Is Delta-8 Legal in Minnesota?

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, sometimes referred to as Delta-8 THC, is a psychotropic compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant, of which marijuana and hemp are two forms. Delta-8 THC is one of the cannabinoids naturally produced by the cannabis plant; however, it is not present in substantial quantities. Consequently, high levels of Delta-8 THC are often produced from cannabidiol obtained from cannabis (CBD).

Delta-8 THC, also an isomer of Delta-9 THC, is a milder form of THC with less intense euphoric effect. Consumers often use it to alleviate stress, improve appetite, sleep quality, and mood. Side effects of overdosing on Delta-8 include anxiety, lethargy, dry eyes, dry mouth, increased heart rate, and impaired coordination.

Is Delta-8 Legal in Minnesota?

Yes. Delta-8 THC is legal in Minnesota. Hemp-derived products are legal in the United States under the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill separates hemp and its derivatives from the classification of marijuana as a Schedule I Substance. Minnesota abides by the 2018 Farm Bill as adopted under Chapter 18K.02 of the state’s statutes. The state does not prohibit the production, sale, and consumption of hemp products, including Delta-8 THC products. Therefore, Minnesotans can purchase Delta-8 products derived from hemp.

Delta-8 vs Delta-9

Delta-8 and Delta-9 are two of the most abundant cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant. While THC is more typically associated with the cannabinoid known as Delta-9, Delta-8 is a THC isomer with a distinct pharmacological profile. Despite having chemically identical structures, the configurations of the atoms in Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC vary. One difference between the two cannabinoids is the location of the double bonds on the carbon atoms in their molecular structures. The double bond in Delta-8 THC is on the eighth carbon atom, while in Delta-9 THC, it is on the ninth. Delta-8 and Delta-9 react with CB1 receptors in the body depending on where the double bonds are located on their carbon chains.

Another significant distinction between Delta-8 and Delta-9 lies in their syntheses. Due to high concentrations of Delta-9 THC in marijuana plants, processors extract it more cheaply from the biomass of female cannabis plants. After the buds or trim have been harvested, dried, cured, or flash frozen, the Delta-9-rich biomass is further processed using carbon dioxide (CO2), ethanol, or light hydrocarbons (propane and butane).

Since Delta-8 THC is only present in very low amounts in the cannabis plant, extracting it requires more resources and time, which is challenging for processors. To obtain Delta-8 THC, processors usually synthesize it from CBD isolate through a conversion process using solvents, acids, and reagents.

Per psychoactive effects, the "high" produced by Delta-8 is smoother and milder than that of Delta-9. Delta-8 and Delta-9 may be used to ease digestive problems, including nausea and vomiting. Research indicates that Delta-8 has potent antiemetic qualities and prevented vomiting in children with cancer in a 1995 trial, which was particularly beneficial because of its lower intoxication potential. Delta-9 may be used to stimulate appetite, which benefits those who suffer from eating disorders like anorexia nervosa. However, research suggests that Delta-8 stimulates appetite even more than Delta-9.

Delta-8 vs Delta-10

Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol and Delta-10 tetrahydrocannabinol are Delta-9 THC isomers. Isomers are compounds that have similar but not identical structures. The structural variations between isomers may be minor, yet they can have substantially distinct effects on users.

Delta-10 and Delta-8 have the same effect on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). They attach to CB1 receptors in order to impact the behavior of the ECS, which is in charge of maintaining the internal chemical and physiological balance between the brain and the body. Furthermore, both isomers show an affinity for CB2 receptors; however, the binding mechanism for Delta-10 is yet unknown owing to its recent discovery. Delta-10 and Delta-8 induce intoxicating effects, as do all CBD and THC compounds.

The euphoric effects of Delta-8 and Delta-10 are substantially milder than Delta-9 THC. When you consume Delta-8 THC, you will experience a calm, uplifting high and a heightened desire to eat. If you consume Delta-10, the high experienced by users is even significantly lower with Delta-8. Delta-10 offers an energizing effect while delivering a weaker euphoria. Delta-8 products, on the other hand, have sedative characteristics, induce profound relaxation, and may even be used as sleeping aids. In low to moderate doses, Delta-8 and Delta-10 are unlikely to cause significant side effects. When taken in large doses, Delta-8 may cause paranoia, anxiety, and fear. Delta-10's side effects include red eyes, dry mouth, lethargy, and increased appetite.

How Long Does Delta-8 Stay in the Body?

The period over which Delta-8 THC remains in the body depends on many factors such as:

  • Frequency of Use: Delta-8 THC accumulates in fat cells in the body when taken regularly. Subsequently, these buildups progressively begin to re-enter the bloodstream, requiring additional time for THC metabolites to be eliminated entirely from the body. Occasional users (persons using Delta-8 once or twice a week) will typically have the compound exit their systems within a week. However, regular users who use Delta-8 THC 5-6 times per week may have to wait 2-4 weeks before drug tests can return a negative result in their blood or urine samples
  • Metabolism rate: Due to higher metabolic rates in younger persons, individuals in their 20s or 30s may only require a few days to eliminate Delta-8 THC from their system, while adults in their 60s and 70s may require up to a week
  • Consumption method: The method of administering Delta-8 THC may impact how fast THC metabolites exit the body. Inhaled Delta-8 products leave the body almost twice as quickly as other administration forms
  • Genetics: Individual genetics play a vital role in eliminating Delta-8 THC from the body. Certain enzymes inhibit the metabolism of Delta-8 THC in the body, and some individuals have high concentrations of this enzyme. Hence, such persons will metabolize Delta-8 slower than others
  • Dosage: The stronger you dose on Delta-8 THC, the longer it takes to be removed from your body

Does Delta-8 Show Up on a Drug Test?

As long as Delta-8 THC or its metabolites remain in the body, a drug test may reveal a positive result for THC. That is because drug tests are not usually designed to differentiate between different isomers of Delta THC. A saliva test may detect Delta-8 THC up to 72 hours after use. A blood test may detect Delta-8 THC for up to 12 hours after use, while a urine test may detect the compound up to 30 days after use, depending on the dosage. Hair tests can detect Delta-8 THC use for up to 90 days after consumption.

Where to Buy Delta-8 in Minnesota

You may purchase Delta-8 products, including vape carts, gummies, tinctures, oils, and edibles, from online stores, head shops, dispensaries, or other convenience stores. Note that some shops may require you to be 21 or older before purchasing Delta-8 products from their facilities.

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Minnesota Delta-8 THC Overview