Hemp-derived cannabinoids have been the source of controversy around the nation since they were legalized in 2018. While some states agree with the federal consensus, others don’t approve of hemp-derived compounds, including delta 9. Some states have even gone as far as creating their own legislation in order to ban or heavily restrict cannabinoids like delta 9. But where does the Buckeye State stand in all of this? Is delta 9 legal in Ohio?
Is Delta 9 Legal in Ohio?
To better grasp Ohio's laws on delta 9 derived from hemp, let's examine the Farm Bill. This federal legislation, signed by Donald Trump in 2018, legalized hemp and hemp-based products nationwide. The Agriculture Improvement Act, as the bill is also known, established a legal difference between hemp and marijuana, despite their close scientific similarities. Hemp is defined as cannabis plants containing up to 0.3% THC, while marijuana is cannabis with higher THC levels. As a result of the Farm Bill, hemp became legal, but marijuana remained a schedule I controlled substance, meaning that in the eyes of the federal government, hemp is legal, but marijuana is not.
While the federal government accepts hemp, many states have passed laws banning or restricting cannabinoids derived from hemp. But is the Buckeye State one of these opposers, or is delta 9 legal in Ohio?
The passing of Senate Bill 57 in 2019 legalized delta 9 in Ohio. Among other cannabinoids, the bill also legalized delta 8 and CBD, with no concentration limit. As with the Farm Bill, however, delta 9 concentrations are limited to 0.3% on a dry weight basis in the state. According to SB 57, “’Hemp’ means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than three-tenths percent on a dry weight basis."
This means that as long as your hemp product contains no more than 0.3% THC on a dry-weight basis, it is perfectly legal to purchase, own, and consume it in the Buckeye State!
Buy Hemp Flower In Ohio- Laws and Regulations
Can Delta 9 Be Shipped to Ohio?
It is also legal for online retailers to ship delta 9 to Ohio customers because delta 9 is legal in the Buckeye State. A number of delta 9 products are available in vape shops, convenience stores, and even gas stations around the state, but whether they are safe and legal is another question. Because hemp-derived cannabinoids are not regulated by the FDA, you must make an informed and conscious choice about which company you choose. Shipping delta 9 to Ohio is legal, so you can find reputable companies online from wherever you are in Ohio. The benefits of shipping delta 9 products over getting them in person are numerous, but here are a few to consider.
Shopping online often means doing business with a more legitimate retailer than a local stores. Most online retailers provide ingredient lists and third-party lab testing on every single product they sell, which means you get to know and understand exactly what's going into your body. In addition to being aware of how a company extracts their hemp products, you can also find reviews from customers from all over the nation, not just those in your same area.
Moreover, online retailers offer more variety than brick-and-mortar stores. In a physical store, you have limited options: either buy what you see, look elsewhere, or go home defeated. Online shopping allows you to browse thousands of products until you find exactly what you need, no matter how far-fetched or niche it is. You can find a product that checks all of your boxes, from flavors to dosages, and all without leaving the comfort of your couch!
What Delta 9 Means in Ohio
Ohio allows the use of delta 9 derived from hemp for recreational purposes, but recreational marijuana isn't permitted. Recreational marijuana is illegal in the Buckeye State, but possession isn't always criminal. If you're caught with less than 100 grams, it's considered a minor misdemeanor, and you can face a $150 fine. Anything more than 100 grams, however, is criminal. Depending on the quantity, it is either considered a misdemeanor or felony, which can lead to jail time or much higher fines.
As a result, despite the state's acceptance of hemp-derived cannabinoids, it hasn't extended the same treatment to other kinds of cannabis, such as marijuana. You can find delta 9 derived from hemp all over the state, but it isn't always safe, so you need to know what to look for when choosing your hemp retailer.
Things to Look Out For When Buying Delta 9 in Ohio
While delta 9 is legal to buy in Ohio, not all of it is safe to use. Although hemp has many natural benefits, including pain relief, anxiety management, and psychoactive experiences, the extraction and production processes for hemp-derived products can leave toxic residues. When choosing hemp products, be sure to keep these things in mind.
- Due to hemp's exceptional ability to absorb nutrients and toxins from its environment, it can take in pesticides and herbicides used on or around it. If your product is made with hemp grown with these chemical pest controls, they can end up in your product, so be sure to select retailers that use organic hemp grown with no pesticides, herbicides, or other harmful chemicals.
- There are many ways to extract cannabinoid compounds from hemp, but the safest and most effective method by far is by using CO2 extraction. This method provides the best and most consistent results, but it is also among the most expensive methods of extraction. A retailer using this method as opposed to cheaper, less safe methods is a sign that they're committed to your safety and the quality of their products.
- Manufacturers will sometimes bleach hemp extract to make it seem cleaner and of higher quality. In reality, that only makes the products much more dangerous for consumption. You don't want bleach in your system, so be sure to select a hemp concentrate that is transparent, but not completely colorless.
