Cannabis entrepreneurs jumped at the demand for Delta-8. You can find it at gas stations, vape shops, and a variety of other retail locations. But there are still many questions and uncertainty surrounding Delta-8.
Let’s break down everything you need to know.
Is Delta-8 Legal in New Jersey?
The short answer is yes—Delta-8 is legal in New Jersey. You must be 21 or older to purchase it over the counter. However, under federal law, there are no age restrictions for purchase.
Delta-8 THC is derived from the hemp plant. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp and cannabinoids derived from the plant are legal to produce, distribute, and consume. Delta-10 THC is unrestricted and legal in New Jersey like Delta-8 THC. New Jersey does not ban any hemp-derived cannabinoids. The sale, distribution, and consumption of these cannabinoids are unrestricted to a certain degree.
Medical marijuana is also legal in the Garden State. In February 2021, the state decriminalized Delta-9 THC and cannabis for recreational use. This means the penalty for cannabis-related offenses has been reduced, making it a civil penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana instead of a criminal prosecution with the threat of arrest.
Since Delta-8 THC is unrestricted and legal to consume in New Jersey, you do not need a medical card to purchase it. You can freely purchase the hemp product over the counter and online.
What exactly is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 is becoming more popular among CBD and marijuana consumers because it is easily accessible and does not have the same potency as traditional marijuana. Consumers have reported that Delta-8 has similar effects to Delta-9 THC, yet the duration and intensity are milder and last for shorter amounts of time, which is appealing to some consumers.
Delta-8 THC is made from natural sources and occurs in nature without human intervention. It is similar to Delta-9, which is the main compound in cannabis that gets you high, causing feelings of euphoria, happiness, symptom relief, and a list of other side effects. THC’s scientific name is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and you will often hear it referred to as Delta-9 THC, or just Delta-9.
Delta-8 THC can cause similar effects as Delta-9 THC, but at a significantly less potent level. Both are forms of THC, both are extracted either from hemp or cannabis, and both help with chronic pain and other ailments. Chemically speaking, the Delta-8 THC molecule is similar to the CBD molecule. Both compounds naturally occur in cannabis and hemp, but in low doses that likely don’t have any beneficial effects, which is why Delta-8 cannabis-based products contain higher concentrations.
Delta-8 is not as strong as regular marijuana, but judging the strength of the product generally is not possible because there are different strains of Delta-8, as with any other strain of marijuana. The potency depends on the concentration levels of the cannabinoids present in the product.
If there are higher levels of THC, CBD, CBG, or Delta-8 THC in the product, the strain will be more potent, causing you to feel the mental and physical effects. Higher levels of THC, CBD, CBG, or Delta-8 THC is not necessarily ‘better’—having high concentrations of these ingredients in a strain can increase your chances of becoming paranoid or anxious.
If you have a high tolerance to marijuana or hemp products, you might need to increase your dose of Delta-8 to feel the effects. This is because it is a milder form of THC and therefore not as powerful.
This goes for your metabolism as well. It all depends on your age, weight, if you’ve recently eaten, and how your body reacts to cannabinoids. This is similar to alcohol. If you haven’t eaten anything that day, you will probably have a less controlled high than someone with a full stomach.
Take this into consideration when eating Delta-8 THC edibles and gummies. A Delta-8 gummy high could last up to 3-4 hours depending on your tolerance and digestion.
Why is Delta-8 illegal in certain US states?
To date, there has not been a flood of adverse reactions reported after taking Delta-8 THC. Incidents have been reported to the Poison Control Center, but it’s uncertain whether or not the compound Delta-8 itself is responsible for the effects or whether a contaminant better explains the reaction.
As such, many states have taken a conservative approach and restricted the manufacture, sale, and use of Delta-8 for recreational and therapeutic purposes, despite hemp-based products recently becoming legal.
Most states have made Delta-8 illegal because there is a lack of research on the compound’s psychoactive effects. Hopefully as more research is performed on the cannabinoid, we will see an increase in legalization.
Benefits of Delta-8 THC products
Overall, the benefits of Delta-8 seem to coincide with the benefits of CBD, but with a mild psychoactive effect reminiscent of Delta-9 THC, which is actually classified as a hallucinogen.
Delta-8 is not classified in the same way, which is why many people prefer it over CBD and Delta-9 THC.
According to anecdotal reports, the benefits of consuming Delta-8 include:
- Relaxation
- Easier time falling asleep
- Mild euphoria
- Mild pain relief
- Appetite stimulation
- Anti-nausea effects
- Anti-anxiety effects
Are you ready to learn more and find the right Delta-8 product for you? Shop the wide selection of Delta-8 products at Burman’s Health Shop!
Disclaimer:
The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.