Update: 8/21/20 – The DEA made most delta-8 THC illegal today subject to a 60 day comment period. Here is a good summary of what has happened.
————–
Original Article from 6/2020:
The fuss about THC has always been about Δ9 (delta 9) THC. It’s responsible for the high in marijuana. Δ8 (delta 8) THC is a very similar molecule that is present only in small quantities in most cannabis.
Resourceful chemists have recently found a way to create Δ8 THC from hemp.
If you Google “delta 8 THC” you will find references to it being legal, and other equally reliable articles stating that is Federally illegal. Older articles always refer to it being illegal because it was considered an isomer of delta 8 THC. The DEA considers isomers of illegal drugs to also be illegal. The 2018 Farm Bill defined hemp in such a way that isomers created from hemp are legal. As long as Δ8 THC is derived from hemp it is now considered to be legal. States can still make it illegal, so check with your state laws to be certain.
The term `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 concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.
A new subreddit covers issues related to Δ8 THC. Most users report that it is sedating and calming, with a more intense “body high” than CBD has. Others describe it as making you “stoned without being high.” It does seem to be psychoactive, but it doesn’t seem to cause the changes in thinking that occur with Δ9 THC – no paranoia; but also no positive mood and mental changes that some seek from marijuana.
There is also evidence that Δ8 THC will show up as THC on a urine drug screen. You should avoid it of you are drug-tested (even though it is probably legal and hemp-derived). Some have also reported that it does not work in edibles. To get effects you may need to dose sublingually with Δ8 THC oil or vaporize Δ8 THC distillate .
Δ8 THC is known to be neurprotective. It has been shown to reduce nausea in children receiving chemotherapy for cancer. It is believed to act on both the CB1 receptor and the CB2 receptor, but in a different way than Δ9 THC .
You should avoid driving while taking any new cannabinoid. Δ8 THC is stronger than CBD and is more likely to impair motor skills.
For more information check out:
Cannabis PharmaC(y) 