Changes to how THC products are regulated across Louisiana may be coming soon, according to state officials. The rise of Delta 8 and Delta 9 products across the state has caused some politicians to call for immediate action. This seems largely due to how many have interpreted a 2022 bill that enabled an adult-use market for hemp-derived consumables. For those who may have tried using these products as medical substitutes, a medical marijuana doctor may be more important than ever.
As legislators begin to crack down on Delta 8 and Delta 9 products, those who have used them may not know what to do next. Learn more about these changes and what a medical marijuana doctor in Baton Rouge can do for patients with Transformative Health Center.
What Are Delta 8 and Delta 9?
Delta 8 and Delta 9 refer to two different isomers of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the main psychoactive component in cannabis. Delta 9-THC is the most well-known and abundant form of THC found in cannabis. It is responsible for the majority of the plant’s psychoactive effects. It is also considered to be the primary psychoactive component of cannabis.
Delta 8-THC, on the other hand, is a less common isomer of THC that is found in much smaller quantities in cannabis plants. It is structurally similar to Delta 9-THC, but it has a slightly different chemical structure. Delta 8-THC has been reported to have a more mild psychoactive effect than Delta 9-THC. Delta 8 has fallen into a legal gray area, which has led to Delta 8 products becoming widely available across the U.S. However, several states, including Louisiana, are now considering legislation to close the legal loopholes that enabled the availability of Delta 8 products.
Changes Coming to Louisiana
In February of 2023, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards announced that the state will see a swift crackdown on uncontrolled THC products that hold the potential to induce a euphoric high. Furthermore, the governor and lawmakers are contemplating adjusting the existing regulations on hemp products in the approaching Louisiana Legislature’s spring session.
“I’m not one who favors legalizing marijuana, and I don’t want something that … has a THC content that is effectively the same thing,” Edwards explained. “You’re going to see more enforcement, but you are also going to see clarification of what the law is.”
For those who used these synthetic marijuana products for any reason, these changes will have an impact. This is why it can be crucial to schedule an evaluation with a Baton Rouge medical marijuana doctor like those at Transformative Health Center. Our team of physicians can evaluate patients to determine whether a medical marijuana recommendation could be right for them. Regardless of what happens with legislation affecting Delta 8-THC, medical marijuana patients remain safeguarded by Louisiana’s laws.
Searching for a Medical Marijuana Doctor in Baton Rouge?
Are you looking for a medical marijuana doctor in Baton Rouge? If so, the physicians of Transformative Health Center are ready to provide you with an evaluation. This evaluation can determine whether you receive a medical marijuana recommendation. Call 225-888-4041, schedule an appointment, or contact us to get started. We’re committed to helping Louisiana live well!