Legality

Medically Reviewed By:

Nidra Sidhu, M.D. Integrative Medicine

Is Delta 8 Legal In Tennessee?

It can be a little nerve-wracking trying a new hemp product in a state where laws are more strict or unclear. If you’re reading this, you’re wondering if delta 8 Tennessee law is friendlier than their delta 9 THC laws we will explain it here. Is delta 8 legal in Tennessee?

Let’s find out.

We’ll break down the laws for the three major cities in this state: delta 8 Nashville, delta 8 Knoxville TN, and delta 8 Memphis laws - as well as discuss federal law.

Currently, recreational hemp isn’t legal in Tennessee, but other hemp products are as long as they are below the legal limit for delta 9 THC content.

Since delta 8 THC from the hemp plant can also contain less than the federal law legal limit of delta 9 THC, it, therefore, is legal in Tennessee.

Let’s find out more. 

What Is Delta 8 THC?

What is delta 8? If you’re wondering what delta 8 THC is and why legality matters, let’s break it down. Delta 8 THC is a powerful part of hemp plants that can get you high.

This isn’t just any type of hemp products high, though, and even more importantly, it isn’t the same as a delta 9 THC high — delta 9 being the type of THC that most of the harsher federal law is made about.

How Is Delta 8 THC Made?

Delta 8 THC is a phytocannabinoid that is converted from other hemp compounds and made through a complex process called oxidation.

Delta 8 is a type of THC, but not the one we all know about from the news.

Since it’s a type of THC, you may be wondering if it still gets you high?

Does Delta 8 THC Get You High?

The exciting answer is yes! Delta 8 does get you high, and it’s a much better high than you’ve likely ever experienced. The delta 8 THC has a smooth high that lasts longer than the delta 9 high.

Delta 8 THC Vs. Delta 9 THC From The Cannabis Plant

The main difference between delta 8 and delta 9, beyond the high, is the molecular makeup of these two compounds.

‘Tis a small but mighty difference in how the body experiences it.

Both have a chain of carbon atoms, but delta 8 THC’s double carbon bond is on the eighth carbon while delta 9 is on the ninth carbon — hence their names.

Now that you have an idea of what delta 8 THC is, let’s look at the legality of delta 8 THC on a federal level and federal legislation to see whether it is listed as one of the controlled substances.

Is Delta 8 THC Federally Legal?

Many people ask whether delta 8 THC is legal federally or is a controlled substance.

The good news is that it is permitted on a federal level as long as it complies with the 2018 Farm Bill that states that it has less than 0.3% delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis.

This means Delta 8 THC from hemp is not in the same category as medical marijuana or medical cannabis.

The Farm Bill & Delta 8 THC

The 2018 Farm Bill changed the name of the game in the hemp world.

With time, we believe it’ll just keep getting better with proper advocacy and brands like Delta North, who continuously set the highest standard for how a brand should operate with quality, testing, and compliance.

How did the 2018 Farm Bill alter the course of hemp history? 

Well, up until that point, hemp couldn’t be cultivated on a massive scale or sold commercially - effectively making it the same as medical cannabis from the marijuana plant.

It was primarily legal in pilot programs and things of that nature but with massive restrictions.

What The Farm Bill Did

The significant changes that occurred thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill are:

• Allowing the transfer and sale of hemp-derived cannabinoids across state lines on a commercial level as long as they complied with the regulations set forth for the production and manufacturing of hemp.
• A shared power between federal and state jurisdictions to dictate what the laws in each state will look like. For example, the federal government can say that all hemp-derived cannabinoids under 0.3% delta 9 are legal, and states can say any product with delta 9 is illegal. Or the opposite, and states can legalize recreational cannabis with any amount of delta 9 even though it goes against federal law.

As you can see, there is a risk of confusion in these scenarios, so it’s important to know the laws in your area.

So while the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp in a big way, it didn’t give free rein to grow wherever and however a person likes.

And that’s why we’ll be looking at delta 8 Tennessee state law, and even the laws of delta 8 Nashville, Memphis, and delta 8 Knoxville TN — because each city can create its own rules and regulations, even if they clash with states’ laws, and on a grander scale, federal law.

As of this moment in time, delta 8 is legal on a federal level.

Why?

Because it is considered a natural derivative of the hemp plant.

Some states are pushing back against this ruling, saying that because of how delta 8 THC is converted that it’s actually a synthetic derivative of hemp.

This simply is not true.

Let’s learn more about it.

