As one of the latest and greatest new CBD-based products to hit the market, Delta-8 THC is taking the world by storm. You may have heard of Delta-8 THC but could be unsure what it is, what it does, and if it’s legal in your state. Keep reading to learn if Delta-8 THC is legal where you live, as well as more about this CBD product.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Before we get into the legality of Delta-8 THC, it’s important to understand what Delta-8 is and what it does. Delta-8 THC, aka dronabinol, is a form of cannabinoid oil that comes from the cannabis plant. Patented by Unimed Pharmaceuticals in 1985, Delta-8 THC started gaining traction around 2003. Available in multiple forms including edibles, flowers, dab sauce, and more, Delta-8 THC has become an increasingly popular form of THC primarily used for sleep and appetite stimulation.

Why People Use Delta-8 THC

Many consider Delta-8 THC to be just like Delta-9 THC but without the mental cloudiness. Users report that using Delta-8 THC helps them avoid the typical paranoia and smell that may accompany regular THC products from marijuana. Although not approved by the FDA to be an antiemetic (anti-nausea drug) or analgesic (pain reliever), anecdotal evidence shows that many people use Delta-8 THC for these purposes. It may also be valid for relaxation, euphoria, and enhancing certain senses like sight, touch, and sound.

Is Delta-8 THC Legal Where You Live?

On the federal level, Delta-8 THC is considered legal because it is derived from the hemp plant as opposed to the marijuana plant. While Delta-8 THC may be federally legal, it is not legal in all states, which means you could still face criminal prosecution if you are found with Delta-8 THC on your person in certain locations. Bear in mind that legal Delta-8 THC must be sourced from hemp plants to be regulated in the same way as CBD products, with a THC concentration allowance of up to 0.3%. Some states have legalized Delta-8 THC for medical use, some restrict usage, some ban it completely, some criminalize the possession of it entirely.

The states in which you can legally purchase and possess Delta-8 THC sourced from hemp plants:

•  Alabama
•  California
•  Florida
•  Georgia
•  Hawaii
•  Illinois
•  Indiana
•  Kansas
•  Maine
•  Maryland
•  Massachusetts
•  Minnesota
•  Missouri
•  New Hampshire
•  New Jersey
•  New Mexico
•  North Carolina
•  Ohio
•  Oklahoma
•  Oregon
•  Pennsylvania
•  South Carolina
•  South Dakota
•  Tennessee
•  Texas
•  Virginia
•  Washington
•  West Virginia
•  Wisconsin
•  Wyoming
•  Washington, D.C.

The states in which Delta-8 THC is regulated like recreational cannabis:

• Connecticut
• Michigan
• Nevada

The states in which Delta-8 THC is in the legally gray area, meaning there is not enough information to determine if it is legal or not:

• Mississippi
• Nebraska
• Kentucky

The states in which Delta-8 THC is confirmed to be illegal:

•  Alaska
•  Arizona
•  Arkansas
•  Colorado
•  Delaware
•  Idaho
•  Iowa
•  Louisiana
•  Montana
•  New York
•  North Dakota
•  Rhode Island
•  Vermont
•  Utah

What Affects Delta-8 THC’s Legal Status?

Delta-8 THC is an agonist of the CB1 receptor in the body, meaning it stimulates the cell membranes in a way that impacts the user’s neurons to produce cognitive effects. This could lead to some psychoactivity, but not to the degree of Delta-9 THC.

Where the legal status of Delta-8 THC lies up in the air is related to its ambiguity with how it interacts with the body. Some people think it should not be treated as a controlled substance (and subject to legal regulation) because its effects are not as intense as marijuana products. Others argue that because it is an agonist on the CB1 receptor, it has the potential to be as psychoactive as traditional marijuana products.

Flying with Delta-8 THC

If you’re wondering whether it’s legal to travel with Delta-8 THC, this all depends on where you’re traveling from and traveling to. You could face criminal charges for possession and distribution of a Schedule 1 substance depending on where you’re traveling, so it’s probably best not to risk it at all.

Determining if Delta-8 THC is Legal in your State

Referring to the information above about whether Delta-8 THC is legal in your state is useful, but what is inside the actual product matters more. The brand of Delta-8 THC needs to be legitimate and verifiable so consumers can trust that it is safe. It’s always wise to purchase Delta-8 products, CBD products, THC products, and CBG products from reputable retailers that display a certificate of analysis (COA). This will show the THC content of a product as well as any other ingredients inside. For additional security, you may also ask to see lab test results.

