Is Delta-8 Legal In Georgia?

Nikhil Goswami

With the growth of the cannabis industry and an increase in the demand for this cannabinoid, brands have become creative in their consumption methods. The use and possession of delta-8 products are federally legal as per the Farm Bill 2018. This law legalizes hemp-derived cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, isomers, salts, and seeds.

However, the primary conditions for the legality are that the cannabinoid must be obtained from a hemp plant, and its THC concentration should be below 0.3%. Correspondingly, this federal law falls in line with Georgia state law, making the chemical legal at the federal level and as per the state government of Georgia. Thus, residents of Georgia can use and possess hemp products that abide by the legal limit of THC.

History Of Federal And State Law Of Cannabinoids

With the advancements in science and technology, researchers have been successful in unearthing the potential benefits of using delta-8 products. Among the hundreds of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, delta-8 is a minor cannabinoid.

As its name indicates, it is a chemical related to the relatively more popular cannabis chemical, i.e., delta-9 THC. In fact, delta-8 is an isomer of its extremely popular cousin, delta-9. While both the compounds vary slightly in their chemical makeup, delta-8 is a less potent version of its famous counterpart in terms of physical properties.

According to state and federal law, possession and consumption of delta-8 products are legal. On the one hand, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of hemp products in the Farm Bill 2018. However, the regulation does not explicitly mention delta-8 carts and other products. Instead, the federal guidelines legalize the use of every hemp-derived cannabis chemical and its derivative.

Nevertheless, the federal guidelines set a condition according to which the concentration of THC in products has to be less than 0.3% for it to qualify as legal. According to this legislation, the Drug Enforcement Administration has withdrawn hemp-driven delta-8 from the list of controlled substances. On the other hand, the Georgia Hemp Farming Act made amends to the previous state law concerning the restrictions on hemp cultivation to align with the federal law.

Medical Legalization Of Delta-8

The Georgia law towards delta-8 products is very strict and prohibits the possession, sale, or growing of marijuana. Additionally, the production or sale of food products that constitute more than 0.3% THC is federally illegal.

Regardless, Georgia law approves the medical and recreational use of delta-8 THC. Various studies show the potential benefits of cannabinoids in treating some medical conditions. However, the state governments only allow its use for 17 health conditions which are:

  • Cancer treatment
  • Epilepsy
  • End-stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Mitochondrial disease
  • Tourette’s syndrome
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Autism spectrum disorder in patients older than 18 years
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Epidermolysis bullosa
  • AIDS
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Chronic pain
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Patients in hospice programs

Nevertheless, the research proving the chemical’s effectiveness is still in its preliminary stages. Hence, it is best to rely on your physician’s advice.\

Buying Delta-8 THC In Georgia

Like other states, the majority of residents of Georgia seek a discrete and easy way to buy their stash of THC. The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission does not prescribe or dispense the use of THC oil. Not to mention, this commission is responsible for licensing and regulating THC production facilities and dispensaries.

Hence, the citizens of Georgia cannot buy delta-8 THC for medical purposes except for the aforementioned health conditions. Additionally, the trace amount of the delta-8 present in the cannabis plant is insufficient to fulfill the increasing demand.

Consequently, brands use the non-intoxicating chemical, i.e., CBD, instead of relying on chemical or biochemical synthesis to obtain synthetically derived delta-8.

While residents can find products sold in head shops throughout Georgia, it is best for THC enthusiasts to buy delta-8 products online instead of relying on in-store CBD vendors. Other than being convenient in comparison to going outdoors to look for vape shops, it is a safer method to buy high-quality delta-8 gummies. Also, buying cannabinoid products through online retailers allows consumers to get a better price, reliability, and a wide variety of options.

Cheap Delta-8 Products

As the use of delta-8 has become extremely popular among the masses, there has also been a substantial rise in scams. Cannabis enthusiasts should remain wary of the quality of the products they purchase. You can also look for exhale delta-8 gummies.

It is in your best interest to avoid purchasing cheap, low-quality THC products from gas stations or convenience stores. The products sold in unclean, sketchy locations are potentially hazardous to the consumer’s health and can even be fatal.

Here Is Our Top Pick: Exhale’s Delta 8 THC Gummies

Strongest delta-8 gummies

 

The best part is that Exhale Wellness’ delta-8 THC products are all natural and organic, making them the most powerful sedatives on the market right now.

Exhale Wellness has imprinted the delta-8 fans. People have been wowed by its products and business practices, and many have already begun to purchase again from it. This manufacturer also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and free shipping.

