{"id":2058,"date":"2022-12-13T17:30:18","date_gmt":"2022-12-13T17:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bloomnews.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=2058"},"modified":"2025-11-12T19:50:47","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T19:50:47","slug":"what-is-delta-8-thc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.bloommarijuana.com\/education\/what-is-delta-8-thc\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Delta-8 THC?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Most people know that the cannabinoid known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that makes people feel high. Otherwise known as delta-9 THC, or THC for short, it is just one of over 100 cannabinoids that have been identified in cannabis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Another lesser-known cannabinoid that\u2019s received some attention lately is Delta-8 THC. Although delta-8 THC can have psychoactive effects similar to delta-9 THC, it has shown to be less potent in studies conducted on animals.1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only that, but delta-8 THC does not occur in significant amounts in the plant naturally. And, this is just one of the concerns when it comes to delta-8 THC. We\u2019ll explain why in a bit. First, let\u2019s look at how deta-8 is made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is Delta-8 Made?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since minimal amounts of delta-8 THC occur naturally in the cannabis plant, delta-8 is made from CBD that has been extracted from hemp. Once the CBD has been refined into an isolate, it is then synthesized into delta-8. It is this synthetic conversion process that concerns many including the FDA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s because this synthetic conversion process involves the use of additional chemicals. And since the delta-8 market is unregulated, it becomes possible that unsafe processes could lead to products that are harmful to consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Delta-8 THC Legal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like many things cannabis related, the legal status of delta-8 THC is not clear cut. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the delta-8 is derived from hemp, then it\u2019s considered to be legal by the federal government. But, if the delta-8 has been extracted from cannabis, then it\u2019s considered illegal on the federal level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although delta-8 THC is currently legal in some states, some states have restricted its use to medical purposes. There are also a few states that have actually banned the use of delta-8 THC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s interesting to note that in some states where the recreational use of cannabis has been legalized, like Colorado, delta-8 products have been banned. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to first check with the regulations in your area. If you live in a state that\u2019s banned delta-8, you should avoid purchasing and possessing delta-8. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why is Delta-8 Legal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Delta-8 THC is considered legal at the federal level because it is derived from hemp instead of cannabis. According to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 the determination of whether a plant is classified as hemp or cannabis comes down to the amount of THC:<\/p>\n\n\n\n