Legality

Medically Reviewed By:

Nidra Sidhu, M.D. Integrative Medicine

Is Delta 8 Legal In North Carolina? Delta 8 Legal Status

Delta 8 THC is currently legal in North Carolina like other hemp-derived cannabinoids.

North Carolina has some of the strictest hemp laws in the United States. Federal law regarding hemp and tetrahydrocannabinol like delta 9, medical marijuana, and delta 8 online are changing rapidly. 

While it would be easier if the legality of hemp products were straightforward, the truth is, it’s complicated. 

Hemp plants production in North Carolina has been legalized only under the state’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program. It’s against the law to grow hemp in the Tar Heel state unless authorized by the NC Department of Agriculture. 

So that brings us to delta 8. We’ve got some questions to answer here. Is delta 8 legal in NC? Is delta 9 medical marijuana legal in NC?

Is it legal to ship hemp-derived delta 8 THC products to the state? Let’s take a look at the history of hemp in North Carolina, and look towards the future of this powerful plant in a very strict state. 

What Is Delta 8?

Delta 8 is another powerful phytocannabinoid derived from the hemp plant. It’s also a type of tetrahydrocannabinol, like the more well-known delta 9.

The main difference between these two types of tetrahydrocannabinol is where the double carbon bonds live between the atoms that make up the molecules. Delta 8’s double bonds are on 8th carbon and delta 9 on the 9th carbon. 

What does this mean? It means that delta 8 offers a smoother, chiller, more prolonged high than the traditional, intense delta 9 high. 

This plant compound becomes delta 8 once converted from the parent molecule responsible for creating many of the phytocannabinoids that you know and love. 

Delta 8 is formed through a complex process called oxidation. It occurs naturally in the hemp plant in minuscule amounts, so creating this happy compound in the lab by a team of experts is where it’s at. Third-party lab testing should always be done on hemp products to understand the hemp-derived cannabinoids profile, ensure it’s compliant and free from harmful chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and residual solvents. 

Is Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol Legal Federally?

Is delta 8 legal in NC or is it considered under North Carolina Controlled Substances? You’ll soon find out. You may be wondering if delta 8 is legal federally. Understandable since its closely related phytocannabinoid of delta 9 or medical marijuana is not legal federally.

As of this writing, delta 8 THC products are legal federally because the federal law specifies that hemp products should have less than 0.3% delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol, and this isn’t delta 9. This means delta 8 THC products are legal in North Carolina.

The History of Delta 8 In North Carolina

North Carolina has a rocky history with hemp products. Hemp production in North Carolina stopped in 1940, or rather, legal hemp production stopped because growing hemp became illegal at that time. As we’ve shared, the laws, and even more so, the repercussions for growing, selling, purchasing, consuming, or just having certain hemp products on you, are stringent. 

Let’s answer some common questions you might be asking about buying edibles in NC, and even more importantly, is delta 8 legal in NC so that you can make informed choices. 

Is Delta 8 Legal In NC?

For now, yes, it looks like you can purchase delta 8 legally in North Carolina. This is kind of shocking, considering North Carolina cracks down so hard on specific hemp-derived products or other psychoactive substance including hemp plants. But delta 8 THC exists in a gray area.

Currently, North Carolina follows the same language as the 2018 Farm Bill, which allows hemp-derived phytocannabinoids like delta 8 as long as it’s compliant and from hemp plants.

Can You Buy Delta 8 In North Carolina?

Right now, yes, delta 8 is legal in North Carolina. Delta 8 isn’t regulated in North Carolina, so it’s essential to do your research. You don’t want to buy delta 8 without knowing precisely what’s inside of it. This is where third-party testing and access to the further information come in handy.

Lab results will let you see the amount of delta 8 in your product to ensure that it is what it says it is. 

Can Hemp-Derived Delta 8 Ship To North Carolina?

Yes! This is probably the best way to purchase delta 8 if you live in North Carolina. While a few states have banned delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol (Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Rhode Island, and Utah — we see you!), North Carolina hasn’t banned delta 8 THC like controlled substances. 

So you can purchase your delta 8 gummies 500 mg online and trust that you’re getting a high-quality, compliant product. 

Delta 9 Policy In North Carolina

The delta 9 policy in North Carolina is pretty straightforward. Medical marijuana is banned like other controlled substances. But a new bill has been introduced, HB617, which could transform the hemp landscape within North Carolina.

You can learn more about how HB617 could turn NC into a “green” state here. Although North Carolina has been strict in the past (and present) regarding the plant cannabis sativa, public pressure is demanding some change in the world of hemp-derived products.

Looking To The Future - Is Delta 8 Legal In North Carolina?

If the new bills pass in North Carolina, it could lead to positive changes for the economy, criminal justice reform, and the consumers of these powerful plant compounds. The U.S. Hemp Roundtable, a non-profit organization committed to promoting policies and legislation that create a positive atmosphere for hemp products, helped shape the 2018 Farm Bill to advocate for phytocannabinoid users. 

It goes to show that public pressure and community action in North Carolina can lead to positive change. If you want to learn more about the legality of delta 8, check out this link on delta 8 legality for more information. To summarize the complicated question is delta 8 legal in NC — yes, delta 8 is legal in North Carolina, and you can purchase and ship your delta 8 to this state and get your chill on whenever you want. 

Legal Disclaimer: Always consult an attorney for the best legal advice regarding delta 8 in your state, 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.