Delta 8 THC Legal Status in North Carolina: Legal
So far, North Carolina has remained among several holdout states suppressing cannabis legalization.
Legislators have tried and failed to legalize medical marijuana in the state several times. Most recently, Republican Senator Bill Rabon sponsored SB 711, known as the “N.C. Compassionate Care Act,” to allow the strictly regulated use of medical marijuana only as a treatment for approved, debilitating diseases. It is currently making its way through committee votes before it can be approved (or rejected) by the Senate.
The House is also trying to advance HB 617 to legalize marijuana for adults age 21 and over and create a commercial marijuana marketplace in the state.
While marijuana, medical or otherwise, remains illegal in North Carolina, hemp cannabis has been federally legalized. What does this mean for the sale of hemp products like cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol in the state? This article will look at what you need to know.
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Is CBD Legal in North Carolina?
The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp cannabis from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s schedule of Controlled Substances, specifying hemp and hemp products containing 0.3% THC or less.
Whereas marijuana typically has high levels of THC and low levels of CBD, hemp cannabis plants tend to have negligible amounts of THC but significantly more CBD.
The 2018 Farm Bill, therefore, opened the door to the legal cultivation, production, distribution, transportation, sale, and possession of hemp CBD (and other low-THC or THC-free products) across the United States. Still, some states like Kansas maintain 0% THC laws. Where does North Carolina stand on CBD? It can be pretty confusing.
Technically, state law does not allow for the sale and possession of CBD. However, several shops throughout the state sell oils, vapes, and other hemp CBD products, and authorities look the other way. They also seem to ignore the shipping of federally-approved hemp CBD products from sellers in other states.
The stance appears to comply with federal regulations, including the 2018 Farm Bill, regardless of any state laws to the contrary. This attitude seems to apply to all hemp CBD products, including full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate (pure CBD).
Under state law, patients or caregivers of patients with intractable epilepsy may register with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to purchase and possess products with 0.9% or less THC and 5% CBD.
What About CBG?
Cannabis plants contain over 400 identified chemical compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and more. Over 100 of these are cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
CBG is typically present in cannabis plants only in negligible amounts, so it hasn’t gained much attention. However, it is considered legal to sell and possess in the U.S., per the 2018 Farm Bill, provided it comes from hemp CBD containing 0.3% or less THC. As a result, it is allowed in the state of North Carolina.
Is Delta 8 THC Legal in the State?
Slightly different from Delta 9 THC, which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, Delta 8 THC delivers similar yet less potent results, and only in high doses.
With that being said, it is typically found naturally only in very small amounts in cannabis plants (less than 0.1%). When it comes from hemp cannabis containing 0.3% or less Delta 9 THC, it is considered federally legal and is therefore allowed in North Carolina.
Legal products include Delta 8 cigarettes, Delta 8 flower, Delta 8 gummies, and Delta 8 vapes.
Best Places to Buy Delta 8 in North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 Tar Heel State.