Is Delta 8 Legal in Louisiana? (2024 Update)

by Kat Austin February 19, 2021 7 min read

Is Delta 8 Legal in Louisiana? (2024 Update) - VO Inc

Delta-8-THC was one cannabinoid that became legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, but just like with CBD, not all states agree. Is Delta-8-THC legal in Louisiana, or is the mildly-psychoactive cannabinoid still out of reach?

According to Louisiana state laws, Delta-8-THC derived from hemp is legal in the state.

Here’s what you should know about Louisiana Delta-8-THC laws before you buy:

Looking for legal Delta-8-THC you can buy in Louisiana? Check out our Elev8 Collection.

Disclaimer: We’re always working to stay informed on the latest Delta-8 laws and research. However, state laws are subject to change and we advise that you do your own research to verify the information you find in this article. This is not intended as legal advice.

A close up of a hemp plant, the only federally legal source of Delta-8-THC products.

Delta-8-THC is Legal in Louisiana

Delta-8-THC and Federal Laws
Louisiana Delta-8-THC Laws
Is Delta-8 a Controlled Substance in Louisiana?
Delta-8-THC Possession Limits in Louisiana
Is Delta-9-THC Legal in Louisiana?
Where to Buy Delta-8 in Louisiana
Do You Have to Be 21 to Buy Delta-8?
Is Delta-8 Legal in All 50 States?
Resources

Key Takeaways

  • Delta-8 is legal in Louisiana with a few restrictions.
  • Louisiana specifically clarified that hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinols are an exception to cannabis and its tetrahydrocannabinols where they are classified as Schedule I substances in the state.
  • You generally need to be at least 21 years old to purchase Delta-8-THC products made from hemp.
  • You can find it at a limited number of stores in Louisiana, but you can also buy legal Delta-8 online and have it shipped directly to your door.

Louisiana Delta 8 THC Laws

After the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into federal law, Louisiana updated its legislation to send a clear and direct message—hemp, CBD, and all of its other derivatives are legal within the state.

Louisiana defines hemp similarly to the federal legislation, as Cannabis Sativa and all "extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts" and other derivatives. Furthermore, the state updated its Controlled Substances Act to make a specific exception for hemp.

Delta-8-THC is legal in the state when it's produced from legal hemp material and contains less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC. In fact, as other states are cracking down on the sale of Delta-8 products, Louisiana has clarified that they intend to regulate, not ban, Delta-8-THC products.

A new law passed in August of 2021 intends to legalize and set regulatory pathways for what the state defines as "consumable hemp products." That includes ingestible and topical hemp products, and, according to an email sent by the state, also "includes the addition of food products containing CBD and delta-8 (THC) products."

These rules were updated again in 2022 to set a few more regulations: Delta-8 products cannot contain more than 8 milligrams of Delta-8 per serving and they cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 21. 

Here are some highlights from the legal text that makes Delta 8 THC legal in Louisiana:

HOUSE BILL NO. 491 ACT NO.164. PART V. INDUSTRIAL HEMP

1462. Definitions

(10) “Industrial hemp” means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of not more 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.

RS 40:961. PART X. UNIFORM CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES LAW

961. Definitions

961.1. Industrial hemp exemption

Notwithstanding the definitions provided for in R.S. 40:961(6) and (26), the provisions of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law shall not apply to industrial hemp or industrial hemp-derived CBD products as provided for in Parts V and VI of Chapter 10-A of Title 3 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950. Acts 2019, No. 164, §2, eff. June 6, 2019.

964. Composition of schedules

Hallucinogenic substances.

(27) Tetrahydrocannabinols, including synthetic equivalents and derivatives, except for tetrahydrocannabinols in hemp

Hemp, a federally legal source for Delta-8-THC.

Delta-8-THC Laws in Neighboring States

Louisiana's neighbors have mixed feelings about Delta 8 THC. For instance, Delta 8 THC is legal in Mississippi and Tennessee, but not in Arkansas.

Is Delta-8 a Controlled Substance in Louisiana?

Louisiana made a simple amendment to their Controlled Substances Act to add the phrase "except for tetrahydrocannabinols in hemp," under "tetrahydrocannabinols," where they are listed as a Schedule I Substance.

This amendment specifically made hemp-derived THC exempt from the Controlled Substances list in Louisiana.

Therefore, Delta-8-THC is not a controlled substance in Louisiana as long as it is derived from industrial hemp.

Delta 8 THC Possession Limits in Louisiana

Louisiana specifically classifies hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinols as "hemp products," for which there are no defined possession limits in place.

Still, Delta-8 could be easily confused for Delta-9 THC by authorities without proper documentation and lab testing.

Basic lab testing checks only for tetrahydrocannabinol, meaning that extensive lab tests are needed to differentiate between Delta-8 content and Delta-9 content when proof of legal possession is needed.

Is Cannabis (Delta 9 THC) Legal in Louisiana?

Louisiana enacted SB 271 in 2016, a bill that finally clarified medical cannabis laws in the state. Under this bill, physicians could recommend cannabis to patients based on a limited number of qualifying conditions, and medical cannabis could be accessed by qualifying patients at state-licensed dispensaries.

Later, the state updated and expanded the list of qualifying conditions to make medical delta-9-THC cannabis more accessible in the state.

Recreational cannabis is still illegal in the state. Illegal possession of any amount up to 60 pounds is punishable by a $500 fine and/or up to six months in jail on the first offense, with ascending punishments of up to 20 years in jail for a third offense.

