Is Delta 9 Legal in Kentucky?

The laws that determine which cannabis products are legal and where you are allowed to purchase and possess them are often changing. Kentucky is a clear example of this: as of March 2023, the Kentucky state legislature is voting on whether to legalize medical cannabis.

If you live in Kentucky, you’ve likely heard about the benefits of Delta-9 THC. You may be wondering if Delta-9 THC products are legal for you to purchase in your state. We’re here to clear up any confusion about Delta-9 THC laws and help you find the Delta-9 THC products you’re looking for. 

Read on to learn everything you need to know about Kentucky law’s on Delta-9 THC products and where you can buy Delta-9 products in Kentucky.

countryside in the state of kentucky

Key Takeaways:

  • Delta-9 THC is federally legal, so long as it is hemp-derived and contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by weight.
  • Similar to federal law, only Delta-9 THC products that are hemp-derived and below 0.3% THC content are legal in Kentucky. 
  • Kentucky is currently voting on whether to expand its cannabis laws to include legal medical cannabis. 
  • Delta-9 products, such as Delta-9 THC gummies, can help improve your sleep and give you the “chilled out” feeling you’re looking for after a busy day. 

Delta-9-THC and Federal Law

Before considering the legality of Delta-9 in Kentucky, it’s important to understand the federal laws surrounding Delta-9 THC. Delta-9-THC was federally legalized in 2018 upon the passage of the Farm Bill, which legalized all hemp products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight, according to Brookings Institute

In a nutshell: as long as a Delta-9 product is hemp-derived and its THC content is below 0.3%, it is federally legal. 

Is Delta-9 Legal in Kentucky in 2023?

Cannabis products have long remained illegal in the state of Kentucky. But this may soon change. In March 2023, the Kentucky State Senate voted to pass a medical cannabis legalization bill, according to the Associated Press. The Bill, SB 47, would allow “patients with recommendations from doctors or advanced nurse practitioners [...] to use cannabis if they have cancer, severe pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms or spasticity, chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting, post-traumatic stress disorder or any other medical condition or disease which the Kentucky Center for Cannabis deems appropriate.”

It is not yet known whether the bill will be signed into law. Until then, only cannabis products that are hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% THC, such as Delta-9 THC gummies and other Delta-9 THC products, are legal in Kentucky. 

Is Delta-9 a Controlled Substance in Kentucky?

Cannabis remains a classified Schedule I substance in the state of Kentucky. Only federally legally Delta-9 cannabis products that are hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight are legal in the state. 

Delta-9-THC Possession Limits in Kentucky

Possession of cannabis products remains a misdemeanor crime in Kentucky, punishable by a fine of up to $250, up to 45 days in jail, or both. But it is legal to possess Delta-9 THC products in Kentucky, as long as they are hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. This means you can legally purchase and possess products like Delta-9 THC gummies in the state without worry. 

How is Delta-9 THC Different From Other THC?

Some people question whethe if Delta-9 is “real weed.” But in fact, Delta-9 THC is THC, the cannabinoid that causes you to feel high when you inhale or ingest certain cannabis products. This is how it works: Delta-9 products are derived from hemp cannabis sativa plants. Cannabis plants contain many cannabinoids. Two of the most well-known cannabinoids are CBD and THC. Multiple forms of THC can be found in the cannabis plant, and the most common form of THC is Delta-9. 

The difference between Delta-9 products and other cannabis products is that Delta-9 products only come from the hemp cannabis plant. They also contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dried weight. What that means is that hemp-derived Delta-9 products are less potent than marijuana-derived cannabis products with higher THC content, which remain illegal in Kentucky. 

What Are the Benefits of Using Delta-9?

Delta-9 contains THC, the substance responsible for making you feel high or intoxicated. People who use Delta-9 products say they experience multiple positive benefits as a result of Delta-9 THC, including a “chilled out” relaxed feeling, more sound sleep, relief from pain and inflammation pain, and improved post-workout recovery.

What Does a Delta-9 THC High Feel Like?

Every person experiences the Delta-9 high a bit differently. That’s due to individual factors like body weight, metabolism, tolerance level, and more.  Your method of consumption also impacts your Delta-9 high. If you smoke, dab, or vape Delta-9, the high will come on faster but may be shorter lasting. By comparison, if you eat edibles, gummies, or capsules (also known as the ingestion method), it may take more time to feel the Delta-9 high, but you will enjoy the effects of the Delta-9 high for a longer period of time. 

The effects from a Delta-9 high, which can last approximately six hours, include:

  • Altered perception and euphoria 
  • Increased energy and focus
  • Relaxation and restfulness

Where to Buy Delta-9 in Kentucky

If you are trying to improve your sleep, feel more chill and relaxed after a long day, or improve your post-workout recoveries, Delta-9 products might be exactly what you’re looking might. If so, we have great news: our Evn store will soon stock hemp-derived Delta-9 products alongside the other products in our premium-quality CBD collection. Keep an eye out on our Evn store if you are looking to buy Delta-9 gummies in Kentucky. 

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