Ever since hemp-derived products became federally legalized, delta 8 has taken a substantial lead over all other compounds. Even though the United States government considers the cannabinoid legal, some states disagree, and have even taken steps to heavily regulate or flat-out prohibit the compound. But is the Mother of the West one of these states, or is delta 8 legal in Missouri?
Is Delta 8 Legal in Missouri?
For an understanding of delta 8's legal history in the United States, it is necessary to examine the Farm Bill of 2018. In recent years, the Agriculture Improvement Act has contributed significantly to the growth of the domestic hemp market.
A major change brought about by the Farm Bill was the legal distinction between hemp and marijuana. Although they are scientifically similar, the Farm Bill distinguishes them legally. A cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3% THC is classified as marijuana, while a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC is classified as hemp.
The most significant accomplishment of the Agriculture Improvement Act was the legalization of hemp and its derivatives, including compounds like delta 8. US law, however, still prohibits marijuana. According to a recent statement from the Biden administration, the government is reevaluating its marijuana policies. Currently, hemp-derived cannabinoids that contain 0.3% or less THC are the only federally legal cannabis products.
So, now we’re aware of the federal government’s consensus regarding the cannabinoid. But is delta 8 legal in Missouri?
Yes! Delta 8 is legal in the state of Missouri ever since 2021, following the passage of House Bill 2034. The bill legalized hemp and all hemp-derived compounds, making the use, possession, sale, distribution, purchase, and production of hemp-derived delta 8 completely legal in the Show-Me State. It also removed delta 8 from the state’s list of controlled substances.
Under current legislation, delta 8 has solid legal protection, and there appear to be no major resistance against this type of cannabis derivative. This means that delta 8 is likely to stay legal in Missouri for the foreseeable future, but it’s always best to stay on top of changing or new legislation just in case. For now, however, Missouri’s positive experience with delta 8 may foreshadow a change of heart in the state’s views on recreational marijuana, which remains strictly illegal.
Shipping Delta 8 to & from Missouri
Delta 8 products can be shipped to Pennsylvania by retailers and manufacturers from out of state as long as they remain legal to sell and possess. Online shopping will be particularly beneficial to residents who want easy access to high-quality cannabinoids.
Whenever possible, it's best to purchase delta 8 online for a number of reasons. Compared to physical shops, online retailers are much more transparent; they usually provide third-party lab tests and ingredient lists that are complete and honest. Oppositely, when shopping in a crowded, busy store, you likely won't want to take the time to examine these at your leisure and determine if they meet your standards.
The selection of products offered by online stores is also significantly larger than what you'll find at vape and smoke shops. As a result, you can browse your options and pick the product that best suits your needs. Additionally, these retailers have excellent customer service programs, so if you have questions before or after purchase, you're more likely to have a positive experience.
Delta 8 in Missouri
Delta 8 has been warmly welcomed in the Mother of the West, but as previously mentioned, recreational marijuana is not yet legal in the state. Possession of up to ten grams for first-time offenders is considered a Class D misdemeanor and is punishable by a maximum fine of $500 and no jail time. Second-time offenders are classified as a Class A misdemeanor, even if the quantity possessed is under 10 grams.
Possession of 35 grams up to 30 kilograms is a Class D felony, which is punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Depending on evidence surrounding the case, these quantities have historically been charged as intent to distribute, which carry a different set of penalties.
The sale or manufacture of 35 grams or less to a minor is a Class C felony and punishable by a 3–10-year prison sentence and a fine of $10,000. The sale or manufacture of 35 grams to 30 kilograms is also a class C felony and is punishable by a 3–10-year sentence and a fine of $10,000.
Distribution of 53 grams to 35 grams to 30 kilograms to a minor is a Class B felony punishable by a 5-15-year prison sentence and a fine of two times the profit. Distribution near a school, recreational park, or public housing is a Class A felony and punishable by 10-30 years in prison—and sometimes even life in prison—and a fine of two times the profit.