Black Tie CBD is proud to be a trustworthy Delta-8 THC retailer. We sell Delta-8 THC online for purchase in a variety of forms including Delta8 Infused CBD Hemp Flower, pre-rolls, moon rocks, dab wax, dab sauce, and more. Find your favorite Delta-8 THC product when you shop with us today.

** This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice. Legislation is constantly changing. Black Tie CBD holds no responsibility for individual participation with Delta-8 THC.

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If you consider yourself a CBD afficinanado, you are probably familiar with the concept of indoor grown CBD flowers vs outdoor grown CBD flowers, at least to the degree that you know of the two. Still, many people don’t know about the benefits of indoor grown CBD flowers and why manufacturers would choose indoor grown CBD flowers over the outdoor grown variety. If you’re interested in learning more about why you should buy indoor grown CBD flowers, this is the blog post for you!

Potency: Indoor Grown CBD Flowers are More Potent

Maximizing potency should be one of the top priorities on your list when determining what kind of CBD flowers to buy. While outdoor grown CBD flowers contain an average of 15% CBD, indoor grown CBD flowers are said to have at least 25% CBD, making them significantly more potent than their outdoor counterparts. We’ll go into what affects CBD’s potency and why you’re likely to get more bang for your buck with indoor CBD flowers below.

No Contaminants: Indoor CBD Flowers Don’t Have Agrochemicals or Heavy Metals

Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and agrochemicals with heavy metals may be used to cultivate certain plant crops outdoors, some of which may include CBD flowers. Even if your hemp producer doesn't use these chemicals themselves and is sustainable and organic, it’s possible that neighboring plots of land may not be as careful. Chemicals could pass through groundwater, pass under property boundaries, and get sprayed onto other crops. Cannabis is a rather efficient bioremediator, which means it is quick to absorb whatever is in the soil. This could be good and bad, but particularly bad if there is runoff with contaminants from other plots of land.

The only way to 100% guarantee a total void of agrochemical contamination is to grow hemp in totally climate-controlled environments, i.e., indoors.

Total Climate Control with Indoor Grown CBD Flowers

To piggyback off our previous point, with indoor grown CBD flowers, the grower controls everything﹘this includes how much light the crops get, the fan/wind, temperature, water, etc. Outdoor grown CBD flowers are subject to nature’s fluctuations, which means there is more variability. This doesn’t lend itself well to the more exact nature a CBD flower manufacturer may be trying to acquire. We can’t control the great outdoors, but we can control a climate-controlled environment, which is exactly what you’ll be able to do with indoor grown CBD flowers.

Indoor Grown CBD Flowers Taste, Smell, and Look Better

While this still needs more research, scientists are encouraged by the potential of indoor grown CBD flowers to release more terpenes than outdoor CBD flowers. The enhanced terpene profile could make the CBD flowers taste better (less grassy and no risk of tasting chemicals from outdoor-grown CBD), smell better (a richer aroma because of the indoor CBD flowers being grown in a controlled environment), and look more impressive. One of the telltale signs of an indoor grown CBD flower vs an outdoor grown CBD flower is the smell. The more pungent the scent, the more likely it was that the CBD flower was grown indoors.

As for their appearance, indoor grown CBD flowers tend to look thick and robust as compared to outdoor CBD flowers, which can be thin and scraggly. Outdoor CBD flowers may have full leaves, but don’t let that fool you; their fullness is deceptive and may not yield as lush a CBD flower as those grown indoors.

All of these factors play a vital role in the experience of smoking CBD flowers, which is ultimately the most important thing to consider. The more potent smell, taste, look, and purity levels make for a better smoking experience.

Explore indoor grown CBD flowers for yourself when you shop with us at Black Tie CBD. Buy indoor grown CBD flowers online with us today!

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Looking for a way to stay focused and alert but avoid the coffee jitters? CBD oil in your coffee could do the trick. Get the most out of your morning coffee and have a more enjoyable experience overall when you add CBD oil to your cup of joe!

Coffee Consumption & CBD Oil

As many of us are well aware, caffeine is the main ingredient in coffee. Did you know that caffeine is the most popular stimulant in the world? In the United States alone, an estimated 150 million Americans consume coffee on a regular basis, with over 85% of them drinking at least 1 cup of coffee at home. This means they have the ability to adjust their coffee as needed and add any ingredients they want, including CBD oil.

