It is common to find hemp-derived Delta 8 in gas stations, convenience stores, local dispensaries, etc. Due to its murky legal status, as mentioned in the 2018 Farm Bill, its availability is relatively unregulated. Therefore, one can quickly see delta-8 in retail outlets, usually edibles, flowers, or vaporizers.
But the main question is: how old must you be to buy a Delta 8?
According to a study, while brick-and-mortar shops selling Delta 8 may require age verification, more than half of online stores and websites surveyed bypass the process. Nevertheless, retail outlets selling the drug must get all the necessary information from their customers.
What Is Delta 8?
It is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in hemp and cannabis in trace amounts. Because of its almost nonexistence in the natural world, it is usually made synthetically.
The compound makes you feel ‘high’ and gives you the feeling of euphoria, relaxation, and calmness. In addition, users also mention that it is a lot milder than the naturally occurring THC, Delta 9.
Much research is required to know the compound’s uses and side effects. However, people use it as medication to help with mental issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Known as the ‘milder brother of Delta-9’, it is often used to boost appetite, help with nausea, and relieve pain.
Is Delta 8 Legal?
You can find Delta 8-related products quite easily despite their unclear legal status due to federal law. The law classifies hemp with 0.3% or lower THC content as legal, while anything higher than the threshold is illegal and is termed marijuana.
In addition, the compound is naturally present in a negligible amount and has to be synthesized from either delta-9 or CBD (cannabidiol). Since hemp-derived Delta-8 has a small amount of THC content, its legal status becomes vague.
Can You Buy Delta 8 At 18 Years Of Age?
While states like California and Maine have no issue legalizing the compound, some are still reluctant. There is a gray area of legal status when buying and selling Delta 8-related products.
However, Delta 8 manufacturers won’t sell the products if they are under 18. While some states, like Florida, have set the minimum age to purchase a Delta 8 at 18, others have set it at around 21.
Can You Buy Delta 8 At 21 Years Of Age?
Senate Bill 1201 legalizes the use of cannabis by people aged 21 or older. If you are 21 or older, you can buy Delta 8-related products. Some retailers will ask you to verify your age before you purchase, while others will not.
States that have set the minimum age at 21 are Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Indiana, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Alabama, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, and California.
And the states that have some restrictions in place for Delta 8 are:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Kentucky
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New York
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
Of course, you must keep checking for any changes in legislation or laws in your state.
Forms Of Delta 8 Available
Almost all the retailers will give you Delta 8 products such as gummies, tinctures, oils, etc. You will find one or two of these products on the shelves of your local dispensary or gas station.
People often use these products to boost their senses and retention. In addition, it is frequently used in medicines to calm nausea and prevent loss of appetite.
Apart from the forms of Delta 8 mentioned above, you can find it packaged as:
- Vaporizers
- Infused hemp flower
- Topical
- Beverages
- Capsules
Some retailers will ask you for age verification, so always carry your ID card in your wallet!
Retail Outlets In Low-Income Areas
A study finds that retail outlets selling Delta 8 are abundant in areas with high socioeconomic disparity. It means a subset of communities with weak incomes has more access to Delta-8 THC.
However, more research is needed to correlate the use of Delta 8 with people earning the bare minimum wage.
Final Thoughts
Nowadays, people can find Delta 8-related products near their location. From dispensaries to websites, your access to Delta 8 is relatively easy. But of course, you must be 18 or 21 years old or older to purchase and sell.
While some states have no restrictions on its availability, others downright prohibit its consumption. Overall, one has to be considered an adult in their respective state to get their hands on it.
