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Join us in this enlightening video as we explore the intricate legal landscape surrounding the shipping of THCa products across the United States under the current regulations of the Farm Bill.
Learn MoreCannabinoids are natural compounds found in the hemp or cannabis plant. Known for their therapeutic benefits, these substances interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to potentially enhance feelings of tranquility, mental clarity, and provide everyday comfort. Commonly utilized cannabinoids include CBD (Cannabidiol), CBN (Cannabinol), CBG (Cannabigerol), Delta-8 THC, and Delta-9 THC.
What are the benefits of hemp?
Renowned for its therapeutic effects, hemp interacts organically with the endocannabinoid system in the body, potentially aiding in achieving calm, clarity, and consistent relief. Cannabinoids derived from hemp help the body maintain balance or homeostasis. Beyond its health uses, hemp is also employed in producing fuel and textiles.
Delta-9 THC, also known as ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆-9-THC), is a prominent and well-known cannabinoid in cannabis. Recognized for its psychoactive properties, Delta-9 THC offers various therapeutic benefits.
Legally, this cannabinoid was authorized under the 2018 Farm Bill, but only in specific contexts. According to the bill, cannabis products that contain less than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight are lawful. Hence, the primary difference between legally permissible hemp and federally illegal marijuana is the concentration of ∆-9-THC present. This regulation concerning dry weight allows for the inclusion of a certain amount of Delta-9 THC in our products while still adhering to federal guidelines set by the 2018 Farm Bill.
What is Delta 8?
Delta-8 THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a cannabinoid naturally found in cannabis and is a chemical cousin to CBD and Delta-9 THC. Classified as an isomer, it has the same chemical formula as these compounds but differs in the atomic arrangement, giving it distinct properties. Delta-8 THC occurs in cannabis in minimal amounts but can be synthesized from CBD or Delta-9 THC through a chemical process involving heat, changes in pH levels, or solvents, resulting in an exothermic reaction. The structural differences between Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC are slight; however, their effects on the brain and endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors vary significantly. Delta-9 THC acts as an agonistic compound, potentially amplifying or mimicking existing brain effects, whereas Delta-8 THC functions antagonistically, which does not. This distinction is crucial for individuals who report anxiety or paranoia from THC, as Delta-8 might offer a more agreeable experience.
The 2018 Farm Bill marked a significant shift in U.S. cannabis policy, particularly with its provisions related to hemp-derived products, including THCa. This legislation federally legalized hemp by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act and defined hemp as any part of the cannabis plant, including seeds, derivatives, and extracts, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. This reclassification effectively legalized the shipment of hemp-derived products, including THCa, across state lines, provided they meet the specified THC threshold. THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a non-psychoactive precursor to THC found in raw and unprocessed hemp. It is only when THCa is heated, through processes such as smoking or vaping, that it converts into psychoactive THC. The 2018 Farm Bill's stipulation that products must contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight allows for the legal sale and shipping of THCa, assuming it doesn’t convert to THC above the legal limit. This legislative change opened up significant opportunities for the hemp industry, allowing businesses to expand their operations and ship their products nationwide, enhancing access for consumers to hemp-derived products, including those containing THCa.