Cannabis sativa may be a controlled substance in many countries worldwide. However, the herb has garnered tremendous popularity for its potential therapeutic and recreational benefits.
The cannabis plant contains at least 120 chemicals that give marijuana extracts their medicinal value. These substances are botanically known as phytocannabinoids or simply cannabinoids.
Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two most abundant phytocannabinoids in the market. Like their other lesser-known cousins, CBD and THC boast marijuana’s therapeutic properties. However, THC is probably the most popular among recreational cannabis users.
Tetrahydrocannabinol is the weed extract responsible for much of weed’s mind-altering properties. It’s this specific cannabinoid that produces psychedelic effects, also known as “high.”
However, not all tetrahydrocannabinol products are made equal. Some forms deliver more intense effects than others.
Numerous factors determine the intensity of THC’s overall effects. Isomerism is one such aspect. Isomerism refers to a phenomenon where two or more compounds (called isomers) share the same chemical formula but with different structures.
Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol is the most popular THC isomer. Others include Delta 8 THC, delta 10, and THC O.
But is delta 8 THC legal in Georgia? This post will narrow down our focus to the legality of delta 8 THC in Georgia.
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What Is Delta 8 THC?
Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly abbreviated as delta 8 THC, is an isomer in tetrahydrocannabinol.
This cannabinoid is less popular than the famous delta 9 THC. However, it’s one of the numerous chemicals that constitute recreational cannabis.
Why Is Delta-8 So Named?
As we already indicated, delta 8, delta 9, delta 10, and THCO are all tetrahydrocannabinol isomers. All these compounds share the same chemical formula – C₂₁H₃₀O₂.
The difference between any two THC isomers lies in their structural appearance, particularly the position of the double bond between two carbon atoms.
In the case of delta-8, the double covalent bond is located in the eighth carbon atom. That explains the “8” reference. Following the same logic, delta 9 THC and delta 10 THC have their double bonds located in the 9th and 10th carbon atoms, respectively.
How Is Delta-8 Extracted From Hemp Plants?
Delta 8 THC is extracted from cannabidiol (CBD).
The process generally begins by harvesting hemp plant parts. Hemp is a cultivar of the cannabis plant that contains significant amounts of CBD in comparison to THC.
After harvesting fresh buds, the next step involves processing hemp plants to isolate CBD. Lastly, delta 8 THC is obtained from CBD via a process known as isomerization.
How Common Is Delta-8?
Delta 8 is way less common than delta 9 THC. The cannabinoid occurs naturally in trace amounts.
But thanks to its increased popularity, manufacturers no longer rely on delta 8 obtained from hemp derivatives. There’s a growing number of reputable laboratories manufacturing synthetic weed products, that contain delta 8.
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Legal Status of Delta 8 THC in Georgia Under The Federal law
The signing into law of the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation of such plants across all fifty states of the United States, Georgia included. The fact that delta 8 THC is a hemp-derived drug means that products formulated with this compound are legal all over Georgia. However, such products cannot contain more than 0.3% of delta 9 THC, the tetrahydrocannabinol isomer noted for its intense psychoactive properties.
The 2018 Farm Bill is largely consistent with the Georgia Hemp Farming Act. This act allows Georgia residents to cultivate, distribute, and use hemp products low in tetrahydrocannabinol.
Is Delta 8 legal in Georgia?
But besides meeting the federally defined THC levels, it’s worth noting that delta 8 and other hemp-derived products are legal in Georgia only for medical use. Although marijuana is an agricultural commodity, Georgia still classifies recreational cannabis as a controlled substance.
That means you must prove you’re suffering from any qualifying medical conditions to access weed in Georgia legally. Plus, the state consistently reviews regulations on the maximum amount of marijuana products you can possess at one time.
Federal Legal Status of Delta 8 THC
As we’ve already indicated, delta 8 is legal under federal law. That consequently legalizes this cannabinoid in Georgia and all other 49 states.
However, it’s important to constantly keep abreast of any emerging regulations with regards to the Controlled Substances Act.
Note that cannabis legalization is a rapidly-evolving landscape. So, it’s not unusual to wake up one morning to the sad realization that delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol has been declared a controlled substance in Georgia or even federally.
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Do I Need A Medical Card In Georgia To Order Delta 8 THC?
Not necessarily.
Under Georgia law, anyone can legally access delta 8 THC products and other hemp products like vape cartridges anywhere within the state provided that they’re over 21 years.
