Is Delta-8 Legal in Hawaii?

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a phytocannabinoid similar to Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis responsible for the high that users experience. Because Cannabis sativa contains only trace amounts of Delta-8 THC, the isomer is often synthesized in high concentrations from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD). While CBD has no intoxicating characteristics, Delta-8 THC has comparable psychoactive properties to Delta-9 THC but they are typically less intense. Delta-8 THC products include gummies, chocolate, cookies, tinctures, vape cartridges, and infused drinks.

The potential benefits of Delta-8 THC include:

• Improved sleep quality
• Improved appetite
• Reduced inflammation
• Pain relief

The side effects of Delta-8 THC include: 

• Impaired coordination
• Increased heart rate
• Dry eyes and mouth
• Anxiety
• Lethargy
• Disorientation

Is Delta-8 Legal in Hawaii?

Yes, Delta-8 THC is legal in Hawaii. The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the DEA’s list of Schedule I Substances, permitting the industrial cultivation and production of hemp and its natural byproducts as long as their Delta-9 THC concentration levels are less than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.

The Hawaii HB2689 adapted the 2018 Farm Bill by legalizing the cultivation of hemp and the production of hemp-derived products. Since Delta-8 THC is mainly derived from hemp plant parts, Delta-8 THC products are legal in Hawaii, provided such products adhere to federal regulations. These products must be manufactured entirely from hemp and contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. 

There are no limitations on product type, milligram strength, or possession amounts. This implies that residents may consume Delta-8 products as much as they like. Also, consumers are not required to provide marijuana medical cards to purchase Delta-8 products in the state. Any individual, even persons under 21, may purchase Delta-8 products. Although there are no laws in Hawaii prohibiting minors from purchasing Delta-8 products, some stores have their own policies, such as not allowing minors to buy products containing Delta-8 THC.

Delta-8 vs Delta-9

Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are both found in Cannabis sativa plants, which produce more than 100 natural cannabinoids. While the cannabis plant has a lot of Delta-9 THC, it produces Delta-8 THC in limited quantities. Delta-9 THC is readily found in the marijuana plant while Delta-8 THC is primarily sourced from hemp plants.

Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are structurally similar compounds with the only difference being how their shared component atoms are arranged. This variation in chemical structure makes Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC produce different effects. Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC can produce psychoactive effects because they both activate the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the body, including those in the central nervous system. Activating CB1 receptors can help with pain, sleep, relaxation, calming the nervous system, improving appetite, protecting and healing nerves, and preventing sensory overstimulation. Activating CB2 receptors essentially decreases inflammation and regulates the immune system, which are important steps in treating many chronic illnesses.

However, excessive activation of CB1 receptors by Delta-8 or Delta-9 THC may induce lethargy, confusion, anxiety, panic attacks, dry mouth and eyes, elevated heart rate, and lack of coordination. Delta-9 THC may be smoked or vaporized in flower (bud) form without extraction. On the other hand, almost all Delta-8 THC products are obtained, extracted, and refined from cannabis-sourced CBD.

Delta-8 THC is now legal at the federal level but is not legal in every state. Delta-9 THC is prohibited at the federal level, although it is authorized for recreational and medicinal use in several states. Note that legislation governing the manufacturing, sale, and use of Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC products are constantly changing.

Delta-8 vs Delta-10

Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC are cannabis cannabinoids that, depending on the dose, can cause a mild to moderate high. Delta-10 THC induces a much milder high than Delta-8 THC. This makes Delta-10 THC better for first-time cannabis users who prefer subtle euphoric effects. Products of both THC isomers can be purchased legally in most states in the United States, and they are sold online in different forms like vape carts, distillates, gummies, and flowers.

Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC have the same effect on the body's endocannabinoid system and its receptors as Delta-9 THC. However, Delta-8 and Delta-10 have less affinity for the cannabinoid receptors than Delta-9. This causes both isomers to produce weaker effects, including side effects, in users than Delta-9 THC.

Delta-8 and Delta-10 are both similar to Delta-9 at the molecular level, but their structures are slightly different. Due to this difference in their chemical structures, Delta-8 and Delta-10 elicit different effects on users when consumed.  Delta-8 has a double bond on the 8th carbon ring, while Delta-10 has one on the 10th carbon ring. Consequently, Delta-8 is about 50–66% as potent as Delta-9, while Delta-10 is approximately 20-30% less potent than Delta-8.

Neither Delta-8 nor Delta-10 causes significant side effects in low to moderate doses. When taken in large amounts, Delta-8 can cause anxiety, paranoia, and fear. Delta-8 potentially has antiemetic, appetite-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. The 2018 Farm Bill legalizes Delta-8 and Delta-10 derived from natural sources (hemp plants). However, Delta-8 and Delta-10 products synthesized from CBD or Delta-9 THC are illegal under the farm bill.

How Long Does Delta-8 Stay in the Body?

The length of time Delta-8 THC remains in your system depends on several variables. The quantity of Delta-8 THC consumed is the primary factor to consider. Your body will need a longer period to rid itself of all metabolites of THC if there is a higher concentration of Delta-8 THC in your system. The frequency with which Delta-8 products are used is another important variable. If you have only ever taken Delta-8 THC once and do not have a recent history of consuming the product, Delta-8 THC metabolites will be flushed out of your system quickly. If you have used Delta-8 THC for longer periods, it may remain in your system for an extended period even after stopping its use.

Another factor that plays a crucial role in the amount of time Delta-8 THC spends in the user’s system is the body type of the consumer. Persons with rapid metabolic rates will likely eliminate THC metabolites from their bodies faster than individuals with slower metabolic rates.

Does Delta-8 Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes. Delta-8 THC will show up on a drug test taken during the time it’s still in the user’s body. Drug tests designed to detect THC look for THC metabolites and cannot differentiate between Delta-9 and the other THC isomers. A drug test for THC may also be positive if the Delta-8 THC product consumed includes significant quantities of Delta-9 THC.

Where to Buy Delta-8 in Hawaii

If you want to purchase Delta-8 in Hawaii, you have two options:

• Online stores: As Delta-8 is legal in Hawaii, you may purchase Delta-8 THC products online and have them delivered to your home. Shopping online typically allows you to choose from a broader range of Delta-8 products than you would find in Hawaii. Shopping online will enable you to review the quality and reputation of a brand or product before purchasing
• Convenience stores: Delta-8 THC products are available at some Hawaii convenience stores as well as specialist vape shops, head shops, dispensaries, and gas stations. It is recommended that you should request proper documentation, such as product test results, if you are purchasing Delta-8 THC products from convenience stores