Is Delta-9 Legal in Utah? Understanding the Law in 2024
Yes, hemp-derived Delta-9 products with 0.3% or less THC by dry weight are legal in Utah.
Which means you can safely enjoy our Delta-9 Gummies in The Beehive State!
What is Delta 9 THC?
Delta-9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It is one of more than 113 identified naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the hemp and marijuana plants.
It's responsible for many of the well-known effects associated with marijuana use. Delta-9 THC occurs naturally in both marijuana and hemp plants, though in much higher concentrations in marijuana.
It interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, particularly binding to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the brain.
Delta-9 THC is the reason for the "high" and the psychoactive effects we associate with marijuana use.
As of 2024, all hemp-derived cannabinoids and other hemp-derivative products are legal in Utah. Marijuana derivatives are legal only for medicinal use under the state's Medical Marijuana Program.
There are other types of THC like Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC, but Delta-9 is the most well-researched form.
However, it is not the only reason why it's used. Research has shown that Delta-9 THC may have many potential benefits as well.
Effects of Delta-9 THC:
- Euphoria: Often described as a "high," including feelings of happiness and relaxation.
- Altered perception: Changes in how one perceives time, space, and sensory experiences.
- Increased appetite: Commonly known as "the munchies."
- Pain relief: Potential reduction in various types of pain.
- Anxiety reduction: For some users, though it can increase anxiety in others.
- Impaired memory: Especially short-term memory.
- Reduced motor skills: Can affect coordination and reaction time.
- Dry mouth and red eyes: Common physical side effects.
- Potential for paranoia or anxiety: Particularly in high doses or in sensitive individuals.
- Sleepiness or sedation: Especially with certain strains or higher doses.
It's important to note that THC's effects can vary based on the individual, dosage, method of consumption, and the specific product used.
Difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC
Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC have the same framework but one double bond in different places. This small difference makes big differences in effects and availability.
Delta-9 THC is found in abundance in marijuana plants and to a lesser extent in hemp. It’s the main psychoactive component of cannabis.
Delta-8 THC is found in both plants but in much smaller amounts.
Delta-9 THC is known for its psychoactive effects. Delta-8 THC is milder. Users report a less intense experience with Delta-8 and some anecdotal evidence suggests stronger side effects than Delta-9.
Delta-9 THC is extracted directly from the plant.
Delta-9 THC occurs abundantly in marijuana plants and to a lesser extent in hemp. It's the primary psychoactive component associated with cannabis use.
Delta-8 THC, however, exists naturally in both plant types but in significantly smaller quantities.
Delta-9 THC is generally extracted directly from cannabis plants.
Most commercially available Delta-8 THC is produced by converting CBD to the isomer by chemical processes making it semi-synthetic.
Is Delta-8 THC Legal in Utah?
No, Delta-8 THC is not legal in Utah.
Utah’s Controlled Substances Database doesn’t differentiate between types of THC, including Delta-8. All forms of THC are controlled substances in the state. The only exception is hemp derived Delta-9 THC with 0.3% or less on a dry weight basis which is in line with the Farm Bill.
Some businesses are selling Delta-8 THC products but it’s not legal in Utah. There have been efforts to challenge this but as of now Delta-8 THC is illegal in the state.
Federal Laws on Cannabis
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives on a federal level, which led to wide scale production and sale of hemp-derived products like CBD oils, CBD Topicals and THC gummies. This legislation removed hemp from the DEA's list of Controlled Substances, but established a clear distinction between hemp and marijuana (which remains federally illegal). Hemp-derived products must contain no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis to be considered federally legal.
The Farm Bill also empowered individual states to regulate hemp production and the sale of hemp-derived products within their borders. This means that the legality of specific hemp-derived products, such as Delta-8 gummies, can vary from state to state.
States must submit a plan to the USDA outlining their procedures for tracking, testing, disposal, enforcement, inspection, and certification of hemp cultivation.
Utah State Laws on Marijuana
Following the Farm Bill and the legalization of industrial hemp, Utah followed suit with its own legislation and aligned itself with the federal laws regarding hemp-derived products.
In 2019, Utah passed the Utah Hemp and Cannabinoid Act (4-41) which made hemp derivatives legal within its borders.