Coffee & Its Side Effects

People drink coffee for several reasons, the most popular being the taste and the burst of energy they get from the caffeine. This surge of energy could help keep us awake and alert when we would otherwise be tired and sluggish, which is why many turn to coffee to increase productivity. Some people, however, are sensitive to the effects of caffeine, so much so that it causes jitters, anxiety, and an accelerated heart beat. These side effects could actually decrease productivity because of how distracted and uncomfortable users feel. The way around this could be mixing CBD oil with coffee.

Why Add CBD Oil to Coffee?

The main reason people mix CBD oil with their coffee is to balance out the potentially negative side effects of caffeine so the stimulant can do the job it was intended to do initially.

Discover the benefits waiting for you with CBD coffee or CBD oil in coffee with Black Tie CBD. For questions or comments, feel free to contact us today!

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On May 19th, 2022, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals surprised the CBD world with its ruling on the legal status of Delta-8 THC products. The Court determined that hemp-derived Delta-8 THC falls under “hemp” products as stipulated by the 2018 Farm Bill, which considers hemp-derived products that contain no more than 0.3% THC to be legal.

The Ninth Circuit’s ruling comes as a response to the case of AK Futures LLC v . Boyd Street Distro, LLC No. 21-56133, 2022 U.S. App. LEXIS 13526. This lawsuit involved AK Futures (“AK”) suing Boyd Street Distro, LLC (“Boyd Street”) because they claimed that Boyd Street sold counterfeit versions of their Delta-8 THC products. AK sued Boyd Street in the United States District Court for the Central District of California for copyright and trademark infringement and the Court ruled in favor of AK. Boyd Street appealed this decision, claiming that it did not infringe on any copyrights or trademarks because copyrights and trademarks only protect legal products and Delta-8 was not a legal product.

The Ninth Circuit Court denied Boyd Street’s appeal under the argument that Delta-8 products are legal so long as they are hemp-derived products that meet the 0.3% Delta-9 THC concentration requirements, as outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill. Should there be any loopholes within the 2018 Farm Bill, the Court stated that this would be for the US Congress to decide on.

Delta 8 has long been the subject of controversy across state and federal authorities. Its previous unregulated status led to a lot of ambiguity surrounding Delta-8’s legality.

Trademarking Delta-8 Products in Light of Ninth Circuit Ruling

Many CBD brands filed Delta-8 trademark applications even prior to the Ninth Circuit Court’s recent ruling. As of 2022, the US Patent and Trademark Office noted that 57 trademark applications had been filed for Delta-8 products. Many initial applications were abandoned because of the uncertainty as to whether or not Delta-8 was legal. Even though the Ninth Circuit’s ruling is optimistic, it may still take some time to approve trademark applications on Delta-8 products. IP attorneys like William Strover, co-chair of the Intellectual Property Department at Cole Shotz PC, say federal courts like the Supreme Court will likely be the deciding factor for providing more clarity on the issue. Some say it is unlikely that the Supreme Court will weigh in, which may leave cannabis and hemp trademark petitioners in the same position they’re in now, relying on common law trademark rights.

What Does the Ninth Circuit Decision Change?

The Ninth Circuit Court’s ruling may not be a green light for the unrestricted sale of Delta-8 THC products, but it does open the door for reconsideration and regulation of Delta-8 THC by the FDA. Prior to now, most entities had little to no clarity on the legal status of Delta-8 products under federal law, which meant that most considered them illegal. The recent ruling is a step in the right direction towards trademarking Delta-8 products for sale across the US.

To learn more about Delta-8 THC products or to purchase Delta-8 THC, Delta-8 flower, or CBD, visit us at BlackTieCBD.net. Please contact our support team at support@blacktiecbd.net for additional information.

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By now, you should be aware of the new PhytoFacts® cannabis classification system that has been introduced for a more accurate measure of quality. If you aren’t aware of it, then go ahead and read our previous blog. This article aims to cover the OGs + Gas class and provide customers with a clear and concise roadmap.

What is the “OGs + Gas” terpene class?

As you can see, this class has a few notable qualities - specifically the fact that it is classified as a ‘hybrid’. Hybrids, or hybrid strains, were primarily known to contain Indica and Sativa genetics in the old classification system. Indicas, known for their effects on the body, and Sativas, known for their effects on the mind, can be combined to make a strain that provides physical and cerebral reactions. The best of both worlds, if you will. However, with the new classification system, there’s much more to it than just being a ‘hybrid’.

This class has been linked to tasting notes of gas, fuel, sweet, citrus, and pepper. The shifting codominance of limonene, myrcene and caryophyllene contribute to the overall effects that are said to be felt. The terpenes are the biggest contributor, which we will cover in our phytolab reports for our strains classified as OGs + Gas.

