Massachusetts

MASSACHUSETTS STATE LAWS REGARDING DELTA 8 THC AND CBD

Over two-thirds of states have legalized the use of medical marijuana, while about a third have legalized recreational use. In the state of Massachusetts, both medical marijuana, as well as recreational marijuana use has been legalized.

Hemp cannabis was legalized at the federal level with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, allowing for the cultivation, production, distribution, transportation, sale, and possession of hemp and hemp products containing 0.3% or less THC.

What does this mean for residents of Massachusetts, and how does the Bay State treat compounds like cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol?

What is the Legal Status of CBD in Massachusetts?

You might think the answer to this question is pretty straightforward since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp cannabis in the U.S., including all 50 states. However, there are some states that have made laws that are far more strict than stated in the federal bill.

Since Massachusetts legalized marijuana, and decriminalized marijuana in 2018, CBD is legal in the state, and that goes for both hemp derived, as well as marijuana derived CBD products.

With that being said, the current laws state that CBD oil cannot be added to any food or beverage products, nor can it be marketed as having any medical or therapeutic benefits unless the product has been evaluated and approved by the FDA. CBD products in Massachusetts also still must contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.

For a full picture of where Delta 8 THC is legal and isn’t legal go to https://bluespringscbd.com/delta-8-legal-map/.

What About CBG?

When CBG is derived from hemp cannabis, it is considered legal in all 50 states. With that being said, the same laws that apply to CBD above are the same that apply to CBG in Massachusetts.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal in Massachusetts?

Yes, Delta 8 THC is legal in Massachusetts.

Unlike some other states, Massachusetts has been good about setting forth laws that clearly define how it views both marijuana and hemp.  This is good for consumers, as it leaves little “gray area”.

To clarify the new hemp laws, Massachusetts specified that “tetrahydrocannabinol,” where they are addressed by state law, does not include THC derived from hemp, which includes Delta 8 THC. The details of these laws are clearly defined and written in Massachusetts BILL H.4001.

Broad Spectrum vs. Full Spectrum

Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the chemical compounds naturally occurring in the plant, which amounts to roughly 400 substances. Cannabis consists of terpenes, flavonoids, and over 100 cannabinoids that interact with the endocannabinoid system, including Delta 9 THC, the cannabinoid responsible for psychoactive effects.

Hemp cannabis, which is legal federally, features 0.3% or less THC, and the same holds true in the state of Massachusetts.  Due to the clear definitions by the state to regulate both hemp, and marijuana, Full Spectrum CBD oil, and Broad Spectrum CBD oil are legal in the Granite State.

Should I buy Delta 8 THC in Massachusetts or Online?

Most smart people, like you, know shopping online is typically the fastest and most cost effective way get almost any product; including delta 8 THC products. Have the ability to buy directly from the brand, read reviews, take a look at third-party certificates of analysis (COA) tests, and compare products easily from the comfort of your home.

However, there are some companies producing delta 8 THC through potentially unsafe methods or that are selling products with higher delta-9 content that is legally allowed. For example, some are using heavy metal reagents or doing a poor job at removing the (illegal) delta 9 THC content or harsh chemicals and acids from the final product.

To reduce your odds of coming into this type of problem, it is recommended to always buy from brands that display their third-party COA’s – and this is the greatest benefits of buying online.

Additional Benefits of Ordering D8 THC online:

• Get better online pricing and seasonal discounts
• Easily read real customer product reviews & see third-party COA’s
• Convenience of ordering from the comfort of your home
• Typically a better product selection with online shops
• Products left on store shelves can expire if they there isn’t a lot of store traffic

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

Some of the biggest confusion over cannabis products comes from Delta 8 THC and Marijuana (Delta 9 THC) Gummies. While they’re more similar than different, there are important distinctions you should consider before buying.

Both Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC occur naturally within cannabis plants. Both create psychotropic effects in users called a “high.” And both are chemically very similar. In chemical terms, Delta 8 is an isomer of Delta 9, meaning it possesses the same elements but a different chemical structure.

That difference is important. The change in chemical structure causes the molecules to interact slightly differently in the body. Where Delta 9 slots perfectly into receptors in the endocannabinoid system, Delta 8 doesn’t fit as easily.

The chemical difference means that Delta 8 produces a less potent high. Delta 9 THC creates an intense and heady experience. It can make users feel euphoric, get the giggles, feel hungry, and become tired. Delta 8 creates effects that similar, but less potent.

The high Delta 8 produces is gentler and more clear-headed. It’s also less likely to lead to feelings of paranoia.

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

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, it’s not necessary to show or have a card to purchase D8 products. It was derived from legal hemp — with less than 0.3% of THC — it falls under the same laws as CBD.

You can buy it without a medical license in all delta 8 THC legal states, including the Granite State.