Iowa

If you have even a passing interest in the hemp and cannabis plants and all of the various cannabinoids they contain, you’ve more than likely heard about Delta 8 THC.

This newly harnessed cannabinoid has exploded in popularity in recent years, with products of all kinds containing the psychoactive substance coming out on what seems like a daily basis.

But what is Delta 8 THC exactly, and why has it become such a hot topic in the world of cannabinoids? To help you get a better idea of the answers to those questions, we’ve compiled this comprehensive Delta 8 guide.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal in Iowa?

No, Delta 8 THC is not legal in Iowa.

This is in spite of the 2018 Farm Bill that made any form of commercial hemp with less than 0.3% of Delta 9 THC Legal. Many states have followed federal regulation, while many other politically driven states have made their own changes outlawing different synthetics like Delta 8 or Delta 10 THC.

Iowa law states the same maximum amount of tetrahydrocannabinols derived from hemp as the Hemp Farm Bill, being 0.3% THC (including Delta-8-THC).

In Chapter 96 “Hemp” of the ARC 4842C Rule, it outlines:

“Acceptable hemp THC concentration” means when an official laboratory tests a sample, the laboratory must report the delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content concentration on a dry weight basis and the measurement uncertainty. The acceptable hemp THC concentration is for the purpose of compliance when the application of the measurement uncertainty to the reported THC concentration on a dry weight basis produces a distribution or range that includes 0.3 percent or less. For example, if the reported THC concentration on a dry weight basis is 0.35 percent and the measurement uncertainty is +/- 0.06 percent, the measured THC concentration on a dry weight basis for this sample ranges from 0.29 percent to 0.41 percent. Because 0.3 percent is within the distribution or range, the sample is within the acceptable hemp THC concentration for the purpose of compliance. This definition of “acceptable hemp THC concentration” affects neither the statutory definition of hemp, 7 U.S.C. § 1639o(1), in the 2018 Farm Bill nor the definition of “marihuana,” 21 U.S.C. § 802(16), in the CSA.

The above basically mimics the Federal Hemp Farm Bill by limiting the 0.3% Delta-9 THC levels.  However, the Iowa bill doesn’t stop there, and as shows below includes other tetrahydrocannabinol, such as:

“THC” means total tetrahydrocannabinol as determined by an official laboratory test postdecarboxylation.

“Postdecarboxylation value,” in the context of testing methodologies for THC concentration in hemp, means a value determined after the process of decarboxylation that determines the total potential delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content derived from the sum of the THC and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) content and reported on a dry weight basis. The postdecarboxylation value of THC can be calculated by using a chromatographic technique using heat, gas chromatography, through which THCA is converted from its acid form to its neutral form, THC. Thus, this test calculates the total potential THC in a given sample. The postdecarboxylation value of THC can also be calculated by using a high-performance liquid chromatograph technique, which keeps the THCA intact and requires a conversion calculation of that THCA to calculate total potential THC in a given sample.

“Certificate of analysis” means the certificate issued by the department following the official preharvest inspection, sampling and testing for total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration if the THC concentration is less than 0.3 percent by dry weight matter. The certificate of analysis shall contain the results of the department’s official laboratory test of the postdecarboxylation value concentration of the officially sampled hemp crop following the preharvest report. The certificate of analysis shall be combined with a certificate of crop inspection.

By the bill stating that “total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)”, this blanket term includes Delta-8 THC, so it remains illegal in the state of Iowa.

Is a Medical Card Needed in Iowa to Order Delta 8 THC?

As Delta 8 products are not regulated there are no medicinal Delta 8 THC products to purchase.  Therefore, even with a Medical Card for Delta 9 THC, you’re still not able to buy these products.

What is The Difference Between Delta 8 & Delta 9 THC (Marijuana)?

There are plenty of differences between Delta 8 and traditional pot. For starters, marijuana is a full-on plant, while Delta 8 is simply a chemical component of that plant.

While there is Delta 8 THC flower, it must be created through a relatively complex process, whereas marijuana can grow out of the ground entirely by accident and has done so for countless millennia.

If you’re speaking about the two as products, then Delta 8 and marijuana are relatively similar. You can consume both of them in various ways to enjoy their similar psychoactive effects and potential health benefits.

However, marijuana’s main psychoactive component is Delta 9 THC, which is stronger than Delta 8, so experiences when using the two can vary relatively widely.

Different Types of Delta 8 Usages

Like CBD and traditional marijuana there are different ways to take Delta 8 products with different companies specializing in specific forms.  Like Stardust Hemp specializes in high quality Delta 8 THC flower, and others that focus on gummies or other edibles, tinctures and vapes.

Tinctures

Tinctures are created by using delta 8 thc distillate as a base carrier, typically with an alcohol-soluble combining as the common base. However, the better companies use MCT oil as the base carrier oil.

These products have a more rapid absorption rate as they are used sublingually underneath the tongue.

D8 Gummies

These edibles are similar to tinctures and capsules, but they use a gelatin or tapioca and fruity flavoring.

Our Delta 8 THC gummies are made with tapioca with high quality manufacturing processes to ensure a quality product and they are all 100%. These Vegan Delta 8 Gummies are some of the most popular on the market right now.

Delta 8 Vape Carts

These vape cartridges are made with D8 THC distillate and are typically disposable.  These are really popular as they are simple to use and you can take a quick hit when you feel like it with quick effects.

Is Delta 9 (Marijuana) Legal in Iowa?

Delta 9 THC, or marijuana, is still illegal in Iowa for both medical and recreational purposes, and also has some of the most stringent laws in the United States currently.