Where to Buy Delta 8 in Louisiana?

Delta-8-THC vapes, one example of the products you can find in Louisiana's legal Delta-8 market.

According to state hemp laws, legal hemp products can be sold in the state so long as it is produced in accordance with the state’s hemp plan. That means you’re in luck if you’re looking to buy Delta-8-THC in Louisiana.

Of course, Louisiana doesn’t produce as much hemp as some other areas where Delta-8 is legal, like Kentucky. In local hemp-friendly Arkansas, Delta-8 is restricted. That means the quality of the products you find in Louisiana may be in question.

Still, it’s advisable to proceed with caution when choosing a Delta-8 distributor. While you can likely find various hemp products in local stores, there may be benefits to buying Delta-8 online. One reason is that you can buy directly from a brand or manufacturer, instead of purchasing through a third-party vendor that may not fully understand Delta-8 effects and uses or the laws surrounding Delta-8 products.

Is it Legal to Buy Delta 8 THC Online?

At Vida Optima, our Delta-8-THC products comply with all parameters of the Hemp Farming Act of 2018. That means they are legal to buy online from any area where Delta-8 is legal.

We can also help answer questions about Delta-8 before you buy, or you can read our “What is Delta-8-THC?” guide to learn everything you need to know.

What Kind of Delta-8-THC is Legal in the State?

Louisiana law does not specify any particular Delta-8-THC products that are not legal in Louisiana. That means that most forms of Delta-8-THC products are legal in the state, although some controversy surrounds Delta-8 hemp flower.

The types of Delta-8-THC products you can find in the state include:

Delta-8-THC Gummies

Delta 8 THC gummies are legal in Louisiana and are one of the most popular consumption methods for THC products in general.

Our Delta-8 gummies contain 10 mg of Delta-8, which makes them a great option for beginners or moderate Delta-8 consumers. Delta-8 gummies are a delicious legal THC option that offers convenient, pre-measured doses and long-lasting effects.

Delta-8 Vape Carts

Delta 8 THC vape carts are an instant delivery method that can be bought in Louisiana. We offer vape carts in three different varieties: Hybrid, Sativa, and Indica. All three can be bought online and shipped to Louisiana.

Delta-8 Tinctures

Delta 8 tinctures are a less popular form of THC legal in Louisiana. Tinctures, which are taken by mouth, do have some advantages, like fast acting, steady effects. Plus, they are usually concentrated and cost-efficient, and the dose can be precisely measured every time which gives you total control over your dosing experience.

Do You Have to Be 21 to Buy Delta-8-THC in Louisiana?

There are no state regulations that place age restrictions on the purchase of hemp-derived products. Retailers have the right to determine age limits for the purchase of Delta-8 products, but many retailers require consumers to be at least 21 years of age.

Is Delta 8 Federally Legal?

Yes! Thanks to updates to the Farm Bill in 2018, Delta 8 THC is federally legal when it is derived from hemp. The 2018 Hemp Farming Act officially legalized hemp material containing less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC. The definition used for "hemp" includes all hemp derivatives, like cannabinoids, isomers, and all other extracts.

Furthermore, federal law has been updated to remove all "tetrahydrocannabinols derived from hemp" from the Controlled Substances Act. These updates render Delta 8 THC legal by federal standards.

Vida Optima Elev8 Hard Candy

Is Delta-8-THC Legal in All 50 States?

Delta-8-THC is currently federally legal under the context of the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, but each state has the right to determine its own stance on tetrahydrocannabinols derived from hemp. Delta-8-THC is legal in Louisiana according to state law, but you should read more about Delta-8 laws by state to determine the legality in other areas.

Ready to shop for Delta-8 in Louisiana? Our Elev8 collection includes edibles, tinctures, vapes, and more that are Farm Bill compliant and legal in the U.S.

FAQ: Delta-8 in Louisiana

What states have banned Delta-8?

Delta-8 THC is banned in several states, including Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.

Why is Delta-9 legal in Louisiana?

Delta-9 THC is legal in Louisiana for medical use under the state's medical marijuana program, which allows registered patients to purchase and use products containing Delta-9 THC.

What is the difference between Delta-8 and Delta-9?

Delta-8 and Delta-9 are both forms of THC, but Delta-8 is considered to have a milder psychoactive effect compared to Delta-9. Delta-9 THC is typically found in higher concentrations in marijuana, while Delta-8 THC is usually derived from hemp.

Can you buy Delta-8 in New Orleans?

Yes, you can buy Delta-8 THC in New Orleans, as it is legal in Louisiana under state regulations.

Is Delta-8 THC legal in Louisiana?

Yes, Delta-8 THC is legal in Louisiana, and consumers can purchase it from various retailers within the state.

Where can I buy Delta-8 in Louisiana?

Delta-8 THC can be purchased at licensed retailers throughout Louisiana, including in cities like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.

Resources

  1. “H.R.5485 - Hemp Farming Act of 2018” https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/5485
  2. “Drug Fact Sheet: K2/Spice” https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/K2-spice-2020.pdf
  3. “MARINOL” https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2006/018651s025s026lbl.pdf
  4. “Act No. 164” http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1143697
  5. “RS 40:961.1” http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=1147703
  6. “RS 40:964” http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=98877
  7. “Act No. 96” https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1005148
  8. “Marijauna Laws and Penalties in Louisiana” https://www.la-legal.com/marijuana-laws-penalties-louisiana/

 


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