Is Delta-8 Legal In Georgia?

As per both state and federal law, the cultivation of hemp and the use of hemp-derived products are legal in Georgia. Vendors can sell delta-8 THC as long as the THC concentration remains below 0.3%. However, vendors cannot sell products if their THC concentration exceeds the limit of 0.3%, as it is illegal.

THC Products Legal In Georgia 

Even though the Farm Bill legalizes THC, there are certain types of products that are illegal, and vendors cannot sell them in the state of Georgia. The state law aligns with the regulations set out by the FDA in its Food Drug and Cosmetic Act. This regulation bans the use of delta-8 in dietary supplements, beverages, and foods and considers it unfit for animal consumption.

Traveling To Georgia With Delta-8

As delta-8 THC is legal in the state of Georgia, therefore consumers can travel to the state while carrying D8 products with THC concentration below 0.3%. Nonetheless, the state has not legalized the cultivation, use, and possession of marijuana. Hence, visitors must refrain from carrying marijuana products while visiting the state.

Is Delta-10 legal?

Similar to D8, delta-10 is also legal throughout the US. Therefore, cannabis consumers who fancy delta-10 THC can easily buy D10 products as long as the THC concentration abides by state and federal regulations.

Law Concerning CBD In Georgia

On May 19th, 2021, Mr. Wyden passed a bill in the US Senate. The bill legalizes the use of hemp-derived CBD. Furthermore, it allows the addition of CBD and other legal cannabinoids in beverages, food, and dietary supplements.

Correspondingly, this new bill contradicts the FDA’s instructions and proposes modifications to the FD&C Act, which will lead to the legalization of the use and consumption of CBD and its products in all forms.

Upcoming Legislation In Georgia

As of now, there is no upcoming state legislation that can affect the legality of cannabinoids. Thus, CBD and THC products will remain legal in accordance with the Farm Bill 2018 and Georgia Hemp Farming Act. Nonetheless, consumers fear the change in federal policies concerning the legality of D8 products.

Federal Government’s Opinion About Delta-8 

On August 21st, 2020, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) introduced an Interim Final Rule. The DEA put forward this problematic rule to decide whether the government considers synthetic THC legal.

Moreover, this rule acts as an amendment to the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) of the Agricultural Improvement Act 2018. According to the IFR, THC products made from D8 that are derived synthetically fall under the list of Schedule I controlled substances.

Synthetically Derived Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC is a naturally emerging cannabinoid found in marijuana and hemp plants. Many people believe it is artificial since it appears in trace amounts in the cannabis plant. Brands use different processes to extract the minute quantity of delta-8 THC for its safe extraction.

G. R. Webster, Leonard Sarna, and Raphael Mechoulam put forth the CBD conversion process over a decade ago. This process involves the isomerization of CBD to delta-8 THC, and it requires a non-polar organic solvent such as heptane. Multiple combinations of chemical reactions are available to convert CBD into delta-8 THC.

However, each combination produces different results and, depending on the mixture, can take up to 18 hours. Once the chemical process is complete, you can separate the upper phase and wash it using aqueous 5% NaHCO3 for neutralization.

Recent Raids At The Vape Stores In Georgia

Reports from March 2022 show that a new Georgia law suit seeks the court’s ruling concerning the legality of delta-8 and a related chemical, delta-10. An Atlanta law firm reached out to the court in retaliation to the threats of the district attorney of Gwinnett county threatening to prosecute businesses selling products containing D8 or D10.

While the district attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson claims that the use of delta-8 is illegal, the new lawsuit contradicts the claims. However, the filer did not receive an immediate reply to their email to the district attorney’s office.

Nevertheless, the lawsuit clarifies the possible misinterpretation of the mention of “hemp products” in federal legislation and seeks a court order declaring the legal status of the cannabinoids. As a result of the dispute in the legality of the chemical compound, the vendors always remain wary of the possibility of a raid and prosecution.

Wrapping Up: Where Can I Get Delta-8 Products In Georgia?

Globally, there has been a wave of cannabis legalization and decriminalization. Consequently, cannabis products have obtained legal status for medical and recreational use in various parts of the world. However, it is not the same in Georgia, where recreational use of cannabis is still illegal.

Cannabis consumers use these products as an alternative to traditional pharmaceutical drugs. However, studies about the potential side effects of cannabinoids are still insufficient. Consequently, consumers should take their physician’s advice to prevent further damage to their health.

As the legality of delta-8 falls in a legal gray area with no explicit instructions about the use of the cannabinoid, enthusiasts should remain up to date with the latest modifications in both federal and state law.

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