Most cannabis enthusiasts are pleased by the increasing legality of cannabis products. But cannabis laws can get confusing, especially those surrounding hemp. State laws differ from federal laws and vary across state lines. People who live in or plan on visiting the Hawkeye State may wonder, is Delta 8 legal in Iowa?
Recent developments have put the cannabinoid and others in the spotlight over concerns over legality. According to state law, hemp products are legal. However, there are many that the state has labeled as “synthetic.” Delta 8 THC is naturally occurring yet falls into this category. So, is Delta 8 legal in the state of Iowa? Keep reading to find out. This article will clear up the confusion regarding cannabis laws and tell you all you need to know.
What Is Delta 8?
Delta 8 (Delta 8 THC, D8 THC, or D8) is a naturally occurring and extremely rare hemp plant cannabinoid. It is mildly euphoric, producing relaxing effects that are more manageable than THC. Some people say they feel a slight buzz after consuming high doses of Delta 8. The soothing effects make it ideal for evening and nighttime use.
The compound also provides several therapeutic effects. It may stimulate appetite, improve mood, reduce physical discomfort, and help the body respond to negative stimuli.
Delta 8 THC belongs to a family of other Delta cannabinoids, including Delta 9 THC (Delta 9, D9 THC, D9, or THC) and Delta 10 THC (Delta 10, D10 THC, or D10). It differs from these other cannabinoids in the positioning of its double bond. It has a double bond on the eighth carbon, whereas Delta 9 has a double bond on the ninth carbon chain, and Delta 10 has a double bond on the tenth carbon chain.
The positioning of the double bond does not seem like a big deal. However, how Delta 8 affects you is extremely important. In particular, this small change in chemical structure affects how it interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system. It does not bond tightly with the receptor. Therefore, it does not produce a euphoric or strong psychoactive effect like other more elevating cannabinoids.
Because Delta 8 is extremely rare in nature, it cannot be adequately sourced from hemp plants. However, through a multi-step conversion process, manufacturers can turn CBD into sufficient quantities of Delta 8 THC. CBD undergoes isomerization to convert into Delta 8 THC. Its ties to the hemp plant make it legal in Iowa.
Is Delta 8 Legal in Iowa?
Unfortunately, as of July 1, 2024, Delta 8 is not legal in Iowa. It’s one of a handful of states that do not follow the federal government’s laws regarding hemp. Let’s clear up the confusion.
Let’s first start at the federal level. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and other hemp-derived products at the federal level. But state laws vary. Legal products must contain less equal to or less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis. Some states are in line with the Farm Bill. Other states allow both marijuana and hemp-derived cannabis regardless of THC content. Some states don’t allow cannabis at all.
Now let’s talk about the Hawkeye State. Iowa’s Hemp Law, which allows consumable hemp products, states that Iowa considers Delta 8 not legal for possession or manufacture within state lines. Although Delta 8 THC is a naturally occurring cannabinoid, the state considers it to be a “synthetic cannabinoid.” Per the new rules stated in House File 2605, all “synthetic cannabinoids,” including Delta 8 THC, Delta 10 THC, THCp, HHC, THC-O, and others, are illegal for purchase, consumption, and distribution in the state.
Please read the Iowa Health and Human Services Consumable Hemp FAQ for further clarification. In short, sorry Delta 8 Iowa fans, the cannabinoid, and products containing it are not legal in your state.
What Does Hemp Derived Mean?
A hemp-derived product can be defined as any product derived directly from the hemp plant. It also refers to by-products of the hemp plant.
Delta 8 may be considered a by-product of the hemp plant because it is a derivative of hemp-based CBD. Even though Delta 8 is produced through a chemical reaction, it is still derived from the hemp plant. Therefore, hemp-based THC products like Delta 8 gummies are considered to be hemp-derived products.
As previously stated, the Farm Bill made hemp federally legal due to its potential to produce useful products and provide therapeutic benefits without strong, mind-altering effects. Its derivations, including various hemp-derived products, are also legal at the federal level as long as they do not exceed 0.3% THC.
Benefits of Delta 8 THC
Fans of Delta 8 in Iowa want to enjoy the cannabinoid for its unique effects. What kind of benefits can Delta 8 THC provide? Here’s a rundown of the main benefits of Delta 8 THC.
- Relaxation. A recent review of Delta 8 THC revealed that 71% of Delta 8 consumers experience a great sense of relaxation after taking the compound. It’s no wonder many brands, such as Exhale Wellness, offer multiple D8 products to help you relax and stay stress-free. These products are best when taken at the end of the day or before bedtime.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiousness. The relaxing effects of Delta 8 reduce stress and anxiousness. A 2022 study found that the compound stimulates dopamine and serotonin production, aiding emotional health. This will help ease social jitters, which is why D8 is a great cannabinoid to take when you’re out and about.
