Delta-8 THC has been stiffly competing with its more well-known cousin delta-9 THC since it started gaining traction in the last quarter of 2020. It is getting popular for its recreational and medical uses due to its promising results in both fields.

According to initial consumer trends, the early adopters of delta-8 THC were people already comfortable with using CBD. They began using the new cannabinoid for reducing stress, managing anxiety, and promoting relaxation.

Moreover, the young generation residing in cities is also responsible for driving delta-8 THC sales. Since it can be obtained through legal channels in states where it is legal while delta-9 is illegal, it provides them with an affordable and convenient route to experience the psychoactive effects of Cannabis.

So, is Indiana among the states that have legalized delta-8 THC?

As of writing this article, delta-8 is legal in Indiana as stated by the Indiana state law.

What is delta-8 THC

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the hemp plant. Other known cannabinoids include delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Since delta-8 THC occurs in minimal quantities in the hemp plant, extracting and purifying it is not profitable. Thus, it is more commonly produced in a laboratory by converting the more prevalent CBD.

It is a psychoactive compound that makes you mildly intoxicated. While it gives you a high, it is less potent than delta-9 THC. This is because of the minute difference between the chemical structures of the two cannabinoids.

Delta-8 has a double bond on the eighth carbon, while delta-9 has its double bond on the ninth carbon. The position of the double bond also gives the two compounds their names.

What are the effects of delta-8 on your body?

Many users of delta-8 describe its effects as “mildly high.” The slight intoxication of the drug takes away the feeling of anxiety and depression, leaving you more clear-headed and calmer. It also boosts appetite, offers pain relief, prevents nausea, and induces relaxation.

On the other hand, delta-9 is far more intoxicating and can trigger paranoia and hysteria. Regardless, if you are a first-time user of delta-8, it is best to regulate your dose starting from a small quantity. This can help you assess the effects of the compound on your body and prevent any possible side effects, including:

• Numbness
• Increase in heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Confusion/drowsiness
• Red eyes
• Dry mouth

Why is delta-8 THC getting popular?

There are several reasons behind the popularity of delta-8. It all began back in 2018 when the federal farm bill, the Agriculture and Nutrition Improvement, removed hemp products with low levels of THC from the list of controlled substances.

Since delta-8 is obtained from converting hemp-derived CBD, it became legal under federal law. Thus, it allowed many people to explore the newfangled compound without worrying about legal repercussions.

Moreover, marijuana was already widely known at that time, but it was either heavily regulated in many states or illegal to use. Hence, those curious about marijuana but too scared to try it due to its extremely potent effects, such as panic attacks, severe highs, and paranoia, jumped on the delta-8 bandwagon.

In fact, delta-8 is often said to lie in the “Goldilocks zone” between CBD and delta-9. It combines the benefits of CBD and the slight “high” of delta-9 to create a novel experience.

While delta-8 is federally legal, the states are allowed to deviate from the law individually, leading to a lot of confusion about its legality. Hence, if you are intrigued by the compound, it is best to know about the laws of the state where you are residing or visiting.

Is delta-8 legal in Indiana?

Delta-8 THC has been legal in Indiana since the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill describes hemp as any cannabis with less than 0.3% THC. It further states that hemp products, including hemp-derived cannabinoids, isomers, and all other derivatives, with less than 0.3% THC, are permitted to sell and consumed.

Many states define hemp as defined by federal law, allowing the cultivation and sale of hemp and its derivatives. However, there are some states that deviate from the Farm bill, thereby making delta-8 THC illegal.

Indiana, like its neighboring state Illinois, passed hemp laws that legalized hemp and CBD, and delta-8 soon after the federal law passed the Farm Bill.

Legislation on delta-8 THC in Indiana

In 2019, the state of Indiana passed Senate Bill 516, which aligned the state hemp laws with the federal laws. It also created a legal framework to regulate hemp cultivation and production in the state.

The bill also amended the state’s Controlled Substances Act to remove “industrial hemp” from its definition of marijuana. Marijuana, or delta-9 THC, continues to be listed as a controlled substance in Indiana.

SENATE ENROLLED ACT NO. 516

SECTION 6. IC15-15-13-6

“Hemp” means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) on a dry weight basis, for any part of the Cannabis sativa L. plant.

SECTION 7. IC15-15-13-6.5

“Hemp product” means a product derived from, or made by, processing hemp plants or plant parts, including derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers. However, the term does not include:

(1) smokable hemp (as defined by IC35-48-1-26.6); or

(2) products contain a total delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of more than three-tenths of one percent (0.3%) by weight.

ARTICLE 48. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

IC 35-48-1-19 “Marijuana”

Sec. 19. (a) “Marijuana” means any part of the plant genus Cannabis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant, including hashish and hash oil; any compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds or resin.

(b) The term does not include:

(1) the mature stalks of the plant;

(2) fiber produced from the stalks;

(3) oil or cake made from the seeds of the plant;

(4) any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the mature stalks (except the resin extracted from there);

(5) the sterilized seed of the plant which is incapable of germination; or

(6) industrial hemp (as defined by IC 15-15-13-6).

As added by P.L.5-1988, SEC.199. Amended by P.L.165-2014, SEC.3.

