Is Delta-8 Legal in Florida? Here's What We Know

Florida is famous for its beaches and sunshine. The warm weather and tropical climate makes for an inviting and relaxing environment.

But does Florida have the same relaxed attitude towards Delta 8 THC?

This article will address the legality of delta 8 in Florida as well as many other questions related to delta 8 THC. Whether you are a seasoned delta 8 user or completely new to the cannabinoid, this article will have something for you.

Delta 8 THC can be confusing for those who don’t know what it is or how it differs from other cannabis products. For a more in depth take on delta 8, see this article.

Here, we will briefly discuss the different cannabinoids as well as what you should expect when using them.

However, we don’t have enough space here to discuss all of the cannabinoids, since there are over 100 of them. But we will talk about the most popular ones, such as CBD, Delta 9 THC, and Delta 8 THC.

This article is a treasure trove of information that’s worth reading if you are at all interested in cannabis.

Delta 8 in Florida

Since you clicked on this article, we imagine you are interested in whether or not delta 8 is legal in Florida.

Delta 8 THC, as of the writing of this article, is legal to possess, sell, distribute, and produce in the state of Florida. However, there are a few things to keep in mind, let’s shed some more light on this subject.

The modern story of cannabinoids begins in 2018, when the legalization of industrial hemp for commercial production and mass manufacturing was implemented.

Legality of Cannabinoids

It is important to note that the 2018 Farm Bill stipulates that industrial hemp products for commercial purposes must contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.

This means that federally, hemp derived products have to have less than 0.3% THC.

Delta 9 THC (the primary active component in marijuana) is federally controlled as a Schedule I substance.

However…

Thanks to dual federalism, states have the option of following federal law, or creating their own local laws. Some states allow marijuana and high-concentration delta 9 THC products for medicinal and recreational purposes.

Furthermore, you can legally use high-THC cannabis in certain states that allow recreational and/or medicinal use. California and Colorado being among the states that have legalized delta 9 THC recreationally.

Federal law prohibits the use of cannabis products containing more than 0.3% THC on airplanes. This is also true for states that have yet to legalize delta 9 THC.

Medical Cannabis

States that have legalized medical marijuana have established specific medical conditions under which medical cannabis can be prescribed.

These conditions include neurodegenerative disorders, nausea, vomiting, and chronic pain conditions, among others. Each state sets their own parameters around legal limits for recreational use.

Back to Delta 8

Let’s return to industrial hemp products containing less than 0.3% THC.

These products can be manufactured and sold at a federal level. However, individual states may have their own policies on specific cannabinoids like Delta 8 THC.

Delta 8 THC products are illegal in certain states.

This is why it is important to check your state’s laws. Some states have even prohibited full-spectrum CBD products which contain a wide variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, and occcasionally, the potential for more than 0.3% delta 9 THC.

Be aware that state laws are ever-changing and new laws may emerge to regulate the use of Delta 8 and other cannabis-derived cannabinoids. With that being said, as of now, you can purchase Delta 8 in Florida without any issues.

The Effects of Delta 8 and Cannabis Molecules

There are more than 100 known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Some of these compounds have received more research than others. The recent legalization of certain cannabinoids has led to an increase in cannabis-related research.

When it comes to the world of cannabis and cannabinoids, there are three main molecules you are most likely to come across. These cannabinoids are: cannabidiol (CBD), Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and Delta 8 (THC).

Delta 9 THC has been a notoriously hot topic for decades due to its ability to act on the brain and produce a “high.” Over the years, there has been loads of propaganda and misinformation spread about THC.

However, there is more to this molecule…

Delta 9 THC is a potent psychoactive compound. However, it has also been proven to increase appetite and decrease nausea. It has also been proven as useful in the management of certain chronic pain conditions as well as other physical ailments.

Cannabis Molecules: Delta 8

Delta 8 is similar to Delta 9 THC and produces many of the same effects as its Isomer.

It is therefore a close and relative molecule of Delta 9. Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC only differ molecularly in one double bond. However, this double bond makes a significant difference in how Delta 8 interacts with receptors in the brain and body, as well as the effects it produces.

Delta 8’s potency is approximately half that of delta 9. So, to feel a similar effect to delta 9 THC, you need to double the amount of delta 8 you are ingesting.

The lower potency is not a sign of a lesser quality THC product. Always begin with the lowest dose or the lowest strength of a substance, then gradually increase the dosage to achieve the desired effects

Choosing delta 8 over delta 9 means having a milder experience overall, and reducing common side effects from delta 9 such as anxiety and paranoia.

How Do Our Bodies Interact with Delta 8 and Other Cannabinoids?

Let’s take a look at how cannabinoids interact in your body to create their effect. In our bodies we have an endocannabinoid system.

This system is composed of cannabinoid receptors that are found all throughout the body and mind. These receptors are known as CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily in the body and brain. Whereas, CB2 receptors are also found in the brain but they most commonly occur in the digestive and immune systems.

The nervous system can be broken down into two parts: the peripheral nervous systems (PNS) and the central nervous system (CNS). The brain and spinal cord are part of the central nervous system.

The CNS is protected from the peripheral nervous system and other parts of the body by special barriers.

This barrier protects the spinal cord and brain from viruses and other disease-causing organisms. The peripheral nervous system consists of all nerves that exist outside the brain and spine.

CB1 and CB2: A Deeper Dive

The CB1 receptor is primarily in the central nervous system (or the brain and spinal cord). The CB1 receptor is responsible for a cannabinoid’s psychoactive effects. Furthermore, to produce a high, a cannabinoid must bind to the CB1 receptor.

Cannabinoids like THC interact with CB1 receptors. Other cannabinoids, such as CBD, interact only with CB2 receptors.

You might be wondering why phytocannabinoids like those found in cannabis plants can interact with receptors within our bodies…

The simple answer lies in the fact that we naturally have an endocannabinoid system within our bodies. This system is composed of cannabinoid-like molecules that bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors. Some cannabinoids can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Cannabinoids such as Delta 8 interact with the CB1 receptors and modulate the activity of the within the endocannabinoid systems.

Research has shown that Delta 8 can activate CB1-receptors in the body to produce a psychotropic affect. While the effects of delta 8 THC aren’t as powerful as with Delta 9, it can still produce cognitive distortions as well as euphoria.

Important Things to Consider When Buying Delta 8

To ensure you are getting a high-quality product, there are some things you need to consider before you buy Delta 8.

There are many factors one should consider when buying delta 8, however we narrowed it down to what we think is the most important factor to consider:

Testing and Credibility

Make sure that wherever you source your delta 8 from is a credible and reliable source. The market for Delta 8 is largely unregulated.

This means there are a number of products out there that are not particularly safe to consume. Delta 8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid. However, the method of extraction can involve toxic solvents and chemicals that don’t get filtered out in the end product.

So, to stay on the safe side, make sure you are buying from a source that is testing their products with a third-party independent lab.

A certificate of analysis or COA is even better. These tests test for accurate potency and purity. The amount of cannabinoids present in a product should match the COA and the label.

Be weary of a company that won’t provide accurate COA’s. Also, keep in mind not all companies post their COA’s on their website, so if you don’t see it immediately, dont give up. Shoot them an email or call their customer service line.

To Wrap Up

Delta 8 is legal in Florida and can be bought at just about any smoke shop or dispensary. However, use discretion and source your delta 8 from a trusted source.

We hope you enjoyed this article on the legality of delta 8 in Florida and learned a little bit about cannabinoids and how they interact in our bodies.

Where do you get your delta 8 in Florida? We want to hear from you!

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