In November of 2022, however, Missouri voters will have the opportunity to legalize recreational marijuana statewide for adults over the age of 21 by voting on Amendment 3. It would also allow adults to grow up to six flowering marijuana plants, six immature plants, and six clones if they obtain a registration card.
The original effort to get this measure on the ballot began in 2020, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, it was put on the back burner. With public perceptions of marijuana shifting, some Missouri lawmakers feel that now is the time to act on its legalization. A poll of almost 2,000 registered voters showed that 62% of Missourians support marijuana legislation for adult use, compared to only 26% who believe it should remain illegal.
While the outlook seems bright for legal recreational cannabis in the Show-Me State, its future still remains uncertain. For now, it seems that Missourians’ only way to reap the benefits of cannabis without obtaining a medical marijuana card remains hemp-derived compounds like delta 8.
Things to Consider When Buying Delta 8 in Missouri
Delta 8 is not regulated by the FDA, so companies must set their own safety and quality standards. To ensure a safe cannabinoid experience, you need to trust your retailer. Several factors should be considered before selecting a company from which to buy hemp-derived compounds.
Lab tests are the first thing you look for. The importance of knowing what goes into your body cannot be overstated. There are some sellers who claim to sell pure and safe delta 8, but how can you be sure? Third-party labs are needed to verify the retailer's claims and test the product. A lab test not only confirms the seller's commitment to safety and transparency, but it also informs you about the product's potency and purity. Moreover, they test for contaminants and impurities, so you know you're catching a safe buzz.
Some sellers bleach their products to make them appear purer and more valuable. But in reality, a delta 8 is distillate is never completely clear. They're usually pinkish or amber in color, but they're never transparent. Stay away from carts or oils that appear colorless!
Choosing the right hemp type is also important when it comes to delta 8 products. We know they must be made from hemp in order to be legal, but that's not all there is to consider. It is always best and safest to use delta 8 products made from organic hemp, which is usually grown in the United States. Since hemp absorbs nutrients and toxins from its environment, you want to make sure the growers don't use any harmful chemicals or pesticides in the growing process.
Missouri Cannabis Market Grows with Delta 8 & Medical Marijuana
Although Missouri has us all eager to know its verdict on recreational cannabis in this upcoming November election, the state already has a pretty extensive medical marijuana program. It also offers adult residents the ability to buy hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta 8 without the need for a prescription or medical marijuana card.
The state introduced its current medical marijuana laws back in 2018, and as we know, it legalized delta 8 a few years later in 2021. The cannabis market in Missouri obviously skyrocketed after each legalization, but how does delta 8 affect medical marijuana in the state?
Missouri Medical Cannabis Laws
Missouri’s cannabis legislation is somewhat impressive. It dates back to 2014, when the Missouri legislature passed House Bill 2238, which created the Missouri Hemp Extract Registration Program. It allowed Missouri residents diagnosed with intractable epilepsy to legally purchase, possess, and use hemp extract containing 0.3% THC or less and at least 5% CBD by weight.
In November of 2018, however, Missouri voters approved Amendment 2, an initiative to legalize medical marijuana use in the state of Missouri. Known as the Medical Marijuana and Veteran Healthcare Service Initiative, the amendment went into effect in December of 2018 and allowed state-licensed physicians to recommend medical marijuana to their patients. Additionally, it created regulations for licensing and certification.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services administers medical marijuana regulations and processes online applications for caregivers and patients. Those with medical marijuana ID cards can purchase or get medical marijuana delivered from state-licensed dispensaries only.
They are allowed to purchase up to 4 ounces of dried, unprocessed cannabis (or its equivalent) in a 30-day period. If two independent physicians agree, a patient may be able to get more in that same period of time. Unlike other states, Missouri has a specific provision for property owners to dedicate a consumption space for qualifying patients. Landlords are also allowed to limit the consumption of medical marijuana to non-smokable forms.
So, who qualifies for Missouri’s medical marijuana program?