IC 35-48-2 Chapter 2. Classification of Drugs

(d) Hallucinogenic substances. Unless specifically excepted or unless listed in another schedule, any material, compound, mixture, or preparation that contains any quantity of the following hallucinogenic, psychedelic, or psychogenic substances, their salts, isomers, and salts of isomers whenever the existence of these salts, isomers, and salts of isomers is possible within the specific chemical designation (for purposes of this subsection only, the term “isomer” includes the optical, position, and geometric isomers):

(31) Tetrahydrocannabinols (7370), including synthetic equivalents of the substances contained in the plant, or the resinous extractives of Cannabis, sp. and synthetic substances, derivatives, and their isomers with similar chemical structure and pharmacological activity such as:

(A) π1 cis or trans tetrahydrocannabinol and their optical isomers;

(B) π6 cis or trans tetrahydrocannabinol, and their optical isomers; and

(C) π3,4 cis or trans tetrahydrocannabinol, and their optical isomers.

Since the nomenclature of these substances is not internationally standardized, compounds of these structures, regardless of numerical designation of atomic positions,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

are covered. Other name: THC.

Legal concerns about delta-8 in Indiana

The growing pressure from Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) can jeopardize the legal status of delta-8 in Indiana.

In 2020, the DEA issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) stating that all synthetically-derived THC belongs under Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act. Since delta-8 is derived from CBD, it is a synthetic cannabinoid. However, the IFR does not explicitly define “synthetically derived.”

Keeping in mind that the Indiana state legislature does not ban delta-8 products, they are sold so far legally across the state.

Can you get arrested for delta-8 possession?

According to Indiana law, you can buy delta-8 THC legally. The law does not mention any possession limit of delta-8 products as well.

However, since delta-9 THC is illegal in Indiana and both delta-8 and delta-9 THC cannot be distinguished by authorities without extensive lab testing, it can get you arrested.

Can you get prosecuted for delta-8 consumption?

No, you cannot be prosecuted for delta-8 consumption in Indiana. However, the growing pressure from the federal government and DEA can change the legal status of the compound in Indiana. Thus, it is best to keep abreast of the updated laws.

Does delta-8 show up in a drug test?

The drug test used to detect delta-8 THC in your blood is the same one that is used for delta-9 THC. Therefore, if you have delta-8 in your system, it will appear in the drug test.

Future of delta-8 legality in Indiana

The future of delta-8 THC legality in Indiana is not very secure, considering the pressure from the federal government and DEA has already led to restricting or banning delta-8 products in 18 states and Washington DC. For now, delta-8 enjoys a legal status in Indiana.

How do Indiana marijuana laws compare with other states?

Currently, both medical and recreational marijuana are illegal in Indiana. In fact, Indiana is one of the only 13 states without any effective medical cannabis laws and among the 19 states that continue to impose jail time for possession of Cannabis.

On the other hand, both of Indiana’s immediate neighbors, Michigan in the north and Illinois in the west, have legalized marijuana. Moreover, its eastern neighbor, Ohio, has established a comprehensive medical cannabis program.

Punishment for medical or recreational marijuana possession in Indiana

• Use and possession of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 189 days in prison and a potential fine of up to $1,000, depending on the quantity.
• Subsequent offenses can lead to harsher penalties:

1. Possession of fewer than 30 grams of marijuana is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison and a potential fine of $5,000
2. Possession of more than 30 grams of marijuana is a Level 6 felony, punishable by six months to two-and-a-half years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000

What factors to consider when buying delta-8?

Delta-8 THC has been an exciting phenomenon since it became legal. Due to its rising demands, many companies have entered the retail market for delta-8 products.

However, not every retailer can be trusted to sell authentic products. Therefore, before you buy delta-8 products from a brand, ensure that the ingredients are of the highest quality and the product follows established guidelines.

The following are the factors to consider when buying delta-8.

Origin

The source of the hemp used to extract delta-8 is of utmost importance for several reasons.

Firstly, it helps you determine whether the hemp plant was cultivated legally. Most renowned brands are transparent about this information and clearly state the product’s origin.

Secondly, it also tells you if the cannabis plant was grown under pristine conditions, without pesticides or chemicals. The best source is organic and free of GMOs to prevent contamination of the final product.

Therefore, ensure the company sends its cannabinoid products for third-party lab testing to check for contaminants and that they have made the results available to the customers on their website.

Production method

The majority of delta-8 THC available in the market is converted from other cannabinoids. Hence, investigate the methods used to extract delta-8 THC to determine that no harmful chemicals were added during the conversion process.

If the manufacturing process is unsafe, it can directly impact your health causing severe issues.

Price

Since delta-8 does not occur in the hemp plant naturally in large quantities, the process of extracting it from CBD is often costly.

This directly impacts the price of the delta-8 products, making them generally expensive. If the cost is too cheap, you better steer clear of this low-quality product.

Therefore, do your market research to gauge the nominal price before spending your money.

Online reviews

Online reviews and testimonials can tell you much about the brand, its products, and customer service. Therefore, find out what the previous consumers say about the company before purchasing from them.

Moreover, evaluate the ratio of positive to negative reviews. A few negative reviews indicate that the company does not only have paid positive reviews. Finally, check how efficiently the company tackles the registered complaints and alleviates its consumers’ pain points.

Where to buy delta-8 THC in Indiana?

Online is the most recommended and easiest way to get your hands on quality delta-8 products. Artisan Vapor & CBD delivers its legally produced, authentic products all over Indiana. All you have to do is visit the website, place your order, and enjoy superior quality delta-8 THC in the comforts of your home.

Why buy delta-8 THC online?

If you are looking for a seamless buying experience, online shopping is the way to go. It has many benefits, such as:

• Available to shop 24/7 and more convenient than visiting a physical store
• Online reviews that can help you make an informed decision
• Keep up to date about the latest pricing discounts and deals by signing up for the newsletter

Conclusion

Delta-8 THC continues to be legal in Indiana, in accordance with federal law. Thus, you can buy delta-8 online from trusted retailers like Artisan Vapor & CBD to experience the sublime effects of the cannabinoid.