Is Delta THC Legal in Washington DC ?

Washington DC Delta-8 THC Overview >
Washington DC Delta-9 THC Overview >

What is Delta THC?

Short for tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is a group of naturally occurring cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa plants. It is the most psychoactive of the numerous cannabinoids found in hemp and marijuana plants. THC has several isomers, all of which are psychoactive in varying degrees. Prominent THC isomers include Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, and Delta-10 THC. These isomers have similar chemical formulas but slightly different atomic structures. Additionally, they occur naturally in different amounts in hemp and cannabis plants. Delta-9 THC is the most psychoactive and the most naturally abundant of the THC isomers, followed by Delta-8 THC, and then Delta-10 THC.

With various studies ongoing, several new naturally occurring compounds (in trace amounts) are being discovered in cannabis and are subsequently introduced to the Delta THC market. These include THCjd, THC-O, THC-P, HHC-O, HHC, THCV, and THCh. Delta THC is the active chemical compound in marijuana responsible for the "high" effects associated with cannabis consumption. The psychoactive effects felt by marijuana users are the main reasons people always want to consume marijuana. In addition, Delta THC is believed to offer a range of medical benefits.

THC vs CBD

THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, while CBD refers to cannabidiol. They are both cannabinoids found in marijuana and hemp plants. CBD is found in higher amounts in hemp plants, while THC is more abundant in marijuana. However, despite both being components of cannabis, the two are different in several ways. While THC can get users intensely "high" (intoxicated) after consumption, CBD does not produce the type of high sensation associated with THC. Typically, THC shows up on drug tests, but pure CBD, like spectrum CBD, will not. However, if someone consumes a CBD product with trace amounts of THC, such a person may test positive following a drug test.

Generally, THC binds strongly to the cannabinoid receptors, mainly CB1 receptors, in the brain. Its interaction with the endocannabinoid system produces the "high" associated with marijuana consumption. The endocannabinoid system is the body's unique system that controls elements like appetite, immune system, and sleep. CBD, on the other hand, has a lower binding affinity to the body's cannabinoid receptors, interacting with CB2 receptors and causing only mild stimulating effects in users. Another difference between THC and CBD is in their atomic arrangements. While one or more of their atoms connect to form a ring (cyclic compounds), THC has a closed ring, and CBD has an open ring. This arrangement is responsible for how they bind differently with the cannabinoid receptors.

Both THC and CBD are presumed to have some medical benefits. For instance, many people claim that THC can help manage or treat insomnia, anxiety, low appetite, glaucoma, muscle spasticity, pain, and brain health. Potential medical benefits of CBD consumption include improved sleep, pain relief, relief for depression and anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment, and relief for inflammation.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is one of the cannabinoids found in marijuana and hemp plants, but unlike Delta-9 THC, it does not occur in large quantities in both plants. Hence, this THC isomer is mostly produced by synthetically converting Delta-9 THC or CBD into Delta-8 THC. Delta-8 THC can get users "high," but not as intensely as Delta-9 THC. Generally, Delta-8 THC is less potent than Delta-9 THC, even though both have similar chemical formulas. The different arrangements of their atoms (chemical structures) are responsible for their differing potency.

Delta-8 THC users usually feel relaxed, energized, lifted (mood), focused, and euphoric after consuming the substance. It is purported to help stimulate appetite, relieve anxiety symptoms, and relieve pain. However, when consumed in considerably large amounts, Delta-8 THC may cause side effects such as coordination troubles, memory loss, anxiety, dry mouth, slowed reaction time, red eyes, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. When Delta-8 THC is consumed, its metabolites stay in the body for some time and can be detected by drug tests. Delta-8 THC can remain in a consumer's blood, urine, hair, and saliva anywhere between one and 90 days, depending on several factors.

Is Delta-8 THC Legal in Washington DC?

Yes, Delta-8 THC is legal in Washington DC. The District of Columbia, Washington DC, is a federal district, not a state. Hence, per the United States Constitution, the U.S. Congress has ultimate jurisdiction over the District. The U.S. Congress passed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 Farm Bill) to legalize hemp and hemp-derived products, including hemp-based Delta-8 THC, with no more than 0.3% THC. As a result, all hemp-derived Delta-8 THC products are legal in Washington DC, and can be purchased at local stores and hemp shops. Consumers can also shop for hemp-based Delta-8 THC online and ship them across state lines into the District of Columbia.

What is Delta-9 THC?

Delta-9 THC is one of the several cannabinoids that can be extracted from marijuana and hemp plants. It is the most naturally abundant compound in Cannabis sativa. Delta-9 THC is a psychoactive compound, and it is popular for the intoxicating effects it induces in marijuana consumers. Common effects experienced after consuming Delta-9 THC-infused products include relaxation, euphoria, motivation, and mood upliftment. While Delta-THC is safe at moderate consumption, these effects may become heightened if a person consumes it in unreasonably large amounts. Among several others, people have reported the following as common side effects of consuming substantially large amounts of Delta-9 THC:

• Hallucinations

• Increased blood pressure

• Increased heart rate

• Panic attacks

• Disconnection from reality

• Loss of control

• Anxiety

• Memory loss

Typically, Delta-9 THC is not completely removed from the user's body after consumption and metabolism. Its metabolites remain in their system for some time and can show up on drug tests during that period. Delta-9 THC can stay in a consumer's system (blood, hair, saliva, and urine) for several days and weeks, up to 90 days after the last consumption. However, the length of stay depends on several factors, like the frequency of consumption, dosage, and the consumer's metabolic rate.

Is Delta-9 THC Legal in Washington DC?

Yes. Following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp, hemp products, and hemp derivatives, including Delta-9 THC derived from hemp, became legal in Washington DC. Hence, the cultivation, sale, production, purchase, and use of hemp-based Delta-9 THC is permitted in the federal district. In Washington DC, hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products, including gummies, are available at local CBD stores and other retail shops. Similarly, residents can purchase these products online and have them delivered to the district as long as they meet federal guidelines. Federal rules require hemp-based Delta-9 THC products to have 0.3% THC or less.

What is Delta-10 THC?

Delta-10 THC is another isomer of THC with psychoactive properties. However, while it can make a person "high," it is less potent than Delta-9 THC and cannot cause the same degree of intoxication as Delta-9. Delta-10 THC's potency is similar to that of Delta-8 THC, although not as intense. Delta-10 THC is mostly prepared synthetically because of its relatively low amounts in marijuana and hemp plants.

Delta-10 THC produces less sedating and more energetic effects than Delta-8 THC, which is why many people prefer to consume it. Because it is a THC isomer, Delta-10 THC may be detected by drug tests, which typically find the presence of THC metabolites in the body, regardless of the THC type. Delta-10 THC metabolites may stay in a person's body anywhere from 24 hours to 90 days after the last consumption in blood, saliva, urine, and hair follicles.

Is Delta-10 THC Legal in Washington DC?

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and all hemp derivatives, including Delta-10 THC, containing no more than 0.3% THC in Washington DC. Residents can find Delta-10 THC products in CBD shops, local stores, and dispensaries within the district. However, they must be cautious when buying Delta-10 THC products as they are relatively new on the market. It is always recommended to buy directly from trusted brands that comply with safe manufacturing standards and engage third-party testing services to ensure clean Delta-10 THC products. An alternative way of buying Delta-10 THC products is to order them online from stores within or outside the District. Federal law permits the shipping and delivery of hemp-derived Delta-10 THC products in Washington DC and states with favorable hemp laws.