As Delta-8 products become increasingly popular in today's edible market, it is important to know the difference between CBD, Delta-8, and Delta-9. Delta-8 IS THC, but not the federally illegal kind that usually comes to mind when typically discussing THC. 

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Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol is a cannabinoid found in both hemp and marijuana. It is similar in its molecular structure to Delta-9 THC - both have two bonds, and these bonds are where their difference occurs. In Delta-8 the bond occurs on the eighth carbon, with Delta-9 the bond is on the ninth. The difference in bond placement is enough to influence the psychoactive effects. Because of this Delta-8 is intoxicating, but not as potent as Delta-9.

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Delta-8 is currently legal, being derived from hemp (not marijuana) and falls into a gray area in the 2018 Farm Bill. To maintain compliance products still must have less than .3% Delta 9 THC by weight. Delta-8 could possibly still trigger positive results on drug tests. 

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