Can You Buy Edibles Online Legally?

Have you noticed that some of your favorite CBD shops are selling THC edibles? Or confused as to why some products from CBD dispensaries can be sold online, but most can’t? Didn’t think THC could be shipped interstate? There is a new generation of edibles that Holmes Organics (and many other cannabis retailers) believe meet the 2018 Farm Bill criteria to be sold online and shipped to most states nationwide. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is THC?

Let’s begin with the basics to help understand why we believe that some THC meets the 2018 Farm Bill criteria, and others don’t.

The Cannabis Plant—there are over 700 strains of the cannabis plant. Hemp refers to all strains that are high in CBD and low in THC. In other words, low enough in THC that there are zero intoxicating effects. All strains of the cannabis plant that are high in THC are referred to as marijuana. There are 100s of strains of marijuana. Marijuana is also high in CBD, but marijuana is not legal in all states.

CBD—cannabidiol is one of over 100 active compounds, known as cannabinoids, found in all strains of the cannabis plant. CBD is one of the compounds responsible for the primary medicinal benefits of marijuana. Hemp-derived CBD won’t get you high and is legal in all 50 states.

THCa—short for tetrahydrocannabinol acid, THCa is one of the primary types of THC. THCa is only found in the cannabis plant’s raw state. In its raw state, you will not get high if you smoke or consume cannabis. Not even if you smoke or eat a strain that is high in overall THC.

Delta 8 THC—tetrahydrocannabinol 8 is a minor cannabinoid. It is found in the plant’s raw form and can be extracted, typically from hemp, with synthetic solvents. Once extracted, it provides a mild high for most.

Delta 9 THC—tetrahydrocannabinol 9 is the “THC” most often referred to when speaking of the intoxicating effects of marijuana. Delta 9 is not found in the plant’s raw form. A process of decarboxylation must be completed to convert THCa to Delta 9 THC. This occurs by heating or drying the flowers, leaves, and stems. Delta 9 extracts typically provide a mild to moderate high.

There are other cannabinoids that are extracted or present in full-spectrum products, such as CBG, CBN, Delta 10 THC, THC-O, and THCV.

Are Edibles Legal?

Now that you understand the difference between CBD and the primary types of THC extracts used for infused edibles, let’s dive into legality.

CBD—as of the Farm Bill of 2018, CBD is legal nationwide if derived from hemp that is 0.3% or less THC of the plant’s dry weight. This means there is not enough THC for an intoxicating effect. Some cannabis brands, such as Holmes Organics, provide CBD products with 0.0% CBD.

Marijuana—any cannabis plant that contains more than 0.3% or more THC of the plant’s dry weight may not be legal in your state. Recreational and medicinal marijuana laws vary greatly from one state to the next. They cannot be shipped in or out of state and can only be purchased online if being delivered directly to you by a licensed in-state cannabis courier. 

Hemp-Derived THC—Delta 8, Delta 9, THC-O, and THCV can be extracted from marijuana or hemp-derived CBD. By following the Farm Bill’s dry weight guideline, many CBD brands are extracting these forms of THC to create hemp-derived products with THC extracts that provide an intoxicating effect. These full-spectrum extracts typically contain a low (2 to 5) milligrams of THC per serving and a high (25) milligrams of CBD per serving. If hemp-derived, they can currently be shipped to most states—currently not Oregon or Idaho.

Other Legal Considerations—while CBD is legal nationwide, your school, employer, or extracurricular activity may prohibit use. Even if marijuana is legal in your state. For example, federal employees may not use any products derived from the cannabis plant. Some companies only prohibit use and/or possession while at work. For example, although CBD doesn’t have intoxicating effects, you may not be able to have CBD products, THC edibles, or any form of cannabis in your purse, laptop bag, or vehicle. If legal, follow all in-state laws regarding public intoxication, public possession, driving under the influence, and all laws related to intoxication.

What does THC do?

**Please Note—CBD companies cannot provide medical advice and we cannot guarantee that CBD will effectively soothe your mind or body. The data we provide is for informational purposes. Consult with your physician for guidance on all dietary supplements.

While THC is most often noted for its intoxicating effect, intoxication isn’t the only benefit of THC. With the increased legalization of marijuana and the nationwide legalization of CBD, many researchers are studying the impact of individual cannabinoids.

While CBD is most celebrated for providing the medicinal benefits of marijuana without the high, several studies have found that THC is better for reducing nausea. This can drastically improve the quality of life for cancer patients and other patients taking medications that make them nauseous. If you have nausea, THC is something to discuss with your physician.

What kind of THC is in edibles?

It is important to read the label to determine what type of THC is in your edible. Also, to determine how many milligrams of THC and CBD per serving. Full-spectrum products deliver a wider range of cannabinoids for a wider range of wellness benefits.

Holmes Organics formulated a full-spectrum blend that delivers 5 mg of Delta 9 THC and 25 milligrams in each of our Delta 9 Gummy jars. We prefer Delta 9 as it is easy to extract via CO2 extraction. This extraction method is in line with our purity standards, as extracting Delta 8 and THC-O utilizes synthetic solvents that may leave behind traces of heavy metals and other toxins. Our CBD extracts are also extracted using the CO2 method.

Always be mindful of dosage when taking any type of infused edibles or food products. While most are designed to be sweet like candy, they must be consumed with mindfulness of the milligrams of THC and CBD per serving. We suggest taking half of a gummy and waiting two hours before taking the other half if it has not delivered your desired buzz, high, or wellness benefits.

Unlike our CBD products, you will feel intoxicated, so wait until you are home or somewhere safe. Also, somewhere that you will not need to drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in any activities that are dangerous, prohibited, or illegal while intoxicated.

Where can I buy edibles online legally?

You can buy THC edibles online from a variety of retailers. We hope you will consider Holmes Organics due to our commitment to quality and purity.

All of our products are:

• USDA-Certified Organic or made with organic ingredients
• Third-Party lab tested
• Have an online third-party certificate of analysis
• Processed from US-grown hemp flowers
• Pure with no toxic additives or fillers
• Clearly stated milligrams per serving

We invite you to reach out to Holmes Organics if you have additional questions!