Delta 8 THC Legal Status in Alabama: Legal
Although several states across the U.S. have enacted or are passing legislation to legalize cannabis for medical or recreational purposes, the country remains a patchwork of different laws in different places. This confusing array can make it difficult to understand what’s available in your state.
Only recently did Alabama join the many states that have legalized the use of cannabis for approved medical conditions. AL SB 46, known as the “Darren Wesley ‘Ato’ Hall Compassion Act,” actually passed in the Senate in early 2020, but when the House had to adjourn early due to the onset, the COVID-19 pandemic, the bill got stuck in limbo.
However, it was passed by the House in 2021, and Governor Kay Ivey signed it into law in May. Now, patients who meet requirements may seek medical marijuana to treat 16 approved conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder, Crohn’s disease, depression, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, terminal conditions, and more.
Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Alabama, but what about emerging cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol? This article will look at what you need to know about these popular cannabinoids.
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Is CBD Legal in Alabama?
In and of itself, CBD is not necessarily legal, but hemp CBD, specifically, was federally legalized with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. The act removed hemp cannabis featuring 0.3% or less tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s schedule of Controlled Substances.
This removal made it legal to cultivate, manufacture, distribute, transport, sell, and possess hemp and hemp products across the United States.
While the THC content of hemp is negligible, it does contain ample CBD, which has been touted as providing benefits like relieving pain and inflammation and easing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
What About CBG?
CBG is sometimes referred to as the “mother of all cannabinoids” because other cannabinoids are all derived from cannabigerolic acid. It has not been federally legalized. However, this cannabinoid is present in small amounts in cannabis, including hemp cannabis, which has led to the legal extraction and sale of hemp CBG products.
Is Delta 8 THC Legal in the State?
Delta 9 THC, often referred to simply as THC, is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Delta 8 THC is a closely related chemical compound that has similar but less potent effects. However, it tends to occur in only small amounts naturally (less than 0.1%.)
Some states are moving to ban Delta 8 THC, even though many products sold across the U.S. are hemp-derived, making them legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.
Thus far, Alabama has not banned Delta 8 (the legislature tried and failed), which means Delta 8 cigarettes, Delta 8 flower, Delta 8 gummies, and Delta 8 vapes can legally be sold, purchased, and possessed, provided they come from hemp, not marijuana plants.
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Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum Products
You may have come across CBD products labeled full-spectrum or broad-spectrum. What’s the difference? Full-spectrum CBD products contain all of the chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and more. These formulations include trace amounts of THC (0.3% or less.)
Broad-spectrum products have no THC but contain all other chemical compounds (over 400) naturally occurring in the plant. Both types of CBD products are federally legal, and Alabama follows this legal precedent.
Best Places to Buy Delta 8 in Alabama and Online
As you probably already know, shopping online is typically the fastest and most cost effective way get almost any product; including delta 8 THC products. Have the ability to buy directly from the brand, read reviews, take a look at third-party certificates of analysis (COA) tests, and compare products easily from the comfort of your home.
Unfortunately, there are some companies producing delta 8 THC through potentially unsafe methods or that are selling products with higher delta-9 content that is legally allowed. For example, some are using heavy metal reagents or doing a poor job at removing the (illegal) delta 9 THC content or harsh chemicals and acids from the final product.
To reduce your odds of coming into this type of problem, it is recommended to always buy from brands that display their third-party COA's – and this is the greatest benefits of buying online.
The benefits of ordering delta 8 THC online:
- Get better online pricing and seasonal discounts
- Easily read real customer product reviews & see third-party COA's
- Convenience of ordering from the comfort of your home
- Typically a better product selection with online shops
- Products left on store shelves can expire if they there isn't a lot of store traffic
What is the Difference Between Delta-9 THC & Delta-8?
Some of the biggest confusion over cannabis products comes from Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC Gummies. While they’re more similar than different, there are important distinctions you should consider before buying.
We previously wrote a blog titled: "Delta 8 or Delta 9 Gummies: Which is Best for You?" that we would recommend reading. You will learn more detailed information on things to consider between the two cannabinoids.
Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC occur naturally within cannabis plants. Both create psychotropic effects in users called a “high.” And both are chemically very similar. In chemical terms, Delta 8 is an isomer of Delta 9, meaning it possesses the same elements but a different chemical structure.
That difference is important. The change in chemical structure causes the molecules to interact slightly differently in the body. Where Delta 9 slots perfectly into receptors in the endocannabinoid system, Delta 8 doesn’t fit as easily.
The chemical difference means that Delta 8 produces a less potent high. Delta 9 THC creates an intense and heady experience. It can make users feel euphoric, get the giggles, feel hungry, and become tired. Delta 8 creates effects that similar, but less potent.
The high Delta 8 produces is gentler and more clear-headed. It’s also less likely to lead to feelings of paranoia.
Do I Need a Medical Card in Alabama to Order Delta 8 THC Products?
No, it is not necessary in Florida to have a medical card to purchase D8 products. It was derived from legal hemp — with less than 0.3% of THC — it falls under the same laws as CBD.
You can buy it without a medical license in all delta 8 THC legal states, including The Cotton State.