As more states continue to decriminalize and legalize marijuana, the opportunities for first movers to benefit from this booming industry continue to grow.

While some states, such as California or Colorado, have been quick to jump on the bandwagon, the same is not the case for all states. This doesn’t mean states aren’t looking to move forward with legalization; it just means it can be a slow-moving process involving a lot of bureaucracy and roadblocks along the way.

So how can companies get around this legal red tape while still offering their products to consumers across the country? The answer lies in CBD and, more specifically, a derivative called delta 8 THC.

Delta 8 THC offers an alternative to traditional THC while remaining entirely legal in the state of Pennsylvania. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hemp derived products with delta 8 THC in the Keystone State.

Is Delta 8 Legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, at least for the time being, delta 8 THC is legal under Pennsylvania state law.

Pennsylvania has previously been open to the use of hemp, thanks to Act 92 passed in 2016 [1]. However, the definition of “industrial hemp” did not include language that discussed compounds or derivatives of hemp. Although this did not technically make those hemp products illegal, it meant they operated in a gray area.

In 2019 the introduction of Senate Bill 335 helped clear up the ambiguity around delta 8 THC and other derivatives [2]. This bill clearly stated that any compounds, cannabinoids, or derivatives of hemp with a delta 9 THC concentration of less than 0.3% were deemed legal.

Since delta 8 THC is manufactured from concentrated legal CBD, it also falls into this category.

Furthermore, the 2018 Farm Bill formally declassified hemp — with delta 9 THC concentrations less than 0.3% — and its derivatives from the federal list of controlled substances. Any hemp plant that contains more than this legal THC limit is considered marijuana. Since delta 8 is mainly derived from hemp, the 2018 Farm Bill made it legal at the federal level.

Although some states may not have updated their state laws surrounding hemp and its derivatives, the federal government’s new law has allowed the delta 8 THC market to continue to flourish in the meantime. As long as the products have delta 9 THC levels of no more than 0.3%, then they’re considered legal. 

Delta 8 quickly became popular, that you’ll find such products not only in CBD shops, smoke shops, and vape stores but in gas stations and convenience stores as well, giving even minors access to these intoxicating hemp products and raising concerns among school officials, which, according to the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators’ Executive Director, Sherri Smith, has become a rampant problem. Local poison centers across the country have also reported an increase in calls related to delta 8 exposure, especially among children.

Because the hemp delta THC market is largely unregulated and lacks safety standards, its widespread accessibility has raised pubic health and safety concerns, especially since some businesses sell untested products, increasing the risk of adverse effects. 

Several states have since placed stricter regulations on delta 8 or banned its sale and consumption, imposing criminal charges for unauthorized production, distribution, and possession.

Where to Buy Delta 8 THC in Pennsylvania

Delta 8 THC products can be found at some specialty medical marijuana shops, but the best place to find these products is online (wink wink).

Online retailers provide users with access to the largest selection of delta 8 products at the best prices.

The benefits of ordering delta 8 THC online:

• Online shops have better pricing and seasonal discounts
• When you buy online, you can read customer reviews & third-party tests before you buy
• Ordering online is easier and more convenient
• Online shops have a greater selection of products
• Products left on store shelves degrade more quickly

This is relatively new technology operating in an unregulated market, and it’s easy for companies to make false claims. To increase safety and buyer confidence, many companies have submitted their products for third-party review.

It’s important to fully research these products to ensure they have to correct potency as they claim. This will allow you to correctly dose delta 8 THC and ensure a positive experience.

Check out our selection of delta 8 THC products to get started.

Shop For the Best Delta 8 THC Products in Pennsylvania

Do I Need A Medical Card in Pennsylvania To Order Delta 8 THC?

You do not need a medical card to purchase delta 8 THC in Pennsylvania. 

Since CBD is a fully legal substance, there is no special identification needed. The state does have a minimum age for CBD consumption of 18 years old.

Delta 8 THC is made from CBD, and therefore the same minimum age also applies to these products.

If you need something stronger than delta 8, especially for chronic health issues like treatment-resistant pain, you may want to check out the state’s medical marijuana program. Just visit the Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana for more information on how to register.

What’s The Difference Between Delta 8 THC & Delta 9 THC?

At first glance of the molecules of delta 9 THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and delta 8 THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) look almost identical. They’re both psychoactive chemicals that can produce a euphoric experience. However, there is one small difference. The delta 9 THC molecule has a double bond on the 9th carbon atom in the chain, while the delta 8 THC molecule has a double bond on the 8th carbon atom in the chain.

