Can You Board a Plane With Delta-8-THC Products?

As healthy as it may be, many people find CBD to be too gentle. On the other hand, though, THC in marijuana may be too overwhelming. So, what exactly should you do if you feel this way too but still need something to help you unwind? Well, allow us to introduce you to delta-8-THC, a new contender on the market that’s quickly gaining popularity. 

If we were to rank these three substances according to strength, delta-8-THC would find its place between CBD and THC. Leading hemp brands such as Area 52 and Finest Labs invested heavily into their own Delta 8 product range. But because of that, new questions arise. Is delta-8-THC legal? Would you get in trouble if you took it with you on a plane? Or is it, just like CBD, considered to be a regular supplement?

If you’ve been wondering about all this, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll answer all your questions about delta-8’s legality in this article.

What Is Delta-8-THC?

As its name implies, delta-8-THC is another form of THC, a well-known psychoactive substance. Regular THC is actually called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or in short, delta-9. Since their names are so similar, you can safely assume that the substances are too.

Just like delta-9-THC and CBD, delta-8 affects your body’s endocannabinoid system. However, if we were to compare the effects of these three substances, delta-8 and delta-9 would certainly have more in common. CBD may calm you down or make you sleepy, but it won’t cause any feelings of high. On the other hand, delta-8 and delta-9-THC will.

That’s not surprising, considering that their structures are fairly similar too. Both have a double bond in their molecules, which is thought to cause the intoxicating feelings of euphoria. However, the position of this bond is not quite the same — in delta-8, it’s on the eighth carbon, while delta-9 has it on the ninth. 

Thanks to that, delta-8-THC isn’t as potent as regular THC. That might even be a good thing, though. You’ll still get all the exciting, euphoric feelings delta-9 gives you, but without the negative sides. For instance, paranoia, which is common after consuming marijuana, typically doesn’t accompany ingesting delta-8. 

So does it mean taking delta-8 is generally safer? And does delta 8 show up on drug tests, by the way? Well, yes, taking it means milder effects and lower risks of side effects. But it still shows on drug tests. More specifically, the test shows you’ve taken thc, without distinguishing whether this was delta-8 or delta-9.

When Should You Take Delta-8-THC?

Much like delta-9-THC, professionally made delta-8 can be used for medicinal and recreational purposes as well. When you’re suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, or depression, delta-8 can alleviate your symptoms and bring you relief. The added benefit is that if you don’t enjoy getting too high, you certainly won’t have to worry about that with delta-8.

And of course, if you just want to kick back and relax after a long day or pass the time, delta-8 is an excellent choice. So grab your vape or your gummies and leave your worries behind for a few hours!

Side Effects of Delta-8-THC

As we said, the effects of delta-8-THC are similar to those of regular THC, only milder. Aside from euphoria, happiness, and lightheadedness, you might experience pain or insomnia relief. But what side effects could you expect from this substance? Is it safe to consume?

Just like when you take delta-9, you might experience a dry mouth, red eyes, and dizziness. Still, all of that will be much milder than when you’re smoking marijuana, for instance. Thus, you can rest assured that delta-8-THC is rather safe to use.

The Law Regarding Delta-8-THC

Since delta-8-THC is psychoactive and its similarities to delta-9 are undeniable, it’s no wonder it sparked so much controversy. Of course, in the states where cannabis is legal, delta-8 is too. But its status is far more interesting in places where cannabis is illegal — mainly because delta-8 may not be.

How is that possible, you may ask? Well, delta-8-THC can be derived both from cannabis and from hemp. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is now legal in the entire US. In short, you can cultivate hemp wherever in the country you are and use and produce the substances within it. Thus, delta-8-THC derived from hemp should be perfectly legal.

What’s more, most laws that restrict THC use refer only to delta-9-THC in their formulations. Delta-8-THC doesn’t contain any delta-9, so by that logic, it shouldn’t be illegal anywhere in the States.

However, in reality, it’s better to check individual state laws. Delta-8-THC is still in the grey area in many of the states. Some have even outright prohibited its use, regardless of the Farm Bill. So, if you ask us, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Can You Bring Delta-8-THC on a Plane?

So, now that you know the status and legality of delta-8-THC, the time has come to answer your main concern. Is it, in fact, legal to bring delta-8 with you on a plane? And the simple answer is yes, it is legal. 

The federal law is pretty clear on hemp-derived products. In fact, delta-8-THC could easily be considered just another supplement, especially if you ingest it in the form of gummies. No one would stop you from bringing vitamins on board, so no one should make a fuss over delta-8.

That being said, federally legal doesn’t always equal state legal, and that’s where you could encounter some issues. Of course, if you only have a few capsules or gummies for personal use, no one should bat an eye. Still, unpleasant experiences with the TSA are possible. So if you want to avoid that, don’t bring your delta-8-THC if you’re flying to or from:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Colorado
• Idaho
• Delaware
• Arkansas
• Iowa
• Montana
• Mississippi
• Utah
• Rhode Island

None of the other states should cause you any trouble, though!

In Conclusion

Delta-8-THC is a newcomer on the market, so there’s still much to learn about it and its benefits. The law also has some catching up to do, which is why things tend to be a bit fuzzy when it comes to delta-8’s legality. As time goes by, we expect that it will achieve the same status that CBD already has.

One thing is certain, though — it’s perfectly safe and extremely enjoyable. So if you live in a state where it’s legal, don’t hesitate to give it a try!