Delta-8 THC’s popularity is booming. This hemp-derived cannabinoid is fun, effective, and legal on the federal level!
But is it legal — and readily available — in the state of Tennessee?
Yes and yes. Keep reading to learn more, because in this article we’ll take a close look at how to find premium delta-8 THC products in the Volunteer State.
Delta-8 THC is a recently-popular cannabinoid that provides similar, yet slightly more gentle, effects than ‘regular’ THC. Experts call delta-8 ‘THC lite,’ and users love delta-8 for its euphoric-yet-balanced effects.
Technically speaking, delta-8 and delta-9 THC are super similar. They have the same molecular composition and almost the same molecular structure.
Unlike delta-9 THC, however, delta-8 THC is fully legal on the Federal level. This legality is thanks to how it’s made: while delta-9 is sourced from cannabis, delta-8 is sourced from hemp.
Delta-8 can actually be produced from hemp in one of two ways:
This second method is much more common. Think of delta-8 as a surprisingly awesome byproduct of hemp/CBD processing. It just so happens to be easy to make, entirely legal, and super effective!
Delta-8 is more legal than you’d think, at last based on its powerful effects. What’s the reason for this legality? After all, most psychotropic and/or psychedelic substances are banned in one way or another. What makes delta-8 THC different?
The simple answer is a glaring legal loophole. It turns out that the same 2018 Federal Farm Bill that legalized CBD also failed to illegalize hemp-derived THC isomers, including THCa, THCv, THCva, delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC.
In other words, delta-8 is fully legal just as long as it’s been derived from CBD or CBD-rich hemp. Its legality has been a blessing in disguise for those who live where medical cannabis isn’t yet legal — not virtually any adult in virtually any state can experience some plant-powered upliftment.
Yes! Delta-8 THC is completely legal in Tennessee. So are other hemp-derived cannabinoids, and so are hemp terpenes, flavones, pigments, plant waxes, and more. You can buy delta-8 THC products from a local health food store or vape shop. You can also buy said products from the comfort of your own home! All you have to do is be 21 years old or older. (Of course, people are also encouraged to talk with their doctor prior to trying delta-8 products)
But not every Tennessee resident is a fan of delta-8’s legal status. State rep Gloria Johnson is pushing for delta-8 to be outlawed — even though she wants to legalize cannabis.
Johnson claims that delta-8 is a less-than-safe alternative to the real thing, much like the synthetic cannabinoids of decade’s past once were. “Things like this are going to pop up because we’re not willing to do the hard work to sit down and talk about this reform and how we go about legalization,” Johnson explained.
The FDA agrees, explaining that “delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safe use in any context. They may be marketed in ways that put the public health at risk.” Some regulators are also worried that retail delta-8 products are too strong, putting consumers at risk of unwanted side effects like paranoia.
Here are some more stats:
And for those who want to get into the nitty-gritty details, here’s how Tennessee state law explains delta-8’s legality. The following excerpt is from Senate Bill 357:
“(3) ‘Hemp’ means the plant cannabis Sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of not more than three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) on a dry weight basis; and (4) ‘THC’ means delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. […] This section does not categorize hemp, as defined in $ 43-27-101, as a controlled substance.”
Long story short…delta-8 THC is fully legal in Tennessee because it’s viewed as a hemp derivative, not a controlled substance. [1]
Do you live in Tennessee? Then it certainly is! You can find delta-8 at vape shops, health food stores, specialized hemp/CBD shops, and other locales. You can also buy a wide selection of delta-8 THC products online. Below are few more important things to know:
*Assuming the establishments you’re visiting haven’t prohibited delta-8
** If traveling from state to state with delta-8 THC flower, keep it in its original container and/or carry a COA (lab test) along with you.
It sure is! Some people say it’s even surpassing CBD as the state’s very most popular hemp product. The stats say the same thing. 58% of the readers of one NashToday article said they’d already tried delta-8 THC — while only 19% said they’d pass. [2]
And local business owners have experienced delta-8’s rising popularity the most. One hemp shop’s owner says his sales went up 30 percent since he brought delta-8 onto the shelves.
Delta-8 has also brought in a surprising new demographic: the 60+ community.
“I think maybe these people that grew up in the 60s and 70s are getting closer to that older retirement age, and they’re coming back to their roots and saying, ‘Hey, this is something I can get legally,’” this same shop owner explains.
“So it’s interesting when you see a 60 to 65-year-old person coming here, and you think they’re wanting CBD and they’re like, ‘No, no, I want that Delta 8 stuff for my pains, arthritis, aches and stuff like that.’ […] A lot of people said that it works better for them than CBD.” [3]
Delta 8’s popularity has led some Tennessee residents to be concerned about its safety and purity. For now, delta-8 production is mostly unregulated. It’s up to brands themselves to prove the purity of their products through COA’s from third-party lab testing.
For now, at least. Delta-8 proponents and dissuaders alike hope that delta-8 THC production becomes part of a larger, better-regulated cannabis industry.
“I hope that people see the benefit of Delta 8 and then somewhere down the road, if they legalize marijuana, then we can move on to that side of it,” the hemp shop’s owner explained. Rep. Johnson agrees: “farmers support it, we need a new cash crop, our neighbors are all doing it… what’s the problem with [legalized cannabis] for Tennessee?” Johnson said.
The good news is that delta-8 THC is legal in Tennessee and about 28 other states. Here’s a list of them:
But the bad news is that a growing number of states have outlawed delta-8, even if it’s coming from hemp. Here’s the current list:
Making matters more confusing, delta-8 THC regulations can — and do — change from one year to the next. What’s legal today might not be legal tomorrow…and vice versa! Be sure to pay close attention to any statements Tennessee officials make about delta-8 THC.
Tennessee resident, we have good news: one of the most fun cannabinoids of all is legal in your home state. You can buy delta-8 products from retail stores or online. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even produce your own delta-8 products!
Shop from a premium online brand like DD8 and things get even more exciting. We couldn’t be happier to provide top-quality delta-8 gummies, tinctures, edibles, and other products to Tennesseans.
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