Legality of Delta 8 Tennessee

Is delta 8 legal in Tennessee? Let’s find out.

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill discussed above, hemp was removed from the Controlled Substances Act as long as it and its extracts have less than 0.3% delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis.

Tennessee adopted this same language and legalized hemp products containing less than 0.3% delta 9 THC.

Any hemp products above the 0.3% delta 9 THC are illegal, however.

But what about delta 8 Tennessee laws? Welp, on a federal and Tennessee level, delta 8 Knoxville Tennessee is currently legal as long as it’s compliant with the laws above.

Hemp Plants Updates

Fast forward a couple of years to 2020, and the Drug Enforcement Agency released a new interpretation of the 2018 Farm Bill that stated that delta 8 THC was not included in the 2018 Farm Bill.

They considered this even if it is tetrahydrocannabinol derived from federally legal hemp because it isn’t present in extractable quantities directly from the plant, and must be synthesized from other legal hemp compounds, therefore classifying it as synthetic.

This effectively interpreted Delta 8 THC as one of the DEA's controlled substances like the cannabis plant.

These words haven’t been deemed “the final answer” by the Drug Enforcement Agency or any other governing body, so as of right now, it remains legal federally, and each state has the option to interpret the laws how they wish, unlike the plant cannabis Sativa.

It’s legal in many states, banned in some, and regulations-in-progress in others.

The best of both worlds would be a regulated market to keep the delta 8 THC gummies that are hitting shelves safe, high-quality, and compliant.

So to answer the question, is delta 8 THC legal in Tennessee? Right now, yes, it is.

We’ll talk about the laws in the top three Tennessee cities: delta 8 Nashville TN, delta 8 Memphis, and delta 8 Knoxville TN before diving into the future of delta 8 in Tennessee.

Legality Of Delta 8 Nashville

If you want to find delta 8 Nashville, you’re in luck! You can find delta 8 THC for sale in Nashville or have it shipped and delivered to you.

Cities like Nashville and Memphis have worked hard over the years to try and lessen penalties for possession of minor amounts of delta 9 THC, but the state overall, along with the police departments, push back against using legal hemp and cannabis products and make these efforts futile at this time.

While delta 8 THC isn’t the same as delta 9, the pushback gives a clear view into the attitudes of law enforcement in the area.

If you want to find delta 8 THC in the three major cities in Tennessee, Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville offer delta 8 products. 

Legality Of Delta 8 Memphis

Memphis falls in line with delta 8 Tennessee hemp laws. As of right now, delta 8 THC is legal on a federal level and in Tennessee.

So you can relatively easily find delta 8 Memphis in most dispensaries.

Legality Of Delta 8 Knoxville TN

You can also find delta 8 Knoxville TN in most dispensaries. They even have delivery services that are within Tennessee state law that can bring it to you.
When you’re shopping for products compliant with hemp laws in each of the major cities of Tennessee, it’s essential to take note of law enforcement attitudes and local and state law in your area.

This will likely determine your experience with purchasing delta 8 Tennessee products.

Is delta 8 Knoxville TN legal? Yes, it is, along with its three major cities.

The Future Of Delta 8 Tennessee

The future legal status of delta 8 Tennessee state law is unknown and potentially bright. The fact that it hasn't been banned is a great start.

Some states have shipping restrictions on delta 8 THC. Our hope for the future of delta 8 Tennessee and delta 8 Knoxville TN is that rules are designed around it so people can continue to experience its positive benefits while also creating a safer market.

You can buy delta 8 in Tennessee and its three major cities unlike medical marijuana. Some people find delta 8 THC in gas stations and convenience stores.

Still, we recommend doing your research, shopping at dispensaries with a knowledgeable staff, or online at Delta North so you know that you’re getting the best delta 8 THC money can buy.

When you shop at our website, you’ll always receive third-party lab-tested delta 8 gummies 500 mg that offer a smooth, long-lasting high.

Since delta 8 Tennessee is legal, head on over to Delta North and try it out for yourself today!

Legal Disclaimer: You should still consult an attorney for the best legal advice regarding the legal status of hemp-derived Delta 8, medical marijuana, and hemp derivatives in your state, as the material shared here is for informational purposes only.

Clayton McCall

Clayton is a Senior Content Specialist, researcher, and holistic healthcare practitioner. Having been in the supplement industry for more than 15 years, Clayton brings a wealth of experience to the delta 8 space. His publications include alternative therapy, stress and coping, and alternative health.