Colombia is one of the countries in Latin America that has favorable cannabis legislation. However, this doesn’t mean all forms of cannabis and cannabis-based products are legal in Colombia. In this article, we are looking at one cannabis-based product in particular; Delta-8.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8, or Delta-8 THC, or Δ8-THC, is one of the many types of tetrahydrocannabinols (THCs) found in cannabis and hemp. An isomer of its more well-known counterpart, Delta-9 THC—the compound commonly referred to when the term THC is used, Delta-8 is a less potent form of TCH with milder psychoactive effects. Unlike Delta 9 THC which is known for the classic high derived from marijuana, Delta 8 is more associated with a relaxed and clear-headed experience.
Differences between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC
Despite being similar compounds with similar effects, Delta 8 THC and regular THC (Delta 9 THC), have significant differences in both their chemical properties and how the law perceives them.
Chemically, Delta 8 is a less potent variant of THC. Unlike regular THC (Delta 9), Delta 8’s psychoactive effects are a lot milder, providing a more subtle high that many users have reported to produce less intense side effects. Delta 9, on the other hand, is significantly more potent, with stronger highs and more intense side effects.
Legally, Delta 8 THC and Delta 9 THC are classified as different compounds. While the legal status of Delta 9 THC is relatively well-defined (though it may vary by country or region), Delta 8 THC exists in a legal grey area, with its status remaining uncertain and subject to interpretation.
Delta 8’s complication with the law is quite understandable. Naturally, Delta 8 is a THC extract derived from Hemp, cannabis’s non-psychoactive variant. In most regions with a working cannabis legal framework, hemp and hemp-derived products are considered legal as long as they contain only trace amounts of Delta 9 THC (often less than 0.5%). Since Delta 8 THC is a completely different substance, these laws technically legalize the use of the compound. However, since Delta 8 itself is psychoactive, regions with laws restricting the use of psychoactive substances have grounds to classify the compound as illegal.
There is also the fact that Delta 8 THC only exists in small quantities naturally. As such, the majority of Delta 8 products on the market are synthesized from CBD or Delta 9 THC through chemical processes. This synthetic production further complicates Delta 8’s legal status since many regions have laws against synthetic cannabinoids.
Is Delta-8 THC Legal in Colombia?
In Colombia, the legal status of Delta 8 is just as ambiguous as it is in many other regions. While the country has an established cannabis regulatory framework, this mostly covers raw cannabis and the two most common derivatives of cannabis; Delta 9 THC and CBD. This leaves Delta 8 in a bit of a legal grey area in the country. However, Colombia’s unique legal climate creates something of a lifeline for individuals who might be interested in indulging in Delta 8 products.
In Colombia, cannabis and cannabis-based products fall into one of two categories; they are either medical cannabis and completely legal or recreational cannabis in which case, selling them is prohibited. So basically, since the law doesn’t expressly prohibit Delta 8, you should be fine buying and consuming Delta 8 products, as long as they are medical marijuana products from licensed suppliers in the country. As long as it is a licensed product, then you’re fine!
