Is Delta 9 Legal in Alaska?

Are you wondering about cannabis in general and Delta 9 specifically in the state of Alaska? If so, you’re not the only one who finds the law confusing, and you’re also in the right place!This post is for you. Here we’ll answer the question: is Delta 9 legal in Alaska?Here’s the short answer:

• The legality of Delta-9 THC is dependent on its source, the age of the user, and the amount the user has.
• Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC is legal to use, possess, purchase, sell, distribute, and produce in Alaska under state and federal law.
• Hemp-derived Delta 9 products are made from hemp plants with no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.
• Alaska is also a recreational cannabis state, meaning adults over 21 years of age can use, possess, purchase, sell, distribute, and produce Delta-9 THC from marijuana plants that carry over 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis under the legal limit.
• Delta-8 THC products and others made with isomers cannot be shipped to Alaska.

Alright, here we go!

What is Delta 9?

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9 THC) is one of the many compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the plant's euphoric effects or "high." Delta 9 THC works by binding to specific cannabinoid receptors in the brain and nervous system, which can alter mood, perception, and consciousness.The Delta 9 THC concentration in cannabis varies depending on the strain, growing conditions, and processing methods. Cannabis plants with higher levels of Delta 9 THC are often referred to as "high-THC" strains, while those with lower levels are known as "low-THC" strains.Delta 9 THC is also the compound that is typically tested for in drug screenings, as it can remain detectable in the body for several days to weeks after use.

Are Hemp-Derived THC and Other Cannabinoids Different?

Hemp-derived cannabinoids are compounds found in the hemp plant that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS).The hemp plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids, including the well-known cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabinol (CBN), as well as lesser-known cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabichromene (CBC). Isomers of THC such as Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC, and THC-O are also in this category.The effects of Delta-9 THC are the classic THC effects you expect from cannabis—no matter what plant they’re from. In terms of a comparison, the effects of Delta 8 are milder and lighter, but still consistent with a THC feel.The non-THC cannabinoids typically do not produce psychoactive effects. For example, CBD products have become popular for their beneficial effects that do not cloud the mind.Hemp-derived cannabinoids are typically extracted from the plant using various methods, including CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction, or solvent-based extraction. The resulting extract can be further processed to isolate specific cannabinoids or to create different types of products, such as oils, tinctures, vapes, capsules, gummies, or topicals.Unlike THC, which is primarily found in marijuana and is illegal under federal law in the United States, hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal federally under certain circumstances. The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, legalized the cultivation, production, and sale of hemp and hemp-derived products, including cannabinoids, as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis.However, it is important to note that the legal status of hemp-derived cannabinoids can vary by jurisdiction, so it is always a good idea to check local laws and regulations. Read on to learn more!

The Legality of Delta 9 in Alaska

Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. In Alaska, cannabis and Delta 9 THC are legal for adult use within the legal guidelines.Recreational marijuana was made legal in Alaska through Ballot Measure 2, which was approved by voters in November 2014. The measure legalized the possession, use, and sale of cannabis for adults aged 21 and over, as well as the cultivation of up to six cannabis plants per household.Following the approval of Ballot Measure 2, the Alaska Legislature passed House Bill 123 in 2015, which established a regulatory framework for the production, sale, and taxation of cannabis in the state. The law allowed for the creation of licensed cannabis businesses, including retail stores, cultivation facilities, and product manufacturers, and established rules for packaging, labeling, and testing of cannabis products.The legalization of recreational cannabis in Alaska went into effect on February 24, 2015, making Alaska the third US state to legalize cannabis for adult use, after Colorado and Washington. Since then, other states have followed suit, with more than a dozen states legalizing recreational cannabis as of 2021.Alaska Senate Bill 27 was a bill introduced in the Alaska State Legislature in January 2021. The bill proposed to update and clarify the state's regulations regarding hemp and hemp-derived products, in response to changes at the federal level.The main provisions of the bill included:

1. Aligning state law with the Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and hemp-derived products and their cultivation, production, and sale at the federal level.
2. Creating a hemp program (The Alaska Industrial Hemp Pilot Program) to allow for the testing and research of hemp products.
3. Establishing labeling and testing requirements for hemp and hemp-derived products sold in the state, including requirements for THC content and product safety.
4. Allowing for the transportation of hemp and hemp-derived products through the state, as long as they are in compliance with federal and state law.

The bill was signed into law by the Governor of Alaska on July 6, 2021, and took effect immediately. The law updated and clarified the state's regulations regarding hemp and hemp-derived products, providing a framework for the cultivation, production, and sale of these products in the state, while ensuring consumer safety and compliance with federal law.In Alaska, adults aged 21 and older can possess up to one ounce of cannabis for personal use, including Delta 9 THC products, such as flower, concentrates, and edibles. Adults can also grow up to six cannabis plants for personal use, with no more than three being mature at any given time.However, it is important to note that there are restrictions on where cannabis can be consumed, and driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal. Additionally, there are regulations surrounding the sale, production, and distribution of cannabis and Delta 9 THC products in Alaska.And what about other kinds of THC—is Delta-8 THC legal? It’s illegal to buy Delta-8 THC products online today in Alaska, Arizona, Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, Iowa, Montana, Nevada, Nebraska, New York, Utah, or Vermont. But you can still buy Delta-9 THC gummies and other products online to ship to Alaska at this time.Although for now neither the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nor the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulates Delta-9 THC products, the DEA issued an interim final rule in August 2020 that classified all synthetic cannabinoids and THC isomers as Schedule I controlled substances under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This rule came as a response to the increasing availability of THC isomers and their perceived potential for abuse and harm.While the DEA's rule is a federal regulation, states may choose to enact their own laws and regulations regarding THC isomers. Some states have banned isomers such as Delta 8 and Delta 10 outright, including North Dakota, Colorado, and very recently, West Virginia. Others explicitly allow isomers that meet the low hemp THC threshold, such as Wyoming. California has drawn up its law to explicitly define THC and THC levels to include all forms of THC.It is always a good idea to check with local laws and regulations to ensure compliance and avoid any legal issues standing between you and your Delta 9 gummies.

Where to Buy Delta 9 Gummies in Alaska

Only licensed dispensaries in Alaska can sell THC products. But you can also buy them online and have them delivered right to your door! It’s a safe way to access far more variety and better quality.Whether you’re after Delta-9 gummies in a rainbow of flavors or you prefer to vape, you can get what you’re looking for right here. Once you experience the freedom of picking out exactly what you like and having it show up right at your house, you won’t go back!

Final Thoughts on Delta 9 in Alaska

The Frontier State has been a leader in a lot of ways, and cannabis is one of them. You can still do things your way here in Alaska, including ordering delicious Delta-9 THC gummies for convenient delivery anytime! Try it, you’ll like it.Disclaimer: Nothing in this post is legal or medical advice.Written by Diet Smoke Staff WritersThe staff writers for Diet Smoke have been researching and writing about premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products for more than 3 years. The team has a keen understanding of the topic, remain current on all FDA and industry news, and use their expertise to generate engaging and informative content to help educate consumers on Diet Smoke’s products. Each article is fact-checked and includes sources to scientific data to ensure readers receive the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.Find out more about Diet Smoke, our history and our commitment to creating the highest quality products.Reviewed By Colby WohllebColby Wohlleb, editor of Diet Smoke, reviews and approves all content before releasing it for posting on the Diet Smoke website. As a tireless advocate for the benefits of premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products, Colby ensures that all content is accurate, engaging, and informative. He also works directly with a trusted source to ensure the purity of the products we sell and performs rigorous lab testing to ensure that Diet Smoke’s products are of the highest quality and safety standards.