If you are a Minnesota resident, you may have recently heard about the new law regarding Delta 8. This cannabinoid has been receiving a good deal of press in recent months due to its alleged benefits for treating a range of medical conditions. But is Delta 8 actually legal in Minnesota? And if not, what could happen if you are caught using it? In this post, we\’ll take a closer look at the legality of Delta 8 in Minnesota and explore the potential consequences of using it illegally. Stay tuned!
Is Delta 8 Legal in Minnesota?
Yes, Delta 8 is legal in Minnesota. Earlier, Minnesota was following the federal law but in June 2022, a new law was passed regarding Delta 8 Minnesota which made Delta 8 legal but with several restrictions.
The Background
In 2015, Minnesota curated a pilot hemp program as per the Minnesota Industrial Hemp Development Act (IHDA) which made the use and production of all hemp-derived products legal in Minnesota.
Later this was challenged and a new law was passed. In June 2022, Tim Walz, The Governor of Minnesota signed HF 4065 which legalized the use of Delta 8 but with a lot of restrictions. This was done with the intention to regulate Delta 8 as well as avoid its misuse. The law was finally enforced on 1st July 2022.
New Limitations
As per the new law, there are the following restrictions on the Delta 8 Minnesota-
- All hemp products can contain only 0.3% of THC, be that Delta 8 or 9. Any product containing more than 0.3% Delta 8 would be illegal.
- All the hemp edibles can only contain 5 mg or less THC per serving and 50 mg THC in the whole packet.
- People above the age of 21 can only buy hemp products.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is a psychoactive substance, it can get you high. It is a milder version of Delta 9. Unlike Delta 9, it does not make you anxious, restless, or unconscious. Instead, it makes your body relax, and stress-free and gives you a euphoric experience.
You can buy Delta 8 in the form of gummies, capsules, tinctures, oils, drinks, etc. Because of the new Delta 8 Minnesota laws, any product can contain only 0.3% or less Delta 8.
It has several health benefits. It can make you feel relaxed and stress-free. Many people use it for its anti-inflammation properties. After consuming Delta 8 in any form, you might feel the following things:
- Intense relaxation.
- A chill and mellow vibe without the rush.
- Improved focus with a higher energy level.
- A floaty feeling like you are weightless.
- You might feel hungry.
Why Delta 8 is Legal As Per Federal Laws?
Honestly speaking, the legality of Delta 8 in federal laws is in the gray area. There is no particular law that makes it illegal and that’s why it is legal. All this is because of a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill.
The 2018 Farm Bill stated that any product cannot contain more than 0.3% of Delta 9 THC. The law did not say anything about Delta 8 THC and since then it has been considered legal. Though all States are free to make their own laws regarding hemp and hemp-derived products.
Also Read:- Is Delta 8 Legal in Ohio? (New Regulation – 2022)
Future of Delta 8 in Minnesota
Now that there is a proper law regulating Delta 8 in Minnesota, a stable future is there. Actually, the future of Minnesota people is safe here because many shady brands also make the best Delta 8 products which can be fatal for people. Though, if the government legalizes adult-use cannabis then Delta 8 can become marijuana.
States Where Delta 8 is Not Legal
All the states are free to make their own law to regulate or ban the use of hemp and hemp-derived products. Currently, there are 14 such states namely Alaska, Delaware, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Lowa, New York, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, Rhode Island, Utah, & Washington. Other states are making laws to regulate or ban Delta 8 and its use.
All in All
The new law has settled all the debates around Delta 8 THC which is actually good. The thing is, the federal law is not clear regarding Delta 8 so the reputed brands try to avoid making Delta 8 products and other small and shady brands take advantage of it and make low-quality Delta 8 products which can be harmful to the people.
In such a scenario, it becomes very necessary to regulate the use and production of Delta 8 and other products. The government did an appreciable job by making a proper Minnesota Delta 8 law.
Other states should also take steps to regulate Delta 8 and other cannabinoid products instead of completely banning them. After all, cannabinoids have several health benefits and help in several treatments. Completely banning it would be unfair to the people.
Also Read:- Is Delta 8 Legal in Kentucky? All You Need To Know About The New Judgement
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
Q1- Can Delta 8 put you in a coma?
No. Delta 8 THC is a milder version of Delta 9 THC. So it only relaxes your body and at the very max, can give you a floating and euphoric experience. But you should be careful on your side, make sure that you buy products only from good and reputed brands to avoid any harmful effects.
Q2- Does Delta 8 show up on the drug tests army?
Yes, if you consume Delta 8 then it will show up on the drug test. To avoid this and any other further consequences, make sure that you only consume Delta 8 products that are from reputed brands and contain less than 0.3% of Delta 8 THC.
Q3- Is delta 8 legal in Minnesota in 2022?
Yes as per the new Delta 8 Minnesota law which was passed in June 2022, and came into effect on 1st July 2022, Delta 8 is legal in Minnesota. Though there are various restrictions and limitations on the use and production of Delta 8 THC products.
There are the following restrictions on the Delta 8 in Minnesota-
- All hemp products can contain only 0.3% of THC, be that Delta 8 or 9. Any product containing more than 0.3% Delta 8 would be illegal.
- All the hemp edibles can only contain 5 mg or less THC per serving and 50 mg THC in the whole packet.
- People above the age of 21 can only buy hemp products.