Legality

Medically Reviewed By:

Nidra Sidhu, M.D. Integrative Medicine

How Old To Buy Delta 8 – Delta 8 Age Requirement

Delta 8 THC has gained popularity over the past years as a hemp product because of its similar psychoactive properties to delta 9 THC. Delta 8 produces a high similar to the high associated with taking marijuana, however, the delta 8 high is smooth, mellow, and prolonged and helps you maintain a sense of calm. Both delta 8 and delta 9 produce a high since both have THC content unlike CBD products. This is not the same however for hemp oil.

Since it's federally legal, you can enjoy a buzz without getting in trouble with federal laws or having major safety concerns generally, but can everyone enjoy this legal buzz? What is the delta 8 THC age requirement? Can you buy delta 8 at 18, or do you have to be 21 to buy delta 8?

These are questions that this article aims to answer, keep reading to find the delta 8 THC age limit in your state.

What Is Delta 8 THC?

Before we look into delta 8 THC age restrictions, let's first answer the question, what is delta 8?

Delta 8 THC is a natural compound found in hemp plants. The plant itself is the distinguishing factor between delta 8 and medical marijuana & recreational cannabis. It is one of the over 100 phytocannabinoids found in the plant that can produce a high. 

How Delta 8 Is Produced

Delta 8 THC from hemp compounds is naturally produced in minuscule quantities making it almost impossible to extract on its own. The good news is that delta 9 THC and CBD from the hemp plant can also be converted to delta 8 through a chemical process called oxidation.

Although delta 8 THC is a natural compound, some argue that it is a synthetic due to how manufacturers of delta 8 produce the compound in larger quantities for commercial purposes. 

Can Delta 8 Produce A High Like The Cannabis Plant?

As mentioned earlier, delta 8 THC can produce a high, similar to the high one gets from delta 9 or medical marijuana.

This is because delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC have a similar molecular structure with a minor difference in their double carbon placement, the double bond of delta 8 THC is placed on the eighth carbon while that of delta 9 THC is found on the ninth carbon. This difference in these two compounds is responsible for how your body reacts to delta 8 THC and delta 9 THC. 

What Users Say About The High

Users of delta 8 THC describe the high from delta 8 THC as a smooth and mellow high that takes effect gradually, unlike delta 9, which creeps up on you and sometimes leaves you couch-locked. Users typically describe delta 8 THC as the more relaxed high within the cannabis industry.

What Delta 8 THC May Do

Delta 8 THC is used by many as a stress and pain reliever, while others use it to improve their general well-being, but many would-be users would like to know is delta 8 legal?

The Legal Status of  Delta 8 THC

Since 1937, the United States has fought against the legalization of cannabis, and users were punished for it. Cannabis was formally made illegal in 1970 under the Controlled Substance Act, which banned cannabis of any kind.

The 2018 Farm Bill, however, changed the legal status of hemp products when it defined hemp as all cannabis Sativa L. material, including all extracts, isomers, cannabinoids, salts, and other derivatives, provided it contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.

Delta 8 Age & Legality History

Historically all cannabis was cannabis till the Farm Bill differentiated between the industrial hemp plant and cannabis (marijuana). Delta 8 hemp products and all their derived products were delisted as controlled substances - though the cannabis plant remained. 

What The Farm Bill Did

Although the Farm Bill 2018 legalized delta 8 hemp on a federal level, state and federal law vary. Each state still has to decide if they will allow delta 8 hemp and its derived products to reach people in their homes, hence the inconsistencies in industrial hemp laws in different states.

Is There A Difference Between Hemp And Cannabis?

Industrial hemp popularly known as hemp is a plant from the cannabis family purposely bred for industrial use.

Although this plant is mainly bred for food, oil, fiber, etc., the flowers still contain CBD and THC.

On the other hand, cannabis, what most people refer to as marijuana, is the variety of the cannabis family that is purposely bred for medicinal and recreational use.

Delta 8 Vs CBD Vs THC

Delta 8 THC and CBD are found in both industrial hemp and marijuana. Hemp produces more CBD while marijuana produces a lot of THC, the psychoactive component that causes the high associated with consuming marijuana.

Since delta 8 THC naturally comes in smaller quantities in industrial hemp, the hemp plant doesn't produce a high by itself. It does, however, keep you in a relaxed mood.

Delta 8 Vs. Cannabis Products

Unlike delta 8 from hemp, which is federally legal, marijuana is still a controlled substance. It is illegal on a federal level, although some states, like Missouri, have legalized marijuana for medicinal use while others, like Arizona, have legalized it for recreational use. 

Remember that state law is subject to change when it comes to a controlled substance, so you should keep an eye out for hemp and cannabis laws in your state. This brings us to the question of what age can one get their hands on hemp and its derived products?

Delta 8 Age Requirement

Delta 8 produces a high, it may not be as strong as a high from delta 9 THC, but it is enough to produce a euphoric sensation, so what is the age requirement for this legal buzz? Do you need to be 21 to buy delta 8, or can you buy delta 8 at 18?