From the list of common cultivars are strains that we stock, and have tested with the updated system, as you can see below:

Strain 1: Chem Dawg

This strain is a standout among our customers. The medium-sized buds are dense and have a mix of bright and dark green tones. With a blend of green accented by dark reddish-orange hairs and a plenty of trichomes, the appearance differs slightly from that of hybrid or pure Indica lineage. The aroma is peppery, gassy, and deep and strong, akin to that of THC cannabis. Customers may feel their senses sharpen as this midday strain becomes more constructively intellectual and introspective in the proper environment. Chem Dawg (pronounced "kim") is a very social strain, perfect for catching up with friends while remaining calm and free of couch lock. Its ability to enhance sensory experiences also makes it ideal for creative projects. We recommend learning more here.

The dominant terpenes:

1. Myrcene: A terpene consistent with the OGs + Gas class is myrcene. Myrcene is known for its sedative, 'couch-lock' effects, myrcene helps calm the mind and body by boosting the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters dopamine and GABA. It can also help relieve pain and relax muscles, which helps ease the bodily discomfort that often accompanies stress - which explains why this class is associated with relaxation.

Myrcene gives our cannabis strain a mildly sweet flavor profile and provides scent notes that are spicy, earthy, and muskiness - which can be seen in the report for ‘Chem Dawg’.

1. b-Caryophyllene: β-Caryophyllene is generally the most abundantly produced terpene in Nature. Over the last decade, it has gained scientific attention after discovering that it can directly activate cannabinoid receptors. Basically, the β-Caryophyllene terpene acts as a cannabinoid.
   
   In our Chem-Dawg strain, beta-caryophyllene most likely contributes to euphoric relaxation and creates the cozy, relaxed, happy mood often associated with some cannabis varieties - and specifically explains the uplifting feeling linked with the OGs + gas class.

1. Terpinolene: Terpinolene, a terpene dominant in about one in ten cannabis strains, is recognized for its woody smell combined with floral citrus notes, which explains the overall contribution to the ‘Chem Dawg’ strain having high citrusy attributes, and explains the link to the OGs + Gas classification.
   
   In our strain, terpinolene most likely contributes to cerebral stimulation and may create heightened energy and whizzing thought spirals often associated with some cannabis varieties. For some, this experience is positive, leading to further productivity and focus.

Minor Terpenes:

1. Beta-Pinene: In cannabis, two of the most important terpenes are alpha and beta-pinene. As the name suggests, these create a pine-like flavor and aroma and are found in massive concentrations in pine trees. This terpene is actually one of the contributors to the gas-like aroma of the overall class.

1. B-Ocimene: Ocimene is a terpene responsible for some of the sweet and herbaceous flavors of certain cannabis strains, and it can also add citrusy and woody undertones. It may also offer a wide array of medicinal properties and uplifting effects, consistent with the class.

Strain 2: Tahoe OG

This stunning Indica-dominant hemp strain is incredible, to say the least. The buds are medium in size and firm to the touch. A classic OG nose, covered with trichomes and releasing a harsh gassy fragrance. When you remove the lid from the jar, the smell is immediately noticeable, and it gets much better when you pinch the buds. The buds are sticky and fresh, with a CBDa content of over 16 percent. Providing a comfortable smoke with a smooth OG flavor in the beginning and a gassy finish. A small heaviness behind the eyelids and a noticeable mental influence are felt almost immediately. This strain is excellent for pain relief, stress reduction, and insomnia relief.

As you will find out from the report below, there aren’t as many high-concentrate terpenes as chem-dawg, but the strain still packs a punch. Get some Tahoe OG here.

The dominant terpenes:

1. b-Caryophyllene: As we have already described above, caryophyllene holds the trophy for the most flair out of the terpenes. The terpene caryophyllene is present in many herbs and spices, including black pepper, basil, and oregano, and cannabis strains with high levels of it deliver a spicy, funky warmth to the nose, similar to cinnamon and cloves.
   
   As you can see from the report, the strain being high in this terpene explains the spicy and citrusy tones as characteristic of the OGs + Gas class.

1. Limonene: Limonene is a terpene recognizable for its zesty citrus fragrance, primarily in lemon, but also in orange, lime, and grapefruit. Limonene is found in the peels of these citrus fruits and in many varieties of cannabis. Along with myrcene, limonene is one of the most abundant terpenes to occur in cannabis.
   