But while both the federal government and the state law make THC legal in Georgia, proof of adult age may not be the only requirement for ordering delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol. Many retailers will still demand to see a valid doctor’s prescription to sell weed products to you.
How to Obtain a Medical Card in Georgia
Georgia’s medical marijuana card is known as Low-THC Oil Registry Card. A Low-THC Oil Registry card is a card issued under Georgia state regulations authorizing the cardholder to possess a cannabis product without getting arrested.
You can use this card to legally access delta 8 THC in Georgia and CBD products containing a maximum of 5% THC. Here’s how to apply for it;
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Check That You’re of Legal Age To Consume This Cannabis Plant Extract
Under federal law, you can only obtain a medical cannabis card once you attain the age of 21 years. The age limits rule applies both at the federal level as well as the state level.
However, it’s still possible for minors to apply for a medical cannabis card and obtain any legal hemp material under the federal government and Georgia state laws. They can do that through a parent or legal guardian. More details on the topic, detailed instructions, and requirements for a minor to obtain a recreational card. (https://leafwell.com/blog/how-to-get-a-mmj-card-for-your-child/)
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Know The Diseases Covered Under Georgia’s Medical Marijuana Law
While delta 8 in Georgia is completely legal, the state laws stipulate that you can only obtain a medical cannabis card if you’re suffering from certain conditions. Those diseases include;
- Intractable pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Multiple sclerosis (severe or end-stage)
- Cancer (at end-stage)
- Epileptic seizures
- AIDS
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Mitochondrial disease
- ALS – Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Sickle cell disease (severe or end-stage)
- Autism
- Epidermolysis bullosa
- Tourette’s syndrome
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Wait For Notifications
If your application goes through, you’ll need to wait for a notification from the DPH’s Office of Vital Records.
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Pay Any Associated Fees
According to Georgia law and regulations, you’ll pay $25 to obtain a Low-THC Oil Registry card.
You’ll generally pay the fee when you collect your card from the Public Health Offices that distribute it.
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Check the Card’s Validity
A medical cannabis card will only allow you to access delta 8 THC and CBD products within a specified period (usually two years). So check the expiry date. The date normally appears on the front of the card.
Note that you’ll need to contact your physician again and ask them to update your information on the THC Oil Registry when it’s time to renew the card.
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Where to Purchase Delta 8 THC in Georgia?
Not only is delta 8 legal in the Peach State. There are also multiple places to purchase the compound and other hemp-derived products.
Examples of places you can buy delta 8 THC products include gas stations, poison control centers, and smoke shops. You can also purchase the substance from vape stores, head shops, and CBD dispensaries.
But it doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for delta 8 THC legally in gas stations, poison control centers, or anywhere else. There are several things to remember.
First, most retailers require consumers to produce a medical cannabis card. Secondly, a Low-THC Oil Registry Card may make delta 8 THC legal in Georgia for hemp-derived products containing a THC concentration as high as 5%. However, these products are only federally legal if they contain a maximum THC potency of 0.3%.
Benefits of Ordering Delta 8 THC Products Online
The cannabis market teems with retailers offering various forms of FDA-approved marijuana products. But whether approved by the drug enforcement administration or not, experts always recommend purchasing weed products online.
The following are some of the reasons consumers should consider sourcing their delta 8 THC products online;
- Convenience of shopping
- Maximum discretion
- Variety of retailers
- Plenty of offers and discounts
The Future of Delta 8 in Georgia
Presently, there’s no upcoming state legislation or trend in the CBD industry that could change the legality of delta 8 THC in Georgia. Permissive federal laws also continue to make delta 8 THC legal in Georgia and other U.S states.
But as with any drugs or controlled substances, consumers need to administer delta 8 for the intended purpose and in the right amount. Overdosing on delta 8 could cause serious health risks.
So, keep the doses low. That’s especially if measuring your servings on a dry weight basis.
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Final Word
Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol is neither illegal in Georgia nor federally. The substance is mainly considered legal because it comes from hemp instead of traditional tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9). However, the legal status of delta 8 isn’t a license to abuse the cannabinoid. As with any drug, FDA-approved or not, it’s prudent for consumers to use delta 8 THC products for the intended purpose.
Reference Links:
https://www.aacc.org/cln/articles/2013/february/cannabinoids/
https://www.usda.gov/farmbill/
http://agr.georgia.gov/hemp/2-23-1-Georgia-Hemp-Farming-Act.pdf/