Federal Legalization

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the hemp-derived product, delta 8, but it did not come with age restrictions regarding who can and cannot buy or use hemp products. Of course, federal laws still prevent the sale of smokables and inhalable products like delta 8 vapes or hemp-rolled flowers to minors, but products like delta 8 gummies, oils, and candies do not have age restrictions.

What the Individual States Say

While certain states that legalized hemp and its derived products have set restrictions on the legal age to use delta 8, others do not have such restrictions in place. This leaves the delta 8 THC market open for retailers to decide what age limits to put on their delta 8 product sales.

Generally, hemp retailers and manufacturers require customers to be above the age of 21 before selling them delta 8 THC products. This is mainly due to inconsistencies in state laws. Most states, however, do not have any age restrictions on delta 8 possession, while a few require retailers to sell to consumers 18 years and above.

States That Don't Allow Delta 8

Some states still have strict restrictions on the possession of delta 8 and any hemp product in general, regardless of age (Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Utah, and Vermont).

Do I Need A Medical Card to Purchase Delta 8?

Currently, you do not need a medical card to purchase delta 8 in states that have legalized hemp and hemp-derived products for recreational use. 

Any delta 8 product that is compliant with federal guidelines (not containing more than 0.3% of delta THC) can be purchased without a medical card, provided you pass the delta 8 THC minimum age limit, which is 18 years and above.

Where Can You Buy Delta 8 THC?

Getting your hands on delta 8 in states that have legalized hemp and its derived products for recreational use is quite easy, especially if you pass the delta 8 THC age limit that most retailers abide by when selling their delta 8 THC to consumers.

Best Places To Buy Delta 8

Due to its rise in popularity in recent years and its legality on a federal level, delta 8 has become one of the most common and safest ways of achieving a high. You can purchase Delta 8 products from:

While buying from your local convenience store or dispensary might be fast, quality is not guaranteed. Buying delta 8 online is one of the best ways to get quality delta 8 products delivered to your front door. 

Delta 8 Is An Unregulated Market

The delta 8 THC market is unregulated in many of the states that have legalized hemp - differing from legalized recreational marijuana, and as a result of this, one needs to be cautious when it comes to buying delta 8 THC. When you buy online, your delta 8 delivery might take a couple of days to reach you, but you will most likely get one of the best products on the market with the following benefits:

Quality Delta 8 Products

Shopping for your delta 8 online offers you a chance to get the best product since you have a variety to choose from and can ensure they are federally quality compliant.

Privacy

Delta 8 THC online sellers work with discretion; you can get your delta 8 THC products delivered to you in discreet packaging that protects your privacy, unlike buying in person at a brick-and-mortar store.

Better Prices

Online shops offer all sorts of discounts to their customers, reducing the product's price.

Convenience

Delta 8 online stores do not have traditional work hours, unlike brick-and-mortar stores where you can’t get access to delta 8 THC after hours. So you can order your products at any time.

It is always advisable to properly research the brand you want to buy your delta 8 THC from.

Another great advantage of buying from a reputable online store is that you can read reviews about the product before you make any purchasing decisions.  

Is Your Delta 8 THC Product Compliant?

For the best delta 8 THC products, check the brand's third-party lab results to find out if the products are federally compliant. 

To ensure your products are Farm Bill compliant, check the Certificate Of Analysis of the manufacturer. 

Why COAs Matter

A compliant COA prevents you from consuming harmful substances. Hemp plants are known to absorb pesticides and heavy metals from the soil easily, and the COA can determine if a plant has absorbed too many toxins deemed unhealthy to consume. Also, the method used to extract delta 8 THC from hemp plants uses hydrocarbons and solvents, and therefore there may be harmful residual compounds.

What To Look For In A COA

A compliant COA must pass the federal set limits of such compounds in hemp-derived products for them to be considered healthy.

A COA that is compliant keeps you from getting in trouble with federal law, especially when traveling with delta 8 THC. Delta 8 THC is illegal above a certain threshold of THC (0.3%), therefore, it is necessary to get hemp products that contain the legal limit of THC to avoid getting in trouble with local law enforcement. 

Takeaways

Are there delta 8 age requirements? Yes. Can you buy delta 8 at 18, or Do you need to be 21 to buy delta 8 THC? In many states where delta 8 from hemp and its derivatives are legalized, the age limit for purchasing delta 8 THC is either 18 or 21 years.

Buying your delta 8 THC online is convenient, it can also be discreet and cheaper compared to brick-and-mortar stores, and it offers you a chance to get high-quality products.

Purchasing Farm Bill compliant delta 8 THC products and other hemp-derived cannabinoids keeps you on the safer side of federal law. It also prevents you from consuming contaminated products that can harm your body.

If you would like to purchase quality federal law-compliant delta 8 THC products online, we recommend you try our delta 8 gummies.

Legal Disclaimer: Always consult an attorney for the best legal advice regarding Delta 8 THC in your state and federal law, as the material shared here is for informational purposes only.

Clayton McCall

Clayton is a Senior Content Specialist, researcher, and holistic healthcare practitioner. Having been in the supplement industry for more than 15 years, Clayton brings a wealth of experience to the delta 8 space. His publications include alternative therapy, stress and coping, and alternative health.