Is Delta-8 Legal in Ohio?
Curious about delta-8 THC and wondering about whether you can partake in Ohio? You are in the right place. In this post, we’ll cover:
- What Delta-8 THC and other cannabinoids and isomers of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) such as delta-10 THC are
- The law surrounding delta-8 THC products and how to get them
- The decriminalization of possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use
- The Ohio medical marijuana program
- The status of the push toward legalization of recreational cannabis
Read on to learn all about delta-8 THC products and their legal status in the Buckeye State.
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is one of many cannabinoids that naturally occur in the Cannabis sativa plant. The difference between marijuana and hemp plants is a legal distinction; they are both cannabis plants. The legal difference is based on how much delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is in the plant.
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC) is an isomer of delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC is psychoactive like delta-9 THC, but it is less intoxicating, milder, and produces fewer of the classic THC side effects.
These isomers of THC are just slightly different from a structural point of view. This is why they are still intoxicating, but offer somewhat different effects.
Depending on what’s available where you are, delta-8 THC can be found in edibles like delta-8 gummies, vape cartridges, tinctures, and flower.
Is Delta-8 THC Legal in Ohio?
Yes, but only if it comes from the right kind of Cannabis sativa plant. It is possible to source delta-8 THC from either marijuana or hemp plants, which are treated differently by federal law. Here is the history of the legislation on delta-8 in Ohio.
Governor Mike DeWine signed Ohio Senate Bill 57 into law in 2019, legalizing hemp-derived products in line with the federal Farm Bill. This made isomers like delta-8 as well as CBD, CBN, and other cannabinoids legal in the state as long as they were hemp-derived products. The legislation also removed hemp-derived delta-8 from its list of controlled substances.
What About Medical Marijuana and Recreational Marijuana in Ohio?
The short version is that in Ohio medical marijuana is legal, but recreational marijuana is not. However, although recreational cannabis remains prohibited, small amounts have been decriminalized since 1975, and legalization appears likely in the near future.
Governor John Kasich signed HB. 523 into law in 2016, legalizing medical marijuana. This created the state’s Medical Marijuana Control Program which the Ohio Department of Commerce administers.
Medical cannabis is available to qualifying patients in 45-day supplies from licensed dispensaries with a physician’s recommendation. Qualifying conditions include Alzheimer’s, AIDS, hepatitis C, fibromyalgia, and PTSD.
You can find more information about it here.
However, although delta-8 THC derived from marijuana or found naturally in medical cannabis is legal in Ohio for registered patients with medical marijuana cards, it is not legal if it is derived from marijuana otherwise.
And while there are dozens of Ohio dispensaries, as of this writing, few of them sells delta 8 THC as “medical marijuana.” To get delta-8 THC at a high-quality level, online really is the best option.
Can you travel to Ohio with delta-8 THC under cannabis laws in Ohio? Yes, under state and federal law transportation of hemp-derived delta-8 is legal. But we recommend carrying proof of what it is, such as a Certificates of Analysis, with you—and we recommend this with any types of hemp products and travel.
(And remember, air travel is different.)
Hemp-Derived Delta 8 THC
Hemp-derived delta 8 THC was legalized by the 2018 Farm Bill along with all other industrial hemp products and hemp-derived cannabinoids, terpenes, THC isomers, flavonoids, and salts. These substances were also removed from the schedule of controlled substances, freeing up hemp as an agricultural commodity.
Delta 8 THC is an isomer of delta 9, but since cannabis plants synthesize such a minuscule amount of delta-8 THC in nature—less than 1% typically—direct extraction is cost-prohibitive. Instead, hemp manufacturers extract delta-8 THC in large quantities from CBD with heavy metal reagents and acids via a chemical process.
These cannabis products contain less than 0.3% dry weight THC, making them legal in all 50 states. And while certain individual states such as Colorado have restricted delta 8 products, Ohio isn’t one of them.
Is CBD legal in Ohio? Yes. Under state and federal law, CBD is legal in Ohio so long as it is sourced from hemp.
Where to Buy Delta 8 THC in Ohio
Delta 8 THC is easy to find in Ohio, including at the vape stores, head shops, dispensaries, and CBD stores you’d expect, and even stranger retailers like convenience stores and gas stations. But this has led to a glut of unsafe delta-8 products on the market.
We always recommend buying delta-8 products and CBD from online companies and delta-8 THC vendors to our friends in Ohio. And no matter where you live, it’s easiest to find reliable, trustworthy, legitimate brands, processors, and vendors that are following correct safety practices online.
When it comes to really finding the best selection of high-quality delta-8 THC products with the widest variety, you can’t beat shopping online. You can find all kinds of different strains, formulas, strengths, flavors, and prices right at home. The best delta-8 products are there to choose from in every form, including delta-8 vape cartridges, flowers, distillate, gummies, and tinctures.
Sure, you can find brick-and-mortar retailers, especially in larger cities like Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus. But if you buy online, you don’t have to drive around the city only to learn that no one has what you’re looking for anyway.
Online stores also offer better prices, reward programs, bulk pricing, coupon codes, and lots of other ways to actually save money and make it worth your while.
Remember, like most other natural supplements, none of these products are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so it’s critical to read lab tests and be a careful shopper.
Key Takeaways on Buying Delta 8 THC in Ohio
The bottom line is, there is a whole world of new cannabis products out there, with delta-8 THC products at the front of the line. This means choices for people like us—if you’re like me and you want new ways to take care of your health and happiness!
Delta-8 THC products are legal in Ohio, in a rainbow of forms! Which is your favorite?
Written by Diet Smoke Staff Writers
The staff writers for Diet Smoke have been researching and writing about premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products for more than 3 years. The team has a keen understanding of the topic, remain current on all FDA and industry news, and use their expertise to generate engaging and informative content to help educate consumers on Diet Smoke’s products. Each article is fact-checked and includes sources to scientific data to ensure readers receive the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.
Reviewed By Colby Wohlleb
Colby Wohlleb, editor of Diet Smoke, reviews and approves all content before releasing it for posting on the Diet Smoke website. As a tireless advocate for the benefits of premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products, Colby ensures that all content is accurate, engaging, and informative. He also works directly with a trusted source to ensure the purity of the products we sell and performs rigorous lab testing to ensure that Diet Smoke’s products (including our most popular Delta 8 gummies) are of the highest quality and safety standards.