Is Delta 8 THC Available or Banned in Arkansas [Updated 2022]

Arkansas is home to a budding medical marijuana program and not-so-friendly delta 8 THC laws. Most states were quick to amend legislation to accommodate the Farm Bill of 2018, but the Natural State has chosen to keep this substance illegal. Let’s talk about the legality of Δ8-THC in Arkansas & future implications. 

Is Delta 8 THC Legal in Arkansas? 

Delta 8 THC is illegal in Arkansas. The state considers tetrahydrocannabinols Schedule VI controlled substances. 

What is Delta 8 THC? 

Delta 8 THC products revolutionized the hemp market, offering an alternative to users looking to catch a high-quality buzz. This rare and unique cannabinoid naturally occurs in the hemp and marijuana plant in varying amounts. The hemp plant contains less than 1% delta 8 THC formed as a delta 9 THC degradation product. 

Because it’s naturally found in such low concentrations, manufacturers use hemp-derived CBD and convert it into delta 8 THC. This substance is psychotropic and will get you “high.” Its effects are milder and less intense than delta 9’s. Delta 8 directly influences the endocannabinoid system and can help with sleep, pain, anxiety, nausea and vomiting.

Buying Delta 8 THC in Arkansas

Unfortunately, you can’t purchase Δ8-THC in Arkansas legally. As the US relaxes its cannabis law, Arkansas will likely accept the new changes. But, for now, it’s best to stick to hemp-derived CBD products. 

When starting with delta 8 THC, choosing quality items crafted with natural ingredients is essential. Crazy8s is the nation’s leading provider of top-shelf THC products made with care and dedication. 

We source hemp for extraction from local USA farms with organic produce and test it several times before and during extraction. Our team has been in the game for over a decade. During that time, we nurtured close relationships with the best farmers. 

If you’re at the beginning of your journey with this substance, we recommend starting with our Delta 8 THC Gummies. These gummies are infused with premium delta 8 distillate and offer a fun and discreet way to take delta 8 on the go. The 10mg option is ideal for beginners looking to dip their toes in, while the 50mg option is perfect for seasoned users looking to relax and unwind. 

Our gummies are available in two flavors, Passion Fruit and Black Cherry Vanilla. This vegan-friendly formula is crafted with natural ingredients and bursts with juicy flavors. Aside from offering potency and quality, they are also incredibly delicious and don’t give a hint of a hempy taste and smell.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal in Arkansas?

Delta 8 THC is illegal in Arkansas. State law restricts the distribution, sale, and consumption of tetrahydrocannabinols. 

Arkansas allows the sale of hemp and CBD and has a thriving medical marijuana program, but state legislation carves out instances where THCs are illegal. 

Under House Bill 1415, Arkansas Code states that any THC material created “independently by means of chemical synthesis, or by a combination of extraction and chemical synthesis” is a Schedule VI Controlled Substance. The law lists “synthetic substances, derivatives, or their isomers… regardless of numerical designation of atomic positions” as illegal. 

The Farm Bill of 2018 legalized hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids, isomers, and derivatives with a concentration of no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC. Thanks to this bill, delta 8 THC became legal federally, but some states didn’t amend their outdated laws to accommodate these changes. 

What Does the Future Hold?  

Medical marijuana is legal in Arkansas, but that’s about it. The state doesn’t seem open to amending laws that outlaw delta 8, so it seems like this substance will remain illegal in the Natural State. But, there’s still hope as the US is moving towards total legalization of cannabis, and states will eventually come to accept it.

 

Is Delta 8 THC Legal Federally?

Thanks to the Farm Bill of 2018, hemp and all its cannabinoids, extracts, isomers, and derivatives — including delta 8 THC — are legal federally. The bill legalized hemp-derived Δ8-THC extracted directly from the plant. 

But, natural extraction is challenging because the hemp plant contains trace amounts of this cannabinoid. So, manufacturers use hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) and convert it into Δ8-THC. Because chemical processes are involved in crafting this compound, it falls into a gray legal area. 

In a response letter sent to the Alabama Board of Pharmacy, the DEA stated that Δ8-THC “synthetically produced from non-cannabis material” is an illegal substance. The issue is that this compound is made in a lab by combining non-cannabis (solvents) and cannabis (hemp-derived CBD) ingredients. Basically, this definition doesn’t fully encompass the true nature of this substance, which is neither entirely “natural” or “synthetic.” 

The letter also confirmed the federal stance on the legality of hemp-derived cannabinoids based on the levels of delta 9 they contain. It stated that “cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant that have a Δ9-THC concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis meet the definition of ‘hemp’ and thus are not controlled under the CSA.” Under this definition, Δ8-THC products that contain less than 0.3% delta 9 are legal federally. 

The lack of regulatory measures on a federal level prompted states to individually regulate, ban, or restrict this substance. Products containing Δ8-THC are being sold in most states with no restrictions, so the need for proper regulations is more than evident.

Read our legal disclaimer HERE. While we try to stay as up to date as possible on all state laws, you should do your own due diligence and work with a legal professional to ensure you are operating legally in your state or territory at all times.