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Intoxicating hemp products like delta-8 THC became regulated in Alaska in October 2023. As a result, they can only be purchased by adults 21 and older from licensed cannabis stores. Let’s look a little deeper into Alaska’s delta-8-THC laws.
Summary
Delta-8-THC is regulated in Alaska. You can only buy it from licensed cannabis vendors.
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Table of Contents
Alaska Delta 8 THC Laws
Delta-8 THC is regulated in Alaska in a similar way to recreational marijuana. Alaska Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom signed new regulations on October 10, 2023, which will go into effect on November 3.
These regulations place intoxicating hemp products under the jurisdiction of Alaska’s marijuana control broad. That means these products can now only be sold by licensed cannabis dispensaries and vendors and only to adults 21 and older.
As a result, unlicensed retailers can no longer sell delta-8 THC and other intoxicating hemp products in Alaska.
What is Delta 8 THC?
Delta-8-THC is the standard acronym for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol. Although it’s naturally present in hemp and cannabis, the amounts are very low. This is why delta-8-THC is typically synthesized from CBD that was extracted from hemp.
The molecular structure of the delta-8-THC is similar to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which we know as THC.
Having such similar molecular structures is what makes delta-8-THC have similar effects as THC (1). However, it’s not as strong as delta-9 THC and less likely to cause side effects.
Why Delta 8 THC is Federally Legal
Delta-8-THC is legal federally because it’s made from CBD that comes from hemp. Because the CBD used to make delta-8-THC comes from federally legal hemp, CBD-derived delta-8 THC is also legal.
As of this time, no federal laws restricting the production or sale of delta-8-THC. Each state has the right to decide whether or not delta-8-THC is considered legal or illegal at a state level.
Where is Delta-8 Illegal?
Delta-8 THC is currently illegal in 17 states: Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.
State laws change regularly and other states may choose to restrict or ban delta-8 in the future.
The Future of Delta 8 THC in Alaska
Delta-8 THC is likely to remain regulated in Alaska. For one thing, there’s been a lot of pressure from the Alaska’s legal marijuana industry, which argued that intoxicating hemp products like delta-8 had an unfair advantage because they were subject to fewer taxes and regulations.
On top of that, it makes sense that intoxicating hemp products be regulated in the same way as regular recreational cannabis.
Gleb is a CBD & cannabis expert from Vancouver, Canada. He’s read thousands of studies on CBD and other supplements, helping him translate complex science into plain language. Gleb has tried and reviewed dozens of CBD brands and products, written third-party testing reports, and knows the CBD industry inside and out. When not writing, he likes to kickbox, travel, and tell everyone how awesome intermittent fasting is.
