Is Delta-8 Legal in North Carolina?

Hemp-derived Delta-8 THC is legal in North Carolina according to the Farm Bill and North Carolina’s own rules. The state has been a hemp producer since America’s colonial times! Keep reading for more info. Click here to order premium Delta-8 from Earthy Select!

What is Delta-8?

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a cannabinoid, which just means it is one of the many substances that comes from the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids from plants are specifically called phytocannabinoids, and there are hundreds of them. When cannabinoids are consumed, they have an effect on the human endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS uses the cannabinoids as neuromodulators that work with the cannabinoid receptors throughout the human body. Scientists are still actively studying the ECS, but researchers link it to regulating physiological and cognitive processes, pain-sensation, immune system activities, appetite, mood, memory, and in mediating the effects of cannabis [1].

Delta-8 is a very popular THC product used for therapeutic and personal enjoyment. It is similar to Delta-9 THC which will be discussed in the next section. Most states including North Carolina are onboard with Delta-8 and its benefits. Even though the Tar Heel State has decriminalized cannabis, it’s not legal and many people prefer Delta-8 as a great alternative to weed.

What’s the Difference Between Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, Delta-10 THC?

Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, and Delta-10 THC all occur naturally in the cannabis plant, and all three are isomers of the same molecule, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC is one of the hundreds of identified cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, and it is the main psychoactive substance in cannabis.

What is an isomer? An isomer is each of two or more compounds with the same formula but a different arrangement of atoms in the molecule and with different properties.

The molecules that make these three types of THC are very similar in form, but a small structural difference is evident in where a double-bond occurs. For Delta-8 it is on the eighth carbon chain, for Delta-9 the ninth carbon chain, and for Delta-10 the tenth carbon chain. These minimal chemical variations do make a difference. Research shows that Delta-8 and Delta-10 share many of the effects of Delta-9, although typically at lower levels [2].

Learn more about hemp-derived Delta-9 THC here: Is Hemp-Derived Delta-9 Legal in America?

What does “hemp-derived” mean?

Hemp-derived means made from hemp, sometimes also referred to as industrial hemp. Hemp is a botanical class of Cannabis sativa cultivars grown specifically for industrial or medicinal use [3]. It is refined and used in a very wide range of commercial products. Because of its relation to marijuana, coming from the same cannabis plant, hemp has faced uneven legality in the U.S. and other countries, despite being a sustainable powerhouse of a resource.

Hemp-derived means made from hemp, sometimes also referred to as industrial hemp. 2018 Farm Bill (see next section) established new legal definitions and rules for hemp, including that hemp and “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” may be legally used for production, sales, transport, and use.

Hemp and hemp derivatives include many cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD), Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, and Delta-10 THC. These cannabinoids and others are federally-compliant for use in inhalable, edible, and topical products.

Doesn’t the Farm Bill make Delta-8 THC legal everywhere?

The Farm Bill legalized hemp and Delta-8 throughout the United States. For many years in the U.S., cannabis was illegal whether or not it contained THC, its main psychoactive chemical, which occurs naturally in the cannabis plant.

In 2018, the United States Congress enacted a groundbreaking piece of law, known as the 2018 Farm Bill. The legislation defines cannabis with less than .3% of Delta-9 THC per dry weight as hemp and allows it in all 50 states. Cannabis with more than .3% Delta-9 THC per dry weight is defined as marijuana and is still a federally controlled substance on the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Schedule 1 list. This is despite the fact that many states allow medical use or adult recreational use of cannabis with more than .3% Delta-9 THC.

The Bill defines hemp as:

Hemp.–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.

All THC isomers in Earthy Select products are made exclusively from organically-grown, federally-compliant, third-party tested hemp.

Most states passed similar laws in the year or years following the Farm Bill’s enactment. Most of these adopted the same definition of hemp, and legalized hemp and hemp-derived products and cannabinoids. That’s the case in North Carolina too, which rekindled a vigorous hemp program following the Farm Bill’s changes.

How do you buy high quality Delta-8 in North Carolina?

Finding great Delta-8 isn’t complicated. The best way is to buy directly from trusted brands like Earthy Select who follow safe manufacturing standards and use third-party testing to ensure a clean and potent product. If processing of Delta-8 is done poorly, it can lead to degradation of the compound, inaccurate potency, or harmful by-products.

The production methods and standards of Delta-8 THC are critical for its quality, safety and legality. You should always buy from companies who provide a certificate of analysis (CoA) for each product. A CoA is a document attesting to a product’s laboratory analysis for cannabinoids and in some cases adulterants, heavy metals and pesticides.

Producers should only use third-party lab testing and publish the CoA results where buyers can access them. This transparency promotes trust and reliability between producers, wholesalers, retailers and purchasers. Labs that are registered with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and International Standards Organization (ISO) and other regulating entities follow federal regulations and are trusted to ensure federal-compliance with Delta-8 and other hemp-derived products.

Earthy Select provides the highest quality Delta-8 THC and offers third-party CoAs for each and every product, including rich and potent Delta-8 and Delta-10 Oils which are non-GMO, gluten free and vegan!

Where exactly is Delta-8 THC legal?

