Delta-8 THC is a cannabis compound that’s gaining popularity for a number of reasons. Delta-8 THC is federally legal, but has similar effects to Delta-9. Delta-9 THC is the cannabis compound that is federally illegal. That’s because it is the major cannabis compound that is psychoactive, or causes a high. Even though Delta-8 is federally legal, some states want to make it illegal. Let’s see if Delta-8 is legal where you live! This blog examines is delta-8 THC legal in Indiana.
Delta-8 in Indiana
With an estimated contribution of $31.2 billion to the economy of Indiana, agriculture plays a vital role in this state. Indiana farmers look to break into a hopefully profitable business with a new field; the hemp industry. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) permits registration for growing hemp commercially annually under the Indiana State Hemp Plan.
Hemp is legal in Indiana through the Farm Bill 2018. This is the bill that made hemp products legal federally. A framework is provided for the production and processing of industrial hemp. But the regulations for other new hemp derivatives keep fluctuating.
In the Midwest, a newly appeared mild-psychoactive cannabinoid is gaining attention, but is Delta-8 legal in Indiana?
Following the outline of federal law in the Farm Bill 2018, all cannabinoids derived from hemp are legal in the state. So is Delta-8 THC legal to produce, distribute, sell, purchase, and use?
In other words, cannabinoid delta-8 THC, which comprises not over 0.3 percent delta-9 THC, is lawful.
Delta-8 THC law in Indiana
Senate Bill 516, which aligns Indiana hemp laws with the 2018 federal farm Bill, was passed in 2019. The purpose of this Senate Bill was to create a lawful regulatory framework within the state for hemp farming and production. Also, this bill legalized compounds that are derived from hemp, such as Delta-8 THC. Compounds derived from hemp are no longer on Indiana’s Controlled Substances list.
According to the Section 6.IC15-15-13-6 of Senate Enrolled Act No. 516, hemp refers to the Cannabis Sativa L. plant as well as its seeds therein and all extracts, derivatives, cannabinoids, salts, isomers, and isomers’ salt, comprising a concentration of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol less than 0.3% (based on dry weight).
And another Section-7.IC15-15-13-6.5 of this bill states that products from hemp or hemp plants or its part are, by definition, hemp products. But that shouldn’t include smokable hemp or contain more than 0.3% of Delta-9 THC concentration.
So, as of now, cultivation is legal in Indiana, and adults (older than 21 years) can purchase this hemp derivative without any restriction.
Future of Delta-8 THC in Indiana
In 2019, the state police voiced worries regarding the difficulties of enforcing marijuana regulations, and legislators agreed to restrict hemp flowers. This restriction caused a breakdown for several hemp farmers hoping to divert the hemp flower into cash.
And during this summer and fall, lawmakers of Indiana are about to discuss the THC product’s potential regulations and marijuana’s possible decriminalization. As such interim meetings can fail to produce legislation, we can’t say clearly whether their discussions will bring any impact in the coming days.
Final Thoughts
Also, this summer, a public health committee will investigate the possible health benefits, prospective decriminalization, and other consequences of Delta-8 THC as per the legislative leaders’ (from both chambers) authorized agenda.
Well, for now, it is legal to cultivate, purchase and use Delta-8 THC in Indiana. But, it’s hard to surmise how long the situation would be the same. Let’s all hope for the best to happen, and may people keep benefiting from products made of delta-8 THC.
Got a question? Leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you ASAP!
