Is Delta-8 Legal in Missouri?

Is Delta-8 Legal in Missouri?

Missouri legalized hemp and its derivatives in 2018 when House Bill 2034 was approved. Hemp is any variety of Cannabis sativa with a THC content of 0.3% or below. Note that hemp plants are used to make CBD. Since Delta 8 is synthesized from CBD, Delta 8 products are considered legitimate hemp derivatives.

The federally authorized 2018 Farm Bill has done much to legalize Delta 8 THC. Hemp (with a THC concentration of less than 0.3 percent) and its derivatives were explicitly removed from the Schedule I controlled substances list by this bill. The bill also distinguished between hemp and marijuana.

Per the 2018 Farm Bill and HB 2034, shipping hemp-derived Delta 8 THC from other states into Missouri is legal. Delta 8 THC products are also available from local stores and online retailers in the state. Buyers can find Delta 8 products in various forms, including edibles, oils, tinctures, and gummies.

Delta 8 Laws in Missouri

The law pertaining to the legal status of Delta 8 in Missouri is HB 2034

• 2018: In 2018, HB 2034 exempted industrial hemp, defined as Cannabis sativa L. containing no greater than 0.3% THC, from the definition of marijuana and the list of controlled substances. In addition, the law made it legal for anyone who has received an industrial hemp license to grow, harvest, cultivate, and process it. The law permitted the use and sale of products derived from industrial hemp with a Delta 9 THC concentration not higher than three-tenths of one percent on a dry weight basis. Therefore, hemp-derived Delta 8 products are legal in the state

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol, sometimes known as Delta 8 THC, is a naturally occurring isomer of Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9 THC), the principal psychoactive component in cannabis. Certain strains of cannabis naturally contain Delta 8 THC; however, it is produced in far lower quantities than Delta 9 THC. Compared to Delta 9 THC, Delta 8 THC has a similar molecular structure; nevertheless, key differences account for its unique physiological effects.

Delta 8 THC is psychoactive, meaning it has the potential to alter a user's state of consciousness. Nonetheless, its effects are often less intense as those of Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC has a variety of effects and benefits, such as a mildly euphoric high, relaxation, pain relief, and anti-nausea properties. Some researchers surmise that Delta 8 THC can help protect brain cells from harm brought on by inflammation. Individuals who experience anxiety or paranoia when using Delta 9 THC may prefer Delta 8 THC since it offers a tolerable high with fewer adverse effects.

Delta-8 vs. Delta-9

Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are two psychoactive isomers of the THC compound. Despite their near-identical chemical structures, small differences exist between the two isomers. Structurally, Delta 9 THC has a double bond on the 9th carbon atom in the chain, while Delta 8 THC contains a double bond on the 8th carbon atom in the chain.

Although the double bond location in both isomers may seem insignificant, it results in Delta 8 THC producing milder psychoactive effects than the more well-known Delta 9. Delta 8 users typically report reduced anxiousness or paranoia when compared to Delta 9.

Besides structural differences, Delta 8 and Delta 9 also differ in derivation. Delta 8 THC is derived from cannabidiol (CBD), extracted from legal hemp, with a total THC percentage of less than 0.3%. Conversely, Delta 9 THC is derived from marijuana plants with a higher THC concentration exceeding 0.3% and is more potent.

Delta-8 vs. Delta-10

Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring isomer of Delta 9 THC that has recently gained popularity due to its milder psychoactive effects and potential health benefits. It is commonly derived from hemp plants and has been legal under federal law since 2018. Delta 8 THC is known for its relaxing and uplifting effects, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more mild and more manageable cannabis experience.

Delta 10 THC, on the other hand, is a more recently discovered cannabinoid that is chemically similar to Delta 8 THC. However, it is still a relatively unknown compound, and research is limited on its effects and potential benefits. Delta 10 THC is not as widely available and as potent as Delta 8 THC and is considered less stable, making it more challenging to produce in large quantities.

How Long Does Delta-8 Stay in the Body?

Delta 8 THC is processed in the body similarly to how Delta 9 THC is metabolized in the body. When Delta 8 THC is consumed, it is absorbed by the bloodstream and goes to the liver, where enzymes break it down. The metabolites are then excreted from the body through urine and feces.

The duration of a Delta 8 high and the time the isomer or its metabolites remain in the body vary based on dosage, method of administration, and individual tolerance. Delta 8 THC's high may last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours.

Delta 8 THC can typically be detected in the blood for up to 48 hours, the urine for up to 3-7 days, and the saliva for up to 24-48 hours. Hair follicle tests can detect Delta 8 THC for up to 90 days or longer.

Note that the estimated periods stated vary on individual factors, such as age, weight, metabolism, and frequency of use. Furthermore, the form of Delta 8 products consumed, such as vapes, edibles, or tinctures, may influence how long it remains in the system. For instance, if you consume Delta 8 THC products by inhalation, the effects are visible faster, and THC metabolites are likely to exit the user's system more quickly.

Does Delta-8 Show Up on a Drug Test in Missouri?

Delta 8 THC use may result in a drug test failure as many drug tests cannot tell the difference between the Delta 9 and its other isomers. As a result, if you use Delta 8 THC, it may show up on drug tests.

Delta 8 THC metabolites are detectable using swabs, urine, blood, and hair tests. On the other hand, the detection window and accuracy of drug tests may vary depending on factors, including the type of drug test, the frequency and amount of Delta 8 THC consumed, and individual variances in metabolism and body composition.

Depending on frequency and dosage, Delta 8 THC is generally detectable in urine for a few days to a week following use. Delta 8 THC can be detected in blood and saliva tests for a shorter period, usually a few hours to a day after consumption. Hair tests can detect Delta 8 THC for up to 90 days or longer.

What Happens if You Get Pulled Over with Delta-8 in Missouri?

Law enforcement may ask you to pull over if there is suspicion that you are driving under the influence. Although Delta 8 is not likely to cause impairment at low dosages, high doses can cause loss of sensory perception in the user. Therefore, if you get pulled over for driving while under the influence, you will be asked to undergo a drug test to confirm the suspicion. Consequently, you may face arrest for driving while intoxicated. Note that while Delta 8 is not the same as Delta 9, standard drug tests will still detect the presence of THC metabolites from Delta 8 use.

Where to Buy Delta-8 in Missouri

No specific Missouri laws restrict the manufacture and sale of Delta 8 products in Missouri. In accordance with House Bill 2034, hemp-derived products may be manufactured and sold in the state provided they contain no more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. With recreational cannabis legal in the state, marijuana-derived Delta 8 products are also permitted.

Missouri residents can buy hemp-derived Delta 8 products at vape shops and Delta THC dispensaries, while marijuana-derived Delta 8 products may be obtained at state-licensed recreational and medical marijuana dispensaries. Both forms of Delta 8 products are also available from online vendors. Typically, you must be 21 or older to buy Delta 8 THC in Missouri. Missouri residents can purchase Delta 8 THC from physical and online vendors in the form of oils, tinctures, gummies, and vape cartridges.