Is Delta-8-THC legal in France?

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, often referred to as delta-8-THC or simply delta-8, is a psychoactive and psychotropic cannabinoid whose effects are similar to those of delta-9 THC, the «real» name for THC. Delta-8 products are very popular in the United States, where only delta-9-THC is federally prohibited. more and more countries are banning it.

What is delta-8?

The legalization of hemp in 2018 in the United States has set a trend in the production of minor cannabinoids from hemp, for markets where THC is still illegal for adult use. However, delta-8 is present in very small quantities in hemp. It is therefore recreated synthetically and then impregnated into hemp flowers or distillate for use in cartridges.

How is delta-8 made?

Although it exists in natural form in Cannabis plants, its presence is infinitesimal. Behind the «extraction» of delta-8-THC lies a chemical acid reaction from CBD. As documented above, CBD is dissolved in an apolar solvent, such as pentane, and Lewis acid, then heated to 100°C and stirred for between 1 and 18 hours. It is then dried with sodium bicarbonate and extracted with ether.

Nothing natural, then, but a long chemical process.

What are the effects of delta-8?

Like delta-9 THC, delta-8 produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation and potential pain relief, but are much milder. For people who don't want to feel a pronounced «high», the weaker effect can be an advantage.

It can produce the same side effects than THC (red eyes, dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, coordination problems, slower reaction times, anxiety, memory loss...), although there is no evidence of long-term use.

Is delta-8-THC consumption safe?

Like all the new cannabinoids derived from hemp (HHC, delta-10...), there is no standard dose and little or no research on the immediate or long-term effects of delta-8 consumption.

Since cannabinoids derived from hemp are not regulated at all and are imported, with no traceability of their origin, composition, presence of heavy metals or residues of the chemicals needed to synthesize them.

Is delta-8-THC legal in France?

Unlike the USA, where delta-8 and delta-10 are currently legal under the Hemp Act, and only delta-9-THC is federally prohibited, France bans all tetrahydrocannabinols, delta-8-THC, delta-9-THC and delta-10-THC, leaving room for only 0.3% of THC in hemp varieties and products.

Delta-8-THC is therefore illegal in France, whatever its origin (hemp or CBD).

The list of narcotic substances is quite clear on this point and includes «Tetrahydrocannabinols [ndlr (plural, important!), their esters, ethers, salts and the salts of the aforementioned derivatives», with no possibility of derogation for delta-9-THC isomers.