Is Delta 9 THC Legal In Ohio?

Did you know there are almost a dozen different forms of THC — and that some are legal while others aren't? We explore the shifting legal landscape around Delta-9 THC, the most popular form of this iconic compound, to help you figure out where and how to buy it.

Key Takeaways

• Delta-9 THC is a psychoactive compound that's found in both cannabis and hemp plants.
• While Delta-9 derived from cannabis plants remains illegal at the federal level, Delta-9 derived from hemp is legal.
• Before November 2023, only medical marijuana was legal in Ohio, with use restricted to registered patients with a qualifying medical condition and a valid physician's recommendation.
• As of November 2023, recreational marijuana is also legal in Ohio, though lawmakers are still debating exactly what regulations to impose.
• Ultimately, Delta-9 is generally considered legal in Ohio, especially if it's derived from hemp.
• You can order Delta-9 products online from our website or in person at our licensed dispensary in Avon.
• We also offer alternatives to Delta-9, including Delta-8 and THCa, which offer similar effects and potential health benefits.

See Related: How Much THC Is In A Joint?

What Is Delta 9 THC?

Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol, or Delta-9 THC for short, is the most abundant psychoactive compound naturally found in cannabis plants. When people refer to THC in general, they are almost always referring to Delta-9 THC.

So why the prefix? Well, the "Delta-9" helps differentiate Delta-9 THC from other compounds with near-identical chemical structures. We'll discuss a few of them down below.

As the main psychoactive compound in marijuana plants, Delta-9 THC is responsible for the "high" those plants can cause. It can be smoked, vaped, ingested in edibles, and even applied topically to the skin.

You might know all this already. But did you know Delta-9 THC can be derived from two different sources — and that these different sources can determine whether the resulting Delta-9 THC is legal or illegal?

Where Delta 9 THC Comes From

Originally, THC was derived from the plant Cannabis sativa, colloquially known as the cannabis plant. These plants naturally produce THC, though different strains have different concentrations of the compound.

Creating THC from cannabis plants is pretty simple. When the plants are mature, you harvest the flowers. These are the basis of many THC products: edibles, oils, tinctures, distillates, and so on.

But that's not the only option. You can also derive THC from the hemp plant.

The hemp plant doesn't naturally have much Delta-9 THC. In fact, by law hemp plants must have less than 0.3% THC, something that's measured on a dry weight basis.

But that 0.3% is enough for some manufacturers. They separate out the Delta-9 THC from the many other cannabinoids found in hemp. Process enough hemp, and you'll be left with enough Delta-9 THC to use. 

Another method makes use of the similarity between Delta-9 and other cannabinoids. Hemp might not have much Delta-9, but it's packed full of CBD, another cannabinoid. CBD isn't psychoactive, but it can be converted into psychoactive Delta-9 through a process called isomerization.

Effects of Delta 9 THC

Delta-9 causes the "high" associated with marijuana. How that feels varies depending on many factors, including the dose, strain, consumption method, and your individual body composition, metabolism, and experience with THC.

But generally, you can expect the following effects:

• Euphoria and relaxation
• Altered senses, like the perception of time
• Dry mouth and eyes
• Changes to heart rate

There's also a chance of side effects, including anxiety, cognitive impairment, and hallucinations.

Potential Benefits of Delta 9 THC

Beyond the "high," Delta-9 is thought to provide various potential health benefits. The most commonly reported are:

• Reduced anxiety
• Improved sleep
• Pain relief

Federal Legal Status of Delta 9 THC

With all these benefits, and considering THC has been used by humans for thousands of years, you might expect it to be legal.

Think again. 

Delta-9 THC is still illegal at the federal level. Under federal law, it is considered a Schedule I controlled substance. That means no growing marijuana, no selling or distributing it, and no possessing it.

From Hemp

But while Delta-9 THC is federally illegal, hemp is not. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp. Hemp-derived products are also considered fully legal under this legislation.

Here's where things get a little confusing. What happens if you derive Delta-9 THC from hemp? 

