Is Delta-8 Legal in Mississippi?

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is an isomer of Delta-9, which means that the two compounds are almost identical on a molecular level but with certain minor atomic variations. The majority of Delta-8 products do not come from marijuana plants. Instead, manufacturers of Delta-8 use a chemical process known as isomerization to convert plant-derived CBD into Delta-8. 

Delta-8 THC produces most of its effects on the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a part of the human body responsible for regulating various key functions. Delta-8 THC binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, resulting in mental and physical benefits, such as:

• Boosting appetite
• Promoting better sleep
• Helping with memory retention
• Inducing euphoria
• Inducing uplifting feelings

The major side effects of Delta-8 THC are:

• Red eyes
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Paranoia
• Short-term memory loss

Is Delta-8 Legal in Mississippi?

No, Delta-8 THC products are not legal in Mississippi. Although the state enacted a bill (SB 2725) based on the 2018 Farm Bill legalizing the cultivation of production of hemp and hemp-based products, the state amended this law to exclude hemp-derived THC. Per HB 1547, all isomers, synthetic substances, and THC derivatives are illegal in Mississippi.

Delta-8 vs Delta-9

Although Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC share many characteristics, their primary differences lie in how they are classified and derived. Most Delta-9 products are obtained from marijuana plants, while Delta-8 products are derived from hemp plants. With the 2018 Farm Bill legalizing hemp and hemp-derived products, Delta-8 products containing 0.3% Delta-9 THC or less are legal in the United States, except those produced through synthesis. On the other hand, Delta-9 products are illegal federally and in many states except where marijuana has been legalized for recreational purposes.

Also, with Delta-8 THC occurring in limited quantities in hemp plant parts, Delta-8 THC products are derived by concentrating cannabidiol (CBD) from raw hemp plant material. By contrast, Delta-9 THC occurs abundantly in marijuana plants and can be easily extracted.

The position of a particular double bond on the carbon atom chain of the THC molecule is the sole distinction between the chemical structures of Delta-8 and Delta-9. While Delta-9 includes a double bond on the ninth carbon atom, Delta-8's molecular structure has a double bond on the eighth carbon atom. This slight structural difference is responsible for the varying effects of the THC isomers.

Delta-9 THC is primarily responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis. It produces strong psychoactive effects, including relaxation, euphoria, and laughter, by attaching to CB-1 receptors in the brain. Compared to Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC has milder psychoactive effects that are noticeably less potent. Users of Delta-8 THC also use it therapeutically to treat insomnia and chronic pain, as well as to reduce anxiety and inflammation.

Delta-8 vs Delta-10

Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC are both THC isomers with chemical structures similar to that of Delta-9 THC. Hemp and marijuana plants contain both Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC. However, like Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC also exists in trace amounts in cannabis plants. Despite the similarity in their molecular makeups, there are several distinctions between these two compounds. The critical chemical difference is the location of the double bond in their THC carbon chain. The double bond occurs on the eighth carbon bond in Delta-8 THC and in the tenth in Delta-10 THC. This slight variation influences how the cannabinoids interact with the body's cannabinoid receptors. 

Delta-8 and Delta-10 predominantly bind to CB1 receptors, although to lesser degrees, which explains why Delta-8 and Delta-10 have less potent psychotropic effects than Delta-9. Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC do not have the same potency as Delta-9 THC. Delta-10’s psychoactive effect on users is even lower than Delta-8’s. Cannabis products made from both isomers are more "manageable," particularly for first-time cannabis users, and significantly less likely to overwhelm users with psychoactive effects. 

Delta-8 THC is similar to Indica marijuana strains, producing a more calm and drowsy sensation. Delta-10 THC is comparable to Sativa strains. It induces an uplifting feeling and energizing effect in users. Furthermore, Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC may induce feelings of happiness without causing anxiety or paranoia, which are typical side effects of Delta-9 THC.

How Long Does Delta-8 Stay in the Body?

Delta-8 users who take the THC once or twice a week can expect to have the compound's metabolites exit their system within a week. On the other hand, daily users of Delta-8 THC may have to wait at least a few weeks before their last doses before expecting to pass drug tests. However, other factors may also influence how long Delta-8 remains in the body. These factors include:

• Consumption Method: As with the effects of Delta-8, Delta-8 edible products impact users at a slower rate. When you consume Delta-8 as a capsule or edible, the chemical compounds take longer to break down in your body. However, when inhaled, Delta-8 metabolites exit the body twice as fast as for other forms of administration
• Metabolism: Young persons with higher metabolic rates are likely to break down Delta-8 THC faster and have its metabolites leave their systems more quickly than older individuals with typically slower metabolism
• Dosage: The higher the dose of Delta-8 consumed, the longer THC metabolites will stay in your system. A high doses may refer to taking a large dose of Delta-8 or any amount of a highly concentrated Delta-8 product

Does Delta-8 Show Up on a Drug Test?

Yes. Most drug tests are intended to detect THC and cannot distinguish between Delta-8 and Delta-9 in the body. THC isomers are processed similarly by the body and broken down into the same metabolites. THC metabolites are detected by blood, urine, saliva, and hair follicle tests, whether they are from Delta-9 or Delta-8 THC.

The following are the detection windows for drug tests usually used to detect THC:

• Blood test: Often given when suspected Delta THC use occurs within the last few days. However, some blood tests have detected THC in the plasma as far as 25 days after consuming Delta-8
• Urine test: If you only use Delta-8 occasionally, a urine test will detect THC in your urine for up to 3 days after use. However, if you are a chronic or heavy user, Delta-8 THC metabolites may show up in a urine test for up to a month after the last use
• Saliva test: For most people, saliva tests reveal THC metabolites for up to a week after use. However, it is possible to detect THC metabolites in oral fluid for up to a month in chronic use cases
• Hair follicle test: Hair follicle tests may detect THC in your system for a longer period than other types of drug tests. Delta-8 may be detected in hair samples up to 90 days after the last dose

Where to Buy Delta-8 in Mississippi

Although you may find vendors online offering Delta-8 products for sale, it is recommended that you avoid purchasing Delta-8 THC products as such products are currently illegal under state law and should not be shipped into Mississippi.