Delta 8 and Delta 9 are two types of THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. While Delta 9 is the most well-known form of THC and is responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use, Delta 8 is a less potent form of THC that has been gaining popularity in recent years.

In Illinois, both Delta 8 and Delta 9 are legal for recreational use. However, there are some key differences between the two forms of THC when it comes to their legality.

Delta 9 THC is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, meaning that it is illegal at the federal level. However, many states have legalized the use of Delta 9 for medical or recreational purposes. In Illinois, recreational marijuana was legalized in January 2020, allowing adults over the age of 21 to purchase and possess up to 30 grams of cannabis flower or its equivalent.

On the other hand, is delta 8 legal in louisiana gray area. While it is derived from hemp rather than marijuana, which makes it technically legal under federal law thanks to the passage of the Farm Bill in 2018, some states have taken steps to ban or restrict its sale.

In Illinois, there are currently no specific laws regulating Delta 8 THC. This means that products containing Delta-8 can be legally sold and consumed within the state. However, this could change in the future as more research is conducted on this lesser-known form of THC.

One concern surrounding Delta-8 is its potency compared to traditional Delta-9 THC. While both compounds have similar effects on users such as relaxation and euphoria, some people find that they need to consume larger amounts of Delta-8 to achieve the same level of intoxication as they would with traditional marijuana products.

Another issue with Delta-8 is its potential for abuse due to its availability in various forms such as edibles, vape cartridges, and tinctures. Because these products often contain higher concentrations of THC than traditional marijuana products like flower or concentrates, consumers may unknowingly ingest too much THC leading to adverse effects such as anxiety or paranoia.

Overall, while both forms of THC are currently legal for recreational use in Illinois – consumers should exercise caution when using products containing either compound. It’s always important to start low and go slow when trying new cannabis products especially those containing high levels of THC like delta-8 or delta-9.