Qualifying conditions include:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Autism
- Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
- Cancer
- Chron’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDS
- Huntington’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Intractable migraines
- Neuropathy
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other debilitating psychiatric disorders
- Sickle cell disease
- Terminal illness
- Chronic conditions treated with a medication that could lead to dependence
- Chronic conditions causing severe, persistent pain or muscle spasms (including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, seizures, and Tourette syndrome)
As opposed to other states, Missouri does not allow patients with an out-of-state medical marijuana card or certification to purchase medical marijuana in the state. Out-of-state patients, however, will not be prosecuted for possession of medical marijuana within state limits.
Missouri sees more than 140 medical cannabis dispensaries open in under a year
Missouri Medical Cannabis vs. Delta 8
Clearly Missouri’s medical cannabis program is comprehensive and, as far as we can tell, pretty efficient. However, not everyone in the state who would benefit from cannabis qualifies for the state’s medical marijuana program. So, how can those people still reap the rewards of using cannabis safely and legally?
Here’s where delta 8 comes in. Because delta 8 is basically just a milder version of delta 9 (which is the main psychoactive compound that makes marijuana so beneficial), it can still offer virtually the same benefits as marijuana, albeit to a lesser extent. This means that those who seek marijuana-based treatments for medical purposes but don’t qualify for Missouri’s program can buy delta 8 products and feel the same kind of relief.
Where to Find Delta 8 in Missouri
Enough delta 8 talk already, right? You want to know where to get delta 8 in Missouri now! And we can’t blame you. Remember, it’s always best to get your delta 8 from online retailers for a plethora of reasons, but if you’re not down to wait for shipping or can’t shop online for any other reason, let us show you a few places to get your delta 8 from in the Show-Me State.
St. Louis – CBD Kratom – 4.8 Stars
Whether you need delta 8, CBD, or anything in between, this is the spot to get your cannabinoids in St. Louis. Those who shop here have only good things to say about the staff; they’re kind, knowledgeable, and always ready to help. And their glowing recommendations are only the beginning! They offer over 600 cannabis products including edibles, topicals, tinctures, oils, skincare, beverage, pet treats, and more!
Kansas City – Main Smoke – 4.8 Stars
With more than a thousand positive reviews, Main Smoke is your main squeeze for delta 8 products in KC. They aim to make their customers feel more like family: extremely welcome and comfortable enough to ask questions, crack jokes, and voice their concerns. They also offer an extensive product catalog at terrific prices.
Jefferson City – Capital Smoke Shop – 4.4 Stars
Capital Smoke Shop is, according to some of its frequent customers, “without question” the best shop in Jefferson City for all your delta 8 and CBD needs. With competitive pricing and lots of variety, this shop offers everything you need and more.
Are All Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids Legal in Missouri?
It's true that delta 8 is hemp's most popular compound, but its many cousins are equally as fun! What other cannabinoids are there, and are they legal in Missouri?
The cannabinoids in hemp produce effects ranging from energy and focus to relaxation and euphoria. Here are a few of the most popular.
It goes without saying that you already know delta 8. With half the potency of delta 9, its moderately mild high will make you feel relaxed and calm.
Despite its mildness, delta 10 is another popular cannabinoid. It contains a different set of properties than delta 8. As opposed to relaxing you, it provides an energizing, focusing, and creative high.
With a stronger effect than delta 8, yet a milder effect than delta 9, HHC hits a sweet spot. Users are quickly chilled out by its moderately strong euphoric highs.
So, are they legal in Missouri? Yes! Just like delta 8, these compounds are legal under state law in as long as they are made from hemp and contain less than 0.3% THC.
Is Delta 8 Legal in Missouri: Final Thoughts
The Mother of the West is known for many things, including mouthwatering barbecue, a strong agricultural economy, and the somewhat successful St. Louis Cardinals. But is delta 8 legal in Missouri? Yes, it is! And so are other hemp-derived cannabinoids that abide by the 0.3% THC cap set forth by the Farm Bill and the state’s own HB 2034.
While you can get these products in person, it’s always best to get them from online stores for more variety, more transparency, and less hassle. That said, no matter where you buy your products, always stay on the lookout for indicators of safety and quality.
Do your research, stay safe, and happy buzzing!
