Is Delta-9 Legal in Georgia?

What is Delta-9 THC?

Delta-9 THC refers to tetrahydrocannabinol, the major cannabinoid present in marijuana and hemp plants of the Cannabis sativa species. The mood-altering effects of cannabis products are essentially due to Delta-9 THC. While Delta-9 THC is abundant in marijuana plants, it is present in relatively low amounts in hemp.

Delta-9 THC achieves its psychoactive effects on consumers by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system. Cannabis belongs to a class of plants known as phytocannabinoids because of how they bind with CB 1 and CB 2 receptors in the brain. The interaction between Delta-9 THC and the body's endocannabinoid system influences processes such as sleep, appetite, pain, memory, speech, perception, and immunity.

Delta-9 THC is typically recommended by physicians to patients diagnosed with medical conditions such as Alzheimer's, cancer, multiple sclerosis, intractable pain, anxiety, depression, nausea, and glaucoma. Because of its psychoactive effects, Delta-9 THC is not recommended for use during pregnancy. In Georgia, Delta-9 THC products like gummies and oils are available for sale in licensed dispensaries. Delta-9 THC products in Georgia can only be made from industrial hemp. Medical cannabis patients in Georgia can access low-THC Delta-9 products.

Is Delta-9 Legal in Georgia?

Yes, Delta-9 THC is legal in Georgia. Under the provisions of House Bill 213, the Georgia Hemp Farming Act, Delta-9 THC products processed from industrial hemp are permitted in Georgia. Such products must have a THC content of 0.3% or less on a dry weight basis.

Georgia passed its hemp legislation in response to the federal Farm Bill of 2018 which removed hemp from the official definition of marijuana, and delisted it as a Schedule 1 drug. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, all isomers, cannabinoids, and extracts from industrial hemp became legal across the U.S., including Georgia.

Georgia residents who are 21 and over and are qualifying patients are allowed to use Delta-9 THC products with a THC content of up to 5%. The recreational use of marijuana-derived delta-9 THC products is prohibited in the state. Georgia retail outlets can only sell hemp-derived CBD products. Shipment of Delta-9 THC products from out of state is strictly prohibited.

What is the Difference Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It is not present in large amounts like Delta-9 THC. Although both Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC cause psychoactive effects, those caused by Delta-8 are milder. Medical research is still ongoing into the therapeutic and side effects of Delta-8 THC, but current studies show that Delta-8 THC produces fewer side effects than Delta-9. Delta-8 THC may be used to relieve nausea, loss of appetite, pain, and anxiety. There have been reports of some Delta-8 THC consumers experiencing redness of the eyes, loss of concentration, and tiredness.

Delta-8 THC is not produced naturally in usable amounts. Processors often have to synthesize it by adding solvents to hemp-derived CBD. This is in contrast to Delta-9 THC, which is produced abundantly in marijuana plants, without the need for chemical additives.

Delta-9 vs Delta-10

Delta-9 and Delta-10 are both isomers of THC. The key difference in their molecular profiles is that Delta-10 THC has a double bond on its tenth carbon ring, while Delta-9 THC has its double bond on the ninth ring. Both cannabinoids are present in trace amounts in hemp and marijuana plants. In hemp plants, Delta-9 THC content is usually around 0.3%, while in marijuana Delta-9 THC levels can reach as high as 25%. Delta-9 THC processed from marijuana is illegal under federal law, while hemp-based Delta-10 THC is legal.

Delta-10 THC is less psychoactive than delta-9 THC. Its 'highs' are not as intense as those of the latter cannabinoid. Delta-9 THC consumers report intense alterations of mood and visual perception, as well as feelings of relaxation and improved appetite. Delta-10 THC is known to act as a stimulating compound, causing milder psychotropic effects that Delta-9 THC users can experience. Delta-10 THC does not lead to a decline in concentration and cognitive function in the manner of Delta-9 THC.

How Long Does Delta-9 Stay in Your System?

The duration that delta-9 THC metabolites stay in the human body depends on a number of variables. These include:

• The frequency of Delta-9 THC consumption
• The amount of Delta-9 THC consumed and the potency of the THC contained in the product
• The metabolic rate of the individual consumer, which determines how rapidly THC metabolites are processed and excreted
• The method of consumption, whether smoking or ingestion
• The body-mass index (BMI) of the individual consumer. Individuals with more fatty tissues in their bodies will invariably have more THC stored up than leaner individuals

Delta-9 THC will show up in a drug test. Delta-9 THC metabolites bind more easily to some body tissues than to others, and this determines the duration of its presence in the blood, hair, urine, and saliva:

• In blood, THC metabolites can be detected within a 12-hour window. In a daily consumer, traces of the compound can be present even up to 30 days after use
• In hair follicles, Delta-9 THC traces can be detected even up to 90 days after the product has been consumed and metabolized. Tests on hair follicles look for the presence of the metabolite carboxy-THC
• In urine, Delta-9 THC traces can be seen by drug tests conducted between 30 to 48 days after consumption. Urine tests look for the presence of THC-COOH metabolites
• In saliva, THC can be detected by drug tests carried out up to 48 hours after the last consumption

Where Can I Find Delta-9 Gummies in Georgia?

Delta-9 THC gummies can be legally purchased from local retail stores and online retailers in Georgia. All Delta-9 THC products offered for sale in Georgia must be hemp-derived and must have a THC content of 0.3% or less. Marijuana-derived delta-9 THC products are prohibited under Georgia law.

Like all other Delta THC products, Delta-9 THC gummies can be mood-altering. However, the 'high' caused by eating Delta-9 THC gummies is not quickly felt like smoking Delta-9 THC flower. It may take up to two hours after consumption for the effects of Delta-9 gummies to be felt. Consequently, the psychoactive effects are known to last longer than those of smokable Delta-9 THC products.