Is Delta THC Legal in Missouri?

Missouri Delta-8 THC Overview >
Missouri Delta-9 THC Overview >

What is Delta THC?

Delta THC is a class of isomeric chemicals occurring in the cannabis plant. While Delta 9 THC is the most popular isomer in the Delta THC family, Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 THC are gaining popularity among THC users.

Other less popular THC isomers found in cannabis include THC-O, THC-P, THCV, THCP, THCv, THCvD, HHC, and HHC-O. The chemical structures and physiological effects of these cannabinoids vary, but they are typically advertised as alternatives to Delta 9 THC products.

THC vs. CBD

THC and CBD are two well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, although their chemical structures and effects are different. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive element in cannabis, which, when consumed, induces a "high" or euphoric state. Cannabis plants normally contain THC, but certain hemp strains may contain trace amounts.

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. CBD, unlike THC, does not generate a "high" or euphoric effect, but it has a variety of therapeutic applications. CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain, mood, appetite, and sleep, among other physiological functions.

THC and CBD have diverse possible applications and benefits due to their varied actions. THC is frequently used for its euphoric properties and may aid in the treatment of chronic pain, nausea, and sleeplessness. However, it can have adverse side effects, including increased anxiety and paranoia, and can be habit-forming. On the other hand, CBD is believed to have therapeutic potential for various ailments, including anxiety, inflammation, and epilepsy. Moreover, it is regarded to be safe and non-addictive.

Typically, only THC can be detected in drug tests, such as urine, blood, and saliva, for variable amounts of time, depending on factors such as frequency of use, dosage, and individual metabolism. However, if CBD contains small amounts of THC, like some impure products, CBD use may return positive on drug tests. CBD products derived from hemp that contain less than 0.3% THC are permissible under federal law, however marijuana-derived products remain illegal.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta 8 THC is a cannabinoid found in cannabis that has psychoactive effects comparable to Delta 9 THC, albeit often less potent. It can get you high, and the effects of Delta 8 THC may include relaxation, euphoria, and increased appetite. Delta 8 is considered to be slightly less potent than Delta 9 THC. Some potential benefits of Delta 8 THC may include pain relief, anxiety reduction, and anti-nausea effects, although more research is needed to understand its effects fully.

Side effects of Delta 8 use include dry mouth, dizziness, red eyes, and sedation. Delta 8 THC may show up on a drug test, as it is chemically similar to Delta 9 THC. The length of time Delta 8 THC stays in your system can vary based on factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism. Still, it can be detected in urine, blood, saliva, and hair several days to weeks after use.

Is Delta-8 THC Legal in Missouri?

After passing House Bill 2034 in 2021, Delta 8 became legal in Missouri. With the bill legalizing hemp and any compounds produced from hemp, it is legal to use, possess, sell, distribute, purchase, and produce Delta 8 derived from hemp in Missouri. In addition, Delta 8 was taken off the list of prohibited substances in the state. The Farm Bill significantly influenced laws pertaining to Delta 8 in Missouri and other states by establishing a clear delineation between hemp and marijuana; the Farm Bill makes a legal distinction between the two despite their chemical similarities. Marijuana is defined as cannabis with a THC concentration of 0.3% or above, while hemp is cannabis with a THC concentration of 0.3% or below.

Per federal law, you can ship hemp-derived Delta 8 products into Missouri from other states but cannot ship marijuana-derived Delta 8 products. There are no specific limitations on specific Delta 8 products that may be purchased or possessed by residents in the state, provided such products contain no more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.

What is Delta-9 THC?

Delta 9 THC is the major psychoactive compound in cannabis that can produce a euphoric high, and its effects may include altered perception, relaxation, and increased appetite. Delta 9 THC can show up on a drug test and can stay in your system for days to weeks, depending on use, and while it is generally safe, potential side effects can include dry mouth, red eyes, increased heart rate, impaired coordination, and impaired short-term memory.

Is Delta-9 THC Legal in Missouri?

House Bill 2034 legalized hemp-derived Delta 9 THC products in Missouri. Amendment 3, passed in November 2022, also makes Delta 9 THC products derived from marijuana legal for recreational use in the state. Marijuana-derived Delta 9 THC is legal for persons aged 21 or older and patients registered with the state to use medical marijuana, subject to specific possession limits. Marijuana-derived Delta 9 THC is available at licensed cannabis dispensaries in the state, while hemp-derived Delta 9 THC is available at CBD stores, vape shops, and smoke shops.

You can also find online vendors selling marijuana-derived and hemp-derived Delta 9 THC in the state. Note that it is illegal to ship marijuana-derived Delta 9 THC into Missouri as federal law bans the interstate shipment of cannabis. However, Delta 9 THC derived from hemp may be shipped across state lines into Missouri.

What is Delta-10 THC?

Delta 10 THC is a relatively recently discovered cannabinoid in cannabis. It is thought to have psychoactive effects similar to Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC, but with less potency and a slightly different chemical structure.

Delta 10 THC effects and potential to produce a high are currently less understood, with more research required to fully understand its impacts. Research into the effects of Delta 10 THC, such as whether or not it causes a “high” or psychoactive effect, is still in its infancy. Due to its molecular similarity to other THC isomers, it may be detectable on a drug test; however, further research is required to establish the potential and what time frames are appropriate for detection in hair, urine, blood, and saliva.

Is Delta-10 THC Legal in Missouri?

According to federal and state laws, Delta 10 THC is a legal cannabinoid in Missouri. The federal 2018 Farm Bill permits the sale of all hemp derivatives, except for Delta 9 THC, which has been classified as a controlled substance. Missouri's HB 2034 also allows the sale and possession of hemp derivatives containing no more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.

Therefore, under the 2018 Farm Bill and HB 2034, Delta 10 THC and its various product forms and concentrations are legal for sale and consumption in Missouri as long as they contain no more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. This means that Delta 10 THC products, such as vape cartridges, disposable vapes, gummies, tinctures, wax dabs, and capsules, may be sold and used without legal repercussions in Missouri.

Delta 10 THC products are available in Missouri at local stores and online retailers. You can ship any Delta 10 THC product into Missouri, provided it does not have more Delta 9 THC content than is permitted under state and federal law.