- Enhanced Focus. The same 2022 review also showed that D8 increased focus as a therapeutic benefit of Delta 8. Consumers referred to it as a “lite” THC that allowed them to focus on work.
- Physical Discomfort Relief. Delta 8 interacts with the CB2 receptor to reduce physical discomfort and negative responses to environmental stressors. The boost in serotonin and dopamine can also minimize pain signals running through the body.
What Delta 8 Products Can I Buy in Iowa?
Unfortunately, you cannot buy any Delta 8 products in Iowa because they are considered illegal there. However, if you live in other states that do not ban hemp-based THC products, here are some D8 delights waiting for you to enjoy.
- Delta 8 Gummies. These edibles are non-inhalable products, obviously. They offer predosed convenience and various delicious flavors. Be warned that gummies and other edibles travel through the digestive system, leading to a slow onset and extremely potent effects. Go slowly and increase dosage gradually as needed.
- Delta 8 Oils and Tinctures. Oils and tinctures are administered sublingually. The dropper system allows you to control dosage. Like gummies, they travel through the digestive system for slow onset and powerful results. You can also mix D8 oil and tincture into your favorite foods or drinks for a tastier alternative. This method takes up to one hour to feel the effects. However, it is long-lasting, providing up to eight hours of benefits.
- Delta 8 Disposable Vapes. A Delta 8 vape is a discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis. It is easy to store in a purse or pocket. Its delicious flavors add to the experience and disguise the hemp aroma. Disposable vapes come with a built-in tank and do not require recharging or reloading the tank. Once the tank runs dry, simply toss it and buy a new one.
- Delta 8 Vape Carts. Vapes typically refer to disposable vape pens. Carts are the replacements used in non-disposable vape products. They allow you to easily swap out flavors, adding more variety to your vaping experience.
- Delta 8 Flower. Flower is a versatile form of cannabis consumption. You’ll feel immediate effects in just a few seconds of taking a hit. You can make edibles with them, make joints, load a bong or a pipe, or use a dry herb vape for smokeless enjoyment.
- Delta 8 Capsules and Pills. You can find D8 available in capsules, softgels, and other pill forms. They are discreet, easy to take, and offer predosed convenience.
Where To Buy Delta 8 in Iowa
There are several dispensaries in Iowa, but the confusion in cannabis laws makes it difficult to ensure you are shopping for legal products. Online shops may be a better solution. However, many of them do not ship to the state. If you live in Iowa, a reputable company will not sell you illegal products, ensuring you stay on the right side of the law.
For example, if you try to get a Delta 8 product shipped to an Iowa address, the website will prohibit it. It will clear up any confusion and keep you out of trouble.
The internet is full of hemp brands, each trying to sell you the best products. But it’s important to find a brand that you can trust. The seller should be backed by stellar customer reviews. They should use lab testing to prove the purity and potency of their products. Exhale Wellness is a recommended provider of premium hemp-based Delta 8 THC products.
Unfortunately, we do not ship Delta 8 THC products to Iowa. However, we have a selection of other products, such as our non-euphoric, hemp-based CBD line, that will provide you with the wellness you seek! It’s a great alternative for those who want the health and wellness benefits of cannabinoids but without the potential euphoria.
For those who don’t live in Iowa, we carry various Farm Bill-compliant Delta 8 THC products. These may feature Delta 8 on its own or mixed with other cannabinoids for powerful and unique blends. We use natural, plant-based ingredients and high-quality, American-grown hemp that you can feel good about putting in your body.
Our products are lab-tested and come with a money-back guarantee. Our positive customer reviews speak for themselves. Browse our site properly for the products that meet your wellness needs.
Final Thoughts – Is Delta 8 Legal in Iowa? [Our 29th State’s Shocking D8 Law Explained]
Delta 8 offers wellness benefits and relaxing euphoria with minimal psychoactive effects when taken responsibly. It can help improve focus, boost relaxation, reduce physical discomfort and soreness, calm the body’s negative response to certain environmental stimuli, and ease stress and anxiousness. But is Delta 8 THC legal in Iowa? Unfortunately, it is not.
State laws can get confusing, but generally, Delta 8 is considered to be a “synthetic cannabinoid” in the Hawkeye State, even though it’s naturally occurring. Due to this legal language, hemp-derived Delta 8 THC products are illegal in Iowa. Follow these guidelines to remain on the right side of the law. We wish you a safe consumption experience.