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) oversees the state hemp program, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
Here are the state's laws regarding hemp:
HEMP EXTRACT AMENDMENTS
2016 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
58-37-4.3. Exemption for use or possession of hemp extract.
As used in this section, "hemp extract" means an extract from a cannabis plant, or a 114 mixture or preparation containing cannabis plant material, that:
(a) is composed of less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol by weight;
(b) is composed of at least <15%> 5% cannabidiol by weight; and
(c) contains no other psychoactive substance.
HEMP EXTRACT REGISTRATION ACT
The department shall issue a hemp extract registration card to an individual who:
(a) is at least 18 years of age;
(b) is a Utah resident;
(c) provides the department with a statement signed by a neurologist that: indicates that the individual:
(A) suffers from intractable epilepsy; and
(B) may benefit from treatment with hemp extract; and is consistent with a record from the neurologist, concerning the individual, contained in the database described in Subsection (8);
(d) pays the department a fee in an amount established by the department under Subsection (5); and
(e) submits an application to the department, on a form created by the department, that contains:
(i) the individual's name and address;
(ii) a copy of the individual's valid photo identification; and
(iii) any other information the department considers necessary to implement this chapter
UTAH MEDICAL CANNABIS ACT
Title 26, Chapter 56, Hemp Extract Registration Act, is repealed January 1, 2019.
Medical Marijuana Program In Utah
Here are the details:
Eligibility:
- Qualifying Conditions: Patients with chronic pain, cancer, PTSD, epilepsy, and more are eligible.
- Residency: Utah resident
- Age: 21+ or have a medical provider and approval from the Compassionate Use Board if under 21.
- Recommendation: Get a recommendation from a medical provider registered with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
- Online Application: Fill out the online application on the DHHS website.
- In-person Meeting: Meet with the medical provider to discuss your medical history and treatment options.
- Card Issuance: If approved, you’ll receive a medical cannabis card which allows you to buy medical cannabis products from licensed pharmacies.
Purchasing and Possession:
- Licensed Pharmacies: Medical cannabis can only be bought from state-licensed pharmacies.
- Purchase Limits: There are limits on the amount of THC you can buy within a certain time frame.
- Out-of-State Purchases: Out-of-state purchases and possession are not allowed.
Is Delta 9 THC safe?
Delta-9 THC is generally considered safe for most people when used responsibly. However, there are some temporary side effects to be aware of like:
- Anxiety or paranoia
- Dry mouth
- Increased heart rate
- Impaired coordination
- Red eyes
- Short-term memory problems
These effects are usually temporary and last until the duration of THC's effects only.
Can You Buy Delta-9 THC Gummies In Utah?
Yes, you can buy hemp-derived Delta-9 Gummies in Utah if you're 21 years of age or older. Marijuana derivatives cannot be purchased without a medical marijuana card.
The products must be derived from hemp and must contain no more than 0.3% of THC by dry weight to be legally purchased in Utah.
Where Can You Buy Delta-9 THC in Utah?
In Utah, you can buy Delta-9 THC products online, in hemp shops, convenience stores, and offline dispensaries.
Why brave the harsh Utah weather or settle for limited options when you can have hemp-derived Delta-9 THC shipped discreetly to your doorstep?
Online shopping not only offers a wider variety, but you can snag great deals on the best products as well.
Our THC Gummies are sourced only from US grown hemp. Not only are they 100% natural and legal in Utah - they're packed with the whole-spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids in their natural ratios.
How do we do it? Next-gen solventless extraction, we use physics and energy to gently extract the delicate compounds from hemp without damaging them.
Our gummies are nano-ionized for maximum bioavailability, rapid onset, and long lasting effects. Forget waiting an hour, with Cannovia's gummies you can start feeling the effects within 15-30 minutes.
FAQs
Does Delta-9 THC show in a drug test?
Even if you consume legal Delta 9 THC, you may fail a drug test.
How long does Delta-9 THC show in urine tests?
Delta-9 THC can be detected in urine for anywhere from 3 days to 30 days depending on usage.
Can you fly with Delta-9 THC?
Yes, you can fly to and from 48 US states with hemp-derived Delta 9 products containing less than 0.3% THC, except Idaho.