Louisiana’s Marijuana Laws: What’s the Deal with Delta-8 and Delta-9?
While marijuana remains illegal for recreational use in Louisiana, the state has a loophole that allows for the sale of certain hemp products, including delta-8 and delta-9. But what exactly are these products, and how do they fit into the state’s marijuana laws?
Delta-8 and delta-9 are both THC-based compounds found in the cannabis plant. Delta-8 is a synthetic, weaker form of THC that’s derived from hemp CBD, while delta-9 is the most abundant form of THC, which is found naturally in cannabis plants. Delta-9 is considered the most potent form of THC.
The legality of delta-8 and delta-9 in Louisiana stems from the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized the production of hemp and its derivatives. As long as hemp products contain no more than 0.3% THC per dry weight, they are legal at the federal level. In Louisiana, hemp-derived delta-9 is legal, as are delta-8 and other hemp products.
However, it’s important to note that delta-9 derived from marijuana is not legal at the federal level. Medical marijuana use is legal in Louisiana, but recreational use remains illegal. The state did decriminalize cannabis in 2021, but possession of small amounts of marijuana is still punishable by law.
The sale of delta-8 and delta-9 products is legal in Louisiana, as long as they are derived from hemp and contain no more than 0.3% THC. These products can be found at retail stores and online, and are considered federally controlled substances when extracted from marijuana plants.
In summary, while marijuana remains illegal for recreational use in Louisiana, the state’s laws allow for the sale of certain hemp products, including delta-8 and delta-9. These products are legal as long as they are derived from hemp and contain no more than 0.3% THC.