According to the 2018 Farm Bill, all hemp-derived cannabinoids are federally-compliant as long as they contain less than .3% Delta-9 THC per dry weight. This means that Delta-8 is not a federally-controlled substance if it is from hemp, and it contains less than .3% Delta-9 THC per dry weight.

The federal government allows hemp and hemp-derived Delta-8 THC products nationally and will not limit their transportation across state lines. States still have the ability to limit Delta-8 or other cannabinoids within their own borders. It’s confusing for Americans but is the current situation. North Carolina is in a good position. To learn about all 50 states, read Is Delta-8 THC Legal in Your State?

Where can I buy Delta-8 in North Carolina?

In North Carolina Delta-8 is commonly available in shops and convenience stores from the Great Smoky Mountains through to the Outer Banks. You may prefer to use the convenient privacy of Earthy Select’s direct mail order service! We sell potent Delta-8 gummies, flower, lozenges, tablets, oils and vapes and we ship nationwide from our home in Asheville 🙂 .

Delta-8 and the law in North Carolina

Hemp-derived Delta-8 THC is legal in North Carolina according to the Farm Bill and North Carolina’s own rules. In colonial times onward, North Carolina farmers grew and exported hemp, until it was made illegal in 1940. Beginning in 2017, cultivation was restarted with the Industrial Hemp Pilot Program, which followed the parameters of the 2014 Farm Bill, that ushered in a modern era of hemp research, and realizing more of cannabis’s potential as a wonder-crop and revenue-driver.

North Carolina’s legal definition of hemp is a little different than the Farm Bill’s, but seemingly not in a way that changes its effect. It does not include the portion of the federal definition that reads “derivatives, extracts, isomers,” but in a similar way, it does include “all parts and varieties of the cannabis plant” that contain less than .3% Delta-9 THC per dry weight [4]. The small difference may not matter—legal experts have reported no charges or prosecutions for hemp-derived Delta-8 [5].

The legal status in North Carolina is still behind other recreational marijuana and medical cannabis states. North Carolina has not legalized recreational cannabis but it has decriminalized it ever since 1977. Possession of up to a half ounce is still a crime but incurs a maximum of a $200 fine with no incarceration [6]. Medical marijuana is also not legal under state law in North Carolina and under North Carolina controlled substances laws.

Closing thoughts on Delta-8 in North Carolina

North Carolinians love Delta-8! Especially when it comes from Asheville! For the best products out there, ordering from Earthy Select is the way to go. You’ll love Earthy Select’s premium Delta-8 and we ship nationwide!

Disclaimer – Information is provided for educational purposes. It does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice or medical advice. We attempt to be accurate and up to date but the legality of cannabinoids and the science of cannabis is evolving. The author is neither a lawyer or a legal expert, nor a doctor or medical expert. You should check with your local authorities and medical providers before buying or using any products.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Delta-8 Legal in North Carolina?

Hemp-derived Delta-8 THC is legal in North Carolina according to the Farm Bill and North Carolina’s own local rules.

Can you get high on Delta-8 in North Carolina?

Products with THC, even at low dosages, have the potential to produce psychoactive and therapeutic effects. The strength of the effects on a particular person will be different depending on a few things: dosage level, body weight, food or other substances in the system, and experience/tolerance level of THC, and personal body chemistry. You may feel “high” after using THC products so we strongly recommend you use them responsibly.

What is a COA?

A certificate of analysis (COA) is a document issued by a laboratory, attesting to a product’s analysis for cannabinoids and in some cases adulterants, heavy metals and pesticides. It is a useful tool for cannabis producers and customers to ensure quality and trust.

What are the real effects of Delta-8?

When using Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 THC products, users report feelings of relaxation, euphoria, creativity, focus and pleasure. Some people like to compare the effects to those of traditional adult-use cannabis products.

The strength of the effects on a particular person will be different depending on a few things: dosage level, body weight, food or other substances in the system, and experience/tolerance level of THC, and personal body chemistry.

How much Delta-8 should you take?

Products with THC, even at low dosages, have the potential to produce psychoactive and therapeutic effects. While our products have a suggested dosage listed on each package, the strength of the effects on a particular person will be different depending on a few things: the dosage level, body weight, food or other substances in the system, personal body chemistry, and experience level or tolerance of THC.

Generally speaking, it is recommended that you start with the lowest dose, ie. 5mg to 10mg, and gradually increase it until you reach satisfactory results. Consult your healthcare provider with specific questions about using any therapeutic products.

Can I order Delta-8 online for delivery?

Yes! Delta-8 and other hemp-derived products with less than .3% Delta-9 THC are federally legal to ship across state lines. Certain states have limitations within their borders, and these can change. You should stay aware of your local regulations, and let your representatives know your community’s thoughts on cannabis!

Will Delta-8 show up on a drug test?

Yes. It will depend on dosage size and regularity of use, but there is a risk of failing a drug test. Drug tests for marijuana generally identify THC or its metabolites, and Delta-8 THC can make a person fail a drug test. If you anticipate taking a drug test, we suggest checking with your employer or test administrator for clarity prior to taking Delta-8 or any full spectrum products.