These molecules also come from different plants. Delta 8 THC, produced in only small amounts, is often derived from CBD, which is extracted from hemp. The hemp plant is categorized as a cannabis plant with a THC concentration of 0.3%. On the other hand, delta 9 THC is extracted from the marijuana plant. This type of cannabis plant has a concentration of THC above 0.3%.

In terms of user experience, delta 8 THC will produce milder effects than its delta 9 THC counterpart. Many people describe reduced incidences of anxiety, stress, and paranoia that are traditionally associated with stronger delta 9 THC strains.

How to Use Delta 8 THC

A great feature of delta 8 THC is the versatility in the ways it can be administered:

• Edibles or Capsules
• Smoking or Vaping
• Oils, Tinctures, and Distillates
• Topical Sprays and Lotions

Delta 8 THC is not as strong as delta 9 THC products, but it is stronger than CBD products. This can make it challenging when determining the correct dosage. As a regular rule of thumb, as with other THC products, you should take a smaller dose to begin and slowly increase to determine your tolerance level.

It’s also important to remember, the length of time to feel delta 8 THC’s effects will be dependent on the administration method. If the product is inhaled, the user can expect to feel the effects in 10 to 20 minutes, but if the product was ingested, it could take 1 to 2 hours.

Is Marijuana (Delta 9 THC) Legal In Pennsylvania?

No, according to Pennsylvania law, recreational marijuana is illegal in the state and is classified as a controlled substance under the state’s Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. The exception is for medical marijuana patients, who may be granted a possession license for certain state-approved medical conditions.

Getting caught using marijuana for recreational use could land you in heaps of trouble, from stiff fines to incarceration.

Related: Where is marijuana legal in the United States?

Is Delta 10 THC Legal in Pennsylvania?

Delta 10 THC is another new cannabinoid derivative on the market. It’s extracted from CBD using the same method as delta 8 THC. Both of the compounds produce reduced psychoactive effects.

The major difference users have described is delta 8 THC produced a relaxed state of euphoria similar to Cannabis indica, while delta 10 THC produces uplifting, energizing effects similar to Cannabis sativa.

Delta 10 is subject to the same laws that govern delta 8 and is, as such, also legal in the state.

What’s The Future of Delta 8 THC in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania already put into place progressive laws that allowed the legal growth of hemp for research and restricted use two years before the federal 2018 Farm Bill was passed. After the federal ruling, the state followed the lead and added its own senate bill protecting CBD products and their derivatives. This further provides a positive outlook for the future of delta 8 THC in Pennsylvania.

As legalization of marijuana, including all of its derivatives, continues to sweep across the country, it’s only a matter of time until other states follow suit. However, it’s still a process with a lot of red tape to get through.

In the meantime, delta 8 THC will continue to make strides in the legal THC market. Since Pennsylvania already adopted progressive laws that protect the CBD market and its derivatives, it can be expected that delta 8 THC use will only continue to grow within the state. This interim growth means, by the time full legalization arrives, delta 8 products will have a solid hold of the overall cannabis market.

FAQs on Delta 8 and Other Cannabinoids in Pennsylvania

Want some quick info on the legality of delta 8 THC and other cannabinoids in Pennsylvania? Then check out the short list of commonly asked questions below.

1. Is Delta-8 Federally Legal in the US?

Delta 8 derived from hemp is technically legal on a federal level, after the 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp. However, marijuana-derived delta 8 isn’t federally legal since marijuana remains a controlled substance under federal laws.

Although hemp delta 8 is federally legal, some states have banned or regulated its sale and use, so before making a purchase, be sure to check your local laws to avoid problems with the law.

2. Is Delta 8 Legal in Pennsylvania?

Delta 8 is currently legal in Pennsylvania, and you can purchase such products in-store or order them online. However, make sure that they’re derived from hemp and don’t contain more than 0.3% delta 9 THC to avoid problems.

3. Is Delta-9 Legal in Pennsylvania?

Adult use of marijuana-derived delta 9 THC remains illegal in Pennsylvania. You can only use marijuana-derived products if you’re a registered medical marijuana patient.

4. Is Delta 10 Illegal in PA?

Delta 10 is legal in Pennsylvania since it’s covered by the same laws that govern delta 8. Before buying delta 10 products though, make sure they’re derived from hemp, contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC, and have certificates of analysis.

5. Is CBD legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, hemp-derived CBD is legal in Pennsylvania and accessible to all residents. Only registered medical marijuana patients have access to marijuana-derived CBD.