Is Delta-9 Legal in Mississippi?

What Is Delta-9 THC?

Delta-9 THC is one of the THC isomers in Cannabis sativa plants recognized under Senate Bill 2095 for its ability to produce psychoactive effects when consumed. Marijuana-derived and hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products are available in various formulations such as gummies, oils, tablets, capsules, and smokables. Delta-9 THC can calm an overactive nervous system, reduce inflammation, improve sleep quality, reduce vomiting, and boost appetite. However, users may experience drowsiness, muscle coordination issues, confusion, fast heart rate, red eyes, anxiety, short-term memory loss, and dry mouth after consuming Delta-9 THC products. These side effects mainly occur when Delta-9 THC users exceed their THC tolerance levels.    

Is Delta-9 Legal in Mississippi?

Yes, but the source of a Delta-9 THC product and its THC concentration determine who may legally consume it in Mississippi. The provisions of the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Act (Senate Bill 2095) allow medical marijuana patients registered under the Mississippi medical cannabis program to use cannabis-derived Delta-9 THC products. Delta-9 THC products derived from cannabis are available in medical marijuana dispensaries in the state. However, Mississippi residents cannot bring cannabis-derived THC products into the state. 

Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products with a maximum THC concentration of 0.3% may be purchased from out-of-state sources and brought into Mississippi because industrial hemp and its derivatives are federally legal. The federal legalization of hemp is backed by the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill. On June 29, 2020, SB 2725 (the Mississippi Hemp Cultivation Act) was signed into law. This Act allows Mississippi residents to buy hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products from online sellers and local retail stores.     

What is the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC?

Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC have similar psychoactive effects. However, a slight difference in their molecular structures makes Delta-8 THC produce a milder ‘’high’’ than Delta-9 THC. Delta-9 THC elicits intense euphoria and other cognitive effects. Cannabinoid users who do not want to experience the strong psychoactive effects of Delta-9 THC prefer Delta-8 THC products. Cannabis plants typically contain high levels of Delta-9 THC and trace amounts of Delta-8 THC. As a result, Delta-8 THC is mainly obtained semi-synthetically through the extraction and conversion of cannabidiol (CBD), mostly from hemp.   

Delta-9 vs Delta-10

The chemical structures of Delta-10 THC and Delta-9 THC appear identical except for the positions of the double bonds in their carbon chains. The double bond of Delta-9 THC is positioned on the ninth carbon chain, while the double bond of Delta-10 THC is on the tenth carbon chain. Cannabis sativa plants, including hemp and marijuana plants, usually contain higher levels of Delta-9 THC than Delta-10 THC. As a result, Delta-9 THC is readily extracted from plants, while Delta-10 THC is mainly manufactured from hemp-derived CBD. Delta-10 THC is similar to Delta-9 THC in terms of its psychoactive potential, but Delta-9 THC is more potent than Delta-10 THC. The mild euphoric sensation of Delta-10 THC is usually accompanied by an energizing and creativity-heightening effect.     

How Long Does Delta-9 Stay in Your System?

The intoxicating effect of Delta-9 THC can last for up to 10 hours after ingestion, and the cannabinoid can remain detectable in the body even after its psychoactive effect wears off. The metabolites from Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 THC are similar and are detectable by drug tests. The detection windows for Delta-9 THC after ingestion depends on the test conducted.

• Urine tests: Delta-9 THC can be detected in the urine approximately 6 - 8 weeks after consumption
• Blood tests: THC can become undetectable in blood plasma after 6 hours, but heavy Delta-9 THC users can test positive for Delta-9 THC for up to 3 days 
• Hair tests: Hair samples can test positive for Delta-9 THC for up to 90 days
• Saliva tests: Delta-9 THC can show up on saliva tests for approximately 21 days 

Where Can I Find Delta-9 Gummies in Mississippi?

Delta-9 THC gummies are safe for oral consumption. Typically, users feel high within 20 minutes of consuming Delta-9 THC gummies, but it takes approximately 90 minutes for the full euphoria to set in. As provided in SB 2725, hemp-derived Delta-9 THC gummies containing less than 0.3% of THC are legal in Mississippi. State residents may purchase gummies online or from local stores. Medical marijuana dispensaries can only sell cannabis-derived gummies to registered medical marijuana patients.