Delta 8 THC Still Legal in Washington: Will It Remain That Way in The Future

No one saw it coming, but after the federal legalization of hemp, its delta 8 THC derivative nearly “broke” the industry with its popularity. An entire market emerged surrounding the substance — with the sale of edibles, tinctures, and vapes skyrocketing. 

If you live in Washington and you are a fan of this cannabinoid, you probably want to know whether a product that gives you a buzz is legal? Let’s look at the current laws and regulations on ∆8 THC in the Evergreen State. 

Is Delta 8 THC Legal in Washington?

For now, delta 8 THC is legal in Washington, though the state discusses potential regulation of the compound.  

What is Delta 8 THC?

This cannabinoid is a natural chemical compound found in small amounts in hemp plants. As a by-product of delta 9 chemical degradation, this type of THC also produces intoxicating and mildly stimulating effects. 

After consuming a delta 8 product, users report feeling peaceful, relaxed, and enjoy better focus and improved appetite. Regarding psychotropic effects, ∆8 THC is roughly half the potency of delta 9. This cannabinoid tends to be less stimulating than delta 9 and leads to fewer side effects, like anxiety, depression, paranoia, or hallucinations. 

Buying Delta 8 THC in Washington

You can find top-shelf delta 8 THC in local stores, but the best hemp-derived products are online. Established brands are more knowledgeable about their hemp-derived products, which may not be the case with third-party vendors. Plus, you’ll find much better deals and special offers online. 

There’s only a handful of trustworthy brands that offer third-party lab results for potency and contaminants — Crazy8s is one of them. 

We’ve been on the market for over five years and offer premium, tested hemp-derived delta 8 THC products. When it comes to product formulas and testing, we’re not skipping any steps. Every product on our website has been tested and verified by a third-party lab, and you can find a Certificate of Analysis on each product page. 

Our premium Delta 8 THC Gummies are infused with pure and potent ∆8 THC distillate made from organically grown hemp by local farmers in North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington. Depending on your tolerance, you can choose from 10mg and 50mg gummy options. 

If you’re a beginner, we recommend you start with half a 10mg gummy to see how your body will react. These gummies are your classic, delicious gummy flavor and texture you can carry and consume anywhere you are. This portable snack comes in two flavors: Passion Fruit and Black Cherry Vanilla. 

If you’re looking for a product that offers something in-between the available gummy dose, our 30mg Delta 8 THC Softgel Capsules will be the perfect replacement. Each softgel is premeasured and filled with a precise dose of distillate, which is difficult to achieve with items like gummies and pre-rolls. Therefore, this type of product will be best if you need a precise dose of ∆8 THC, perhaps for pain, anxiety, or insomnia. 

For users who don’t like the flavor and consistency of oils and tinctures, edibles are a great alternative. Admittedly, they do take a while to work. So, if you’re looking for a product that provides immediate delivery and works within 15 minutes after consumption, vapes and pre-rolls are for you.

Is Delta THC Legal in Washington?

As of this writing, delta 8 THC derived from hemp is legal in Washington. 

But, a cloud of uncertainty floats above the question of delta 8’s legality in the Evergreen State. In April 2021, the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) released a policy statement that ∆8 THC products derived from hemp are banned in the state. 

Namely, they explain that hemp delta 8 products cannot be processed or produced in LCB-licensed and regulated facilities — or sold in licensed marijuana stores. 

However, the LCB later responded to the statement, clarifying that it’s merely advisory. They said that the intent behind the policy statement was to open a public discussion around the issue of converting hemp CBD into ∆8 THC that will eventually lead to a formal rulemaking process.  

What Does the Future Hold? 

Like most cannabis-friendly states, Washington aims to legalize and regulate ∆8 THC products as part of its recreational marijuana system. States like Oregon, which also permits the production of recreational marijuana, have already taken this step. 

But, each state is different. Washington is known for its severe restrictions on hemp-derived CBD-infused edibles — which can only be sold in a licensed cannabis dispensary. 

As of this writing, the future regulation of products containing this cannabinoid is being discussed. Stay tuned for updates as the state goes through the rulemaking process. 

Is Delta 8 Legal Federally?

At present, products derived from hemp are legal federally if they contain less than .3 percent delta 9 THC. 

However, the situation with ∆8 THC is a bit more complicated because this cannabinoid is derived from cannabidiol (CBD). For this very reason, ∆8 THC could be considered a “synthetically derived” substance, which is under debate. 

The DEA has listed delta 8 THC in its Orange Book of controlled substances. According to experts this doesn’t make ∆8 THC an illegal cannabinoid, because this is not a formal law that has the power to criminalize this substance. 

Another argument against its federal legality is that delta 8 is intoxicating. As a form of THC, this cannabinoid also reacts with the CB1 receptors in the brain, which are responsible for getting the user “high.” Although this substance is mildly intoxicated, it’s still a psychotropic cannabinoid described as the “middle ground” between delta 9 and CBD.

According to the US Cannabis Council, this is an issue that stands on its path to legality. They claim that just because delta 8 is derived from a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, that doesn’t make it a legal hemp derivative. Until resolved, ∆8 THC remains in the gray legal area federally. 

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.