most of the information on the effects and uses of the isomer comes from anecdotal reports. Delta-10 boosts energy levels and alertness, while its side effects include lightheadedness, dry mouth and eyes, and headaches. Delta-10 THC can show up on a drug test and can last between 5 and 30 days on the body, depending on the frequency of use.

Is Delta-10 THC Legal in North Carolina?

Delta-10 THC products are legal in North Carolina as long as they are derived from hemp plants and do not contain more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Therefore, residents of North Carolina may purchase Delta-10 THC products such as disposable vapes, tinctures, gummies, capsules, wax dabs, and vape cartridges. These products can be purchased from online stores and local CBD stores.