LogFAQs > #970182132

BigOlePappy posted...

Why would one be legal and not the other?

First the difference between the two (if you knew already, apologizes6

Both delta-8 and delta-9 THC are naturally found in cannabis, and chemically, the two compounds are very similar. All that separates them is the location of a double bond, found on the eighth carbon in delta-8 THC and the ninth carbon in delta-9.

As far as scientists know, all forms of THC bind to cannabinoid receptors in the bodys endocannabinoid system, which is what produces a high. However, due to the location of its double-bond, delta-8 binds to those receptors in a slightly different manner than delta-9 THC, making it less potent. Beyond that, scientists arent sure how the two compounds differ.

So, Delta-9 is what many call THC colloquially.

And for why 8 is legal in many places:

Thanks to a loophole in the 2018 farm bill, delta-8 THC is unregulated at the federal level. That legislation legalized hemp, which is defined as a cannabis plant that contains 0.3 percent delta-9 THC or less levels considered too low to have a psychoactive effect. However, the bill does not address delta-8 THC levels

So effectively its still a psychoactive ingredient thats found, but it can be sold in super low concentrations.

Some states have banned its sale; others have made it legal explicitly. Federally they have no modified this as of yet.

Then you have places like Minnesota where they passed a law last year that allowed Delta-9 edibles of 5mg per serving or less, and 50mg per container to be sold legally... because republicans didnt actually read the bill they were passing. (Not even joking). They threw a fit and demanded the law be thrown out so they could pass what they actually wanted to pass.

Now that the democrats have a super majority in Minnesota theyre intent on making delta-9 fully recreational here.

Oh and the reason 8 is illegal is because it hasnt been widely studied. So its considered a health risk. Theres a lot of data about 9.

Excerpts where from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1272270