This is somewhat of a gray area. While Delta-9 THC is banned, Delta-9 derived from hemp is technically legal.

In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration tried to clamp down on hemp-derived Delta-9. But the following year, an appeals court ruled that it is, in fact, legal, as long as any hemp-derived product follows the legal limit of 0.3% THC by weight.

That might not sound like a lot, but it's more than enough. After all, you only need a small amount of THC to feel the effects.

For example, our Delta 9 THC Chocolate Delight bar contains a hefty 100mg of Delta-9 THC. That's a lot! And yet it's still less than 0.2% of the weight of the chocolate bar as a whole.

Bonus: Hybrid Weed: What Is It And How To Use It

Legal Status of Delta 9 THC in Ohio

Fortunately, things get a little clearer at the state level. At least, they do in Ohio.

As you likely know, about half of the 50 states have legalized recreational marijuana. Ohio voters decided to join this group of states in November 2023.

From Cannabis

Originally, only medical marijuana was legal in Ohio. That meant Delta-9 derived from cannabis plants could only be sold to qualified patients for medicinal purposes. 

Now, recreational use of marijuana is legal in Ohio. Technically, that should make Delta-9 derived from cannabis legal, too. But this legality is still being contested by lawmakers, who have introduced multiple pieces of legislation that would change how cannabis products are regulated in the state.

From Hemp

While the exact nature of legal marijuana and marijuana-derived Delta-9 in Ohio continues to be debated, the status of hemp-derived Delta-9 is somewhat more certain.

After all, it's federally legal.

As long as manufacturers follow the three-tenths percent rule, their products are legal in Ohio.

Future Legal Status of Delta 9 THC

However, even 0.3% Delta-9 THC might not be legal in Ohio for long. 

In May 2025, Ohio lawmakers passed a Senate bill that would restrict "intoxicating hemp products" from being sold anywhere bar licensed dispensaries.

Hemp-derived Delta-9 is one of several "intoxicating hemp products."

Should this bill become law, Delta-9 will still be legal in Ohio. It just won't be sold at gas stations, convenience stores, and so on. 

However, we recommend sticking to licensed dispensaries anyway, regardless of the exact regulations. Delta-9 products derived from hemp can contain dangerous chemicals and imprecise amounts of THC if not manufactured properly.

That's why we have an independent, accredited lab test all of our products for purity and potency. You can check the certificate of analysis for your product by scanning the QR code included.

Where to Buy Delta 9 THC in Ohio

The easiest option is probably to order online. 

For example, our website offers Delta-9 chocolate, gummies, and sugar. They're all made using hemp grown in the U.S. and are absolutely free of toxins.

Remember, though, that state regulations vary. If you live in an area that prohibits Delta-9, even when derived from hemp, products you purchased online from Ohio might still be considered illegal.

Or head to our dispensary in Avon to pick out products in person.

Alternatives to Delta 9 THC

If you're feeling confused about the legal landscape surrounding Delta-9, or just want to explore some alternatives, we've got you covered.

Here are some to consider:

• Delta-8 THC: Another psychoactive compound that's found in hemp. It has a similar chemical structure to Delta-9. We offer tasty Delta-8 THC Gummies and chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• THCa: This is a precursor to THC with a similar molecular structure. When heated or burned, it naturally turns into Delta-9 THC. We offer THCa flower; you can choose between Indica, Sativa, and a Hybrid.

Conclusion

The legal landscape surrounding Delta-9 THC is changing almost as fast as the cannabis market is growing. As of May 2025, Delta-9 THC is legal in Ohio, though the exact nature of that legality is being debated.

While these debates continue, you can enjoy a variety of Delta-9 products from our website or in person at our Avon dispensary. And if you decide Delta-9 isn't your thing, there's no shortage of alternatives that can provide similar effects and benefits.

Keep Reading: How Long Does CBD Last In A Dog's System? A Helpful Guide

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Laws and regulations regarding cannabis and THC may change and vary by jurisdiction. Always consult your local laws and a qualified professional before purchasing or using THC products.

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