Due to this reason, the use of Delta 8 THC is legalised in many states. In this blog, we are going to discuss Delta 8, its relation to delta 9 & delta 10 and its legal status in North Carolina.

About Delta 8 And Its Relation To Delta 9 & Delta 10

Delta 8 THC is a psychoactive substance found in the cannabis sativa plant. It is around 55 to 60% as potent as Delta 9 THC. The difference between the two is the position of carbon atoms in the chain which has two bonds. The eighth carbon atom of Delta 8 has a double bond, whereas the ninth carbon atom in Delta 9 has a double bond. This slight difference in the chemical structure of both the isomers is responsible for the degree of high a consumer of these substances can experience.

Delta 9 has high THC levels to the point it could be addictive and harmful. Whereas Delta 8 has enough THC levels to even ease chronic pain and treat medical conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, mental illness and sleep disorder. Due to these effects, the federal government has legalised the recreational and medical use of Delta 8.

Delta 8 THC and Delta 10 THC are both legal in North Carolina. Both isomers have a calming effect on consumers. The psychoactive effects of these substances are not as intense as other cannabinoids. Thus, both Delta THC 8 and Delta THC 10 can be used for medical and recreational purposes. The slight difference between the two is that Delta 8 THC is more potent than Delta 10 THC because it contains a higher concentration of cannabinoids.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal In NC? 

Yes, delta 8 THC has been legal in North Carolina since Senate Bill 352 came into effect. It amended the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act to exempt isomers made of raw hemp plant material and other hemp-derived cannabinoids.

After delta 8 was legalised by federal law, the law was passed in North Carolina on June 2022 to legalise the use of delta 8 THC under certain conditions.

• The legalisation of delta 8 was under the condition that it is only derived from hemp plants.
• According to the Farm Bill 2018 (Agriculture Improvement Act ), delta 8 should contain not more than 0.3% delta 9 THC.
• Recreational use of marijuana is still not legal.
• Delta 8 THC is available online, in retail shops and in dispensaries.
• North Carolina law also legalised the use of delta 10 and CBD.
• You can travel in North Carolina possessing delta 8, delta 10 and hemp-derived cannabinoids with yourself.

Facts About The Legality Of Delta-8 In North Carolina

• The state and federal law both have legalised the use of delta 8 if it contains 0.3% delta 9 THC.
• North Carolina law states that the use of delta 8 THC is legal as well as that it is under the jurisdiction to sell, possess, use or distribute the delta 8 THC variant.
• It is perfectly safe and on the safe side of the law if delta 8 is extracted from hemp plants and contains no more than 0.3% THC or 0.3% of delta 9 THC in it.
• It is perfectly legal to either buy it online or from any retailer or any of the licensed shops.
• We know delta 8 is legal, but so is delta 10, and CBD, which is also hemp-derived, are also legal in North Carolina state.
• Travelling and carrying Delta 8 with you in North Carolina is safe and legal by the law.
• Since delta 8 THC is legal, people sometimes confuse it with normal marijuana, which is still illegal in North Carolina state.
• The legalisation of delta 8 THC was passed in June 2022.

Marijuana vs. Hemp

Both marijuana and hemp come from the same species of flora called the plant cannabis sativa. The defining difference between marijuana and hemp is the amount of THC they carry, a psychoactive substance present in them.

Hemp-derived products don't contain enough THC that will give the same effect as marijuana. The legal status of hemp-derived products is favourable as they have been legalised in the U.S. As for marijuana, it is still not legal in North Carolina as it contains high levels of THC, which is responsible for making people feel high.

Is Recreational And Medical Marijuana Legal In North Carolina?

No, recreational marijuana is still not legal in North Carolina State. The sporadic consumption of marijuana could be addictive. This is why it's not legal under North Carolina state law and federal law.

There are penalties and punishments if caught in possession of the substance. If caught with less than 0.5oz will result in a violation of crime and a fine of $200. If seen with more than 0.5oz and less than 1.5oz, it will lead to a $1000 fine and up to 45 days in jail. In more severe cases, if found with more than 1.5oz to 10lbs, it will result in up to 8 months in prison and a fine of $1000.

Is Delta 8 And Delta 9 Legal in North Carolina?

Yes, while delta 8 is perfectly legal in North Carolina, delta 9 has some restrictions on it to be legal. Also, delta 8 is only legal if it is obtained by processing hemp plants. A delta-9 product is legal only if it contains less than 0.3% THC. Any more amount of THC will be considered illegal.

Anything that contains more than 0.3% THC is considered marijuana which contains more than the legal standard of THC by law, which is still illegal in North Carolina State.

Conclusion

To legalise the drug, a thorough study is conducted on the effect it has on consumers. If the effects are harmful both in the long and short run, then the government refrain from legalising such drugs for the sake of their people's health. Thus, deciding to exempt hemp-derived products or CBD was bold on the federal level.