- The most important safety measure to consider when it comes to hemp-derived products is lab testing. Any extraction method, including CO2 extractions, can be dangerous, so testing the final products adds an extra layer of safety and peace of mind. Third-party lab testing not only ensures that your product is free from additives and contaminants, but also that the THC levels and potency are actually as advertised.
- Be sure to do some research when it comes to choosing companies to buy cannabinoids from. Check out the company's website and customer reviews. Were they satisfied with their purchase or not? Did they have any complaints or comments about customer service? It is very telling of a company's ethics how they treat their customers-- and it is also very telling of how they might treat you if you choose to give them your business.
Ohio Cannabis Market: Medical Marijuana vs. Hemp-Derived Delta 9
The Buckeye State does not allow recreational cannabis, but it does have medical marijuana legislation. While the state offers a pretty standard medical cannabis card process, hemp-derived delta 9 may be a viable option for those who don't qualify.
Ohio Medical Cannabis Laws
The use of medical marijuana in Ohio has been legal for more than half a decade. Representative Stephen Huffman sponsored House Bill 523, which legalized cannabis for medical use in 2016. Soon after, Governor Kasich signed the bill into law. Ohio's medical cannabis laws went into effect in 2018, and there are now approximately 70 licensed dispensaries in the state. However, there are some restrictions on Ohio's medical cannabis laws.
The state of Ohio does not allow anyone to obtain a medical cannabis card unless they are diagnosed with one of the following conditions by a licensed physician:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Epilepsy (Seizures)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- AIDS
- Glaucoma
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Cachexia, wasting syndrome
- HIV
- Spasticity
- Cancer
- Hepatitis C
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Chronic Pain (Severe/Intractable)
- Huntington’s Disease
- Tourette Syndrome
- Crohn’s Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Ulcerative Colitis
Also, people with terminal illnesses of any kind are eligible for medical marijuana. But what other requirements must a patient meet in order to qualify for access to medical cannabis under HB 523 besides being diagnosed with a qualifying condition? Ohio's medical cannabis bill states that a patient must:
- Be at least 18 years of age or older—those under the age of 18 must have an assigned caregiver who is at least 21 years of age
- Be an Ohio resident with proof of residency (such as a state-issued ID or driver’s license)
- Meet with a certified Ohio Marijuana Card doctor
As soon as a patient is approved, they are allowed to purchase a limited amount of marijuana per day or over the course of 90 days. State-run dispensaries as well as growing facilities are subject to lab testing.
Medical Cannabis vs. Hemp-Derived Delta 9 in Ohio
There are thousands of people across Ohio who benefit from Ohio's medical cannabis program. This program provides them with access to medical alternatives to other treatments that may not have been effective previously. In spite of that, there are still people in the Buckeye State who could benefit from the positive effects of cannabis, but do not qualify for the state's program. This is where hemp-derived delta 9 comes in.
Delta 9 derived from hemp and delta 9 derived from marijuana are virtually the same compound. At the chemical level, they're identical; their only differences stem from their THC contents and the legal differences between which plant they are extracted from. This means that those who don't qualify for medical marijuana in Ohio can still reap the benefits of cannabis in a legal way by using hemp-derived compounds like delta 9.
Finding Delta 9 in Ohio
We bet you're wondering where you can get a sweet buzz now that you know delta 9 is legal in the Buckeye State. Again, the best and safest way to source any cannabinoid is to buy it online, but if you're keen on doing your business in person, we still got you covered. If you want to shop in person for delta 9 in Ohio, here are some places to visit.
Amelia – Pure CBD – 5.0 Stars
Pure CBD is a trusted provider of high-quality CBD products. Their range of products includes CBD oil, gummies, creams, and more, all made with pure, locally sourced hemp extract. The knowledgeable staff at Pure CBD are dedicated to educating customers about the potential benefits of CBD and helping them find the right products to meet their individual needs. With a commitment to transparency and quality, Pure CBD is a trusted choice for anyone looking to incorporate CBD into their wellness routine.
Avon – Clean Remedies – 4.9 Stars
Clean Remedies in Avon offers a range of all-natural products aimed at improving overall health and well-being. The focus on utilizing natural ingredients and adopting sustainable processes, makes Clean Remedies a provider of safe and effective remedies for promoting healing and bettering daily life. Whether it's essential oils or supplements, Clean Remedies has all the essentials to help you feel your best. Visit the store today to discover the transformative power of nature!
Is Delta 9 Legal in Ohio? Final Thoughts
So, is delta 9 legal in Ohio? Absolutely! As long as it is made from hemp and contains less than 0.3% THC, delta 9 is legal in the Buckeye State. Although the state does have a medical cannabis program, hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta 9 remain the only way for residents of the state to enjoy cannabis recreationally. You can find these products all over Ohio, but ordering cannabinoids online is the safest and best way to do it.