   Limonene is considered an uplifting terpene capable of creating a sense of euphoria. This is likely because the terpene modulates neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin. This links directly to the strong uplifting and euphoric feelings associated with the overall class.

1. Humulene: Formerly known as alpha-humulene or alpha-caryophyllene — was first identified in the essential oils of Humulus lupulus, commonly called hops, giving it a distinctive bitter “hoppy” taste.  It is also present in marsh elders and a wide array of herbs and spices, including; sage, basil, clove, black pepper, coriander, and balsam fir tree.
   
   Strains high in humulene tend to have a relaxing effect with a chance of couch-locking the user on top of boosting creativity, relieving pain, and calming the mind, which is consistent with the effects of the OGs + Gas class.

Minor Terpenes:

1. Linalool: Linalool is found abundantly in nature, and it is widely used for many purposes. It is known for its calming effect and ability to bring elevated stress levels to almost normal conditions. It is frequently used in perfumes, cosmetics, soap, and essential oils therapy. Several flavored beverage brands even use linalool as an all-natural flavoring.  
   
   Despite Linalool being a minor in this strain, the report shows how the calming effects and overall flavoring contribute massively.

1. Alpha-terpineol: or α-Terpineol, is terpene alcohol found in many natural oils such as pine and petitgrain (an oil from the bitter orange tree). It’s the most common terpineol isomer found in cannabis. This terpene complements its typical floral notes with a nice citrus-woody profile and lemon and lime nuances. It is excellent for citrus, tropical fruits, apple, tomato and coffee flavors.

As you should see from the lab reports, it’s clear how important each terpene is to a flower or strain's overall effects and classification. Not only do the terpenes contribute to the flavor profiles, but they stand to be the defining aspect of every class. This should go to show just how vital terpenes are, and why you should pay attention.

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Cannabis consumption is increasing all over the world. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 2.5% of the world’s population openly consumes cannabis on a regular basis. While many people still think of smoking cannabis as the most obvious way to consume it, there are many ways to consume cannabis without smoking it. In fact, only about 12% of CBD users actually smoke it.

Why Do People Avoid Smoking Cannabis?

People avoid smoking cannabis for several reasons, some of which include the smell, the stigma, and the accessibility. If you’re looking for a sustainable way to reap the benefits of cannabis without smoking it, you’ve come to the right place. Black Tie CBD has plenty of options for consuming cannabis without smoking it.

Edible Cannabis

Cannabis in edible form is a popular, discreet way to enjoy it, no smoking needed! There are so many different types of cannabis edibles. Gummies, syrups, soft chews, brownies, cookies, baked goods… the list goes on! Tinctures are another form of cannabis that can be orally consumed. Then there’s also coffee and tea, both of which can be made to incorporate cannabis as a key component for focus, mental stimulation, or relaxation. You can buy premade edibles to enjoy cannabis without smoking or incorporate CBD flower in a recipe and make your own CBD edibles.

Topical Cannabis

Some people use cannabis in CBD topical form for a more targeted approach for things like pain management and inflammation. Topicals are great for getting the benefits of cannabis without smoking it, which could be especially important if you are using it as a post-exercise remedy. Mists, gels, patches, and other topical cannabis products may be a useful addition to your post-workout routine.

1. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Cannabis. World Health Organization. Retrieved May 9, 2022, from https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/alcohol-drugs-and-addictive-behaviours/drugs-psychoactive/cannabis#:~:text=About%20147%20million%20people%2C%202.5,cocaine%20and%200.2%25%20consuming%20opiates.

2. Gallup Poll Social Series. (2019). Percentage of Americans Smoke Marijuana.

Cannabis Supplements

If you’re looking for an easy way to get the desired effects of cannabis without smoking it, CBD pills, capsules, or tablets could be the way to go. Available in different strains, these supplements look just like any other nutritional tablet or capsule you may find in your local health food store. They tend to be easily digestible, have no taste, and come in a variety of forms so you can get the effects you’re looking for without smoking cannabis. Best of all, you can get cannabis pills, tablets, and capsules online at Black Tie CBD.

Vaping Cannabis

There are several key factors that differentiate vaping cannabis from smoking it. Vaping cannabis may reduce they way certain particles infiltrate the respiratory system, which is why some people prefer vaping to smoking. Additionally, vaping may be considered more socially acceptable in some social settings where smoking is prohibited.

Explore the different ways you can enjoy cannabis without smoking it when you shop for CBD, THC, CBG, Delta-8, Delta-9, and more at BlackTieCBD.net today!

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