HB 1927 will criminalize Delta-8 THC, a cannabinoid that comes from CBD extracted from hemp.
HB 1927 is up for vote Wednesday, March 23 at 3PM (Central Daylight Time) in Tennessee. Delta-8 is federally legal to be purchased under the 2018 US Farm Bill; this legality has been confirmed by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The 2018 US Farm Bills states that hemp-derived products must contain under 0.3% (Delta-9) THC by dry weight. The issue residents of Tennessee (and other states) are facing is that individual states may set their own Controlled Substances Acts (CSAs). These typically mirror the Federal Controlled Substance Act, but this is not the case when it comes to hemp-derived products.
If this bill passes it will negatively impact the industrial hemp and CBD market in Tennessee — a growing market that is seeing a turnaround in business. The Tennessee market is seeing a high demand for hemp, CBD, and Delta-8 products. The State of Tennessee estimates the bill will destroy over $70,000,000 of revenue for small businesses in the state. This amendment seeks to ban federally legal cannabinoids from distribution and possession in Tennessee. If Delta-8 is made illegal in Tennessee, it is safe to assume that other federally legal cannabinoids (Delta-10, CBD, or other rare cannabinoids such as CBC, THCV, CBG, etc.) will be next.
Delta-8 THC is very similar in chemical structure to Delta-9 THC, the traditional psychoactive cannabinoid referred to mainly as “THC”. However, users report that Delta-8 THC is a much milder than Delta-9 causing a less intense euphoric, fuzzy feeling and a milder “high”. It is also reported that with Delta-8 users also experience less potent negative side effects — such as paranoia, anxiety, and drowsiness.
Benefits of Delta-8
According to scientific studies being conducted, Delta-8 also has many beneficial medical uses. Studies have shown Delta-8 may also:
- Calm nausea
- Boost appetite
- Assist with pain relief
- Increase mental health
- Prevent vomiting during cancer treatments
Where is Delta-8 Legal?
Delta-8, while currently legal in most states, is experiencing issues as some lawmakers believe it falls into a "legal gray area". Current states that have banned Delta-8 include:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Montana
- Nevada
- New York
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
Some Products That Will No Longer Be Purchasable
If you're in a state that has not banned Delta-8 on a state level, we carry a variety of different options at Ethereal Gold Dispensary, and our Handlers are here to help if you have any questions about cannabinoid legality. We also keep up-to-date articles on cannabinoid news, studies, laws, and regulations on our blog.
For more information, blogs, and cannabis news make sure to head over to the Ethereal Gold Dispensary Blogs section!
