Delta 8 THC Legal Status in Georgia: Legal
Federally, marijuana remains a controlled substance, although several states have passed legislation to allow regulated medical and recreational marijuana. However, the laws differ from one state to the next. Where does Georgia fit in?
In 2015, the state passed a bill allowing low-THC (less than 5%) medical marijuana oil for those with approved medical conditions, such as AIDS, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, end-stage cancer, MS, PTSD, seizure disorders, and more.
However, until 2019, the state hadn’t created a licensing and distribution system to provide access to the legal product. This system is only now getting close to launching.
The laws surrounding cannabis are largely focused on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). What about cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and Delta 8 THC products that contain little or no Delta 9 THC? This article will examine what you need to know about the legalization of hemp cannabis.
Is CBD Legal in Georgia?
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation, production, distribution, transportation, sale, and possession of hemp cannabis and hemp products at the federal level. While marijuana remains federally illegal, hemp containing less than 0.3% THC (Delta 9 THC, specifically) is legal throughout the U.S.
With that being said, cannabis plants contain over 400 chemical compounds, including over 100 cannabinoids like THC.
CBD, found in higher concentrations in hemp cannabis, is thought to deliver a range of potential benefits, such as pain and inflammation relief and mental health benefits like easing the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Hemp CBD products with 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC are legal throughout the U.S. under federal law.
What About CBG?
CBG is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants in relatively small amounts. It is legal to sell and possess, provided it is extracted from hemp cannabis, just like any other hemp-derived product.
Is Delta 8 THC Legal in the State?
Most laws surrounding cannabis are concerned with Delta 9 THC, typically referred to simply as THC. Delta 9 THC is the cannabinoid responsible for psychoactive effects, or the “high” feeling that comes from consuming marijuana. In hemp, THC levels are so low as to be negligible, producing no effect.
However, cannabis research has uncovered hundreds of other chemical compounds, some of which are similar to Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 has a similar chemical structure and can produce similar, albeit milder effects. It is naturally present in cannabis only in very small amounts (less than 0.1%.)
If derived from hemp cannabis, Delta 8 THC products like Delta 8 cigarettes, Delta 8 flower, and Delta 8 vapes are legal in Georgia. State law prohibits foods, beverages, and dietary supplements containing Delta 8 THC and other hemp-derived compounds.
Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum Products
When it comes to CBD products, there are a few forms to consider: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains all chemical compounds naturally found in the plant, such as terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids, including Delta 9 THC (0.3% or less.)
Broad-spectrum products contain everything except Delta 9 THC, while isolates are pure CBD extract, with all other chemical compounds stripped away. All of these are considered legal in Georgia, provided they are hemp-derived.
Best Places to Buy Delta 8 in Georgia 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 products 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 Georgia to Order Delta 8 THC Products?
No, it is not necessary in Georgia 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 Peach State.