The deets on Delta-8, aka ‘marijuana lite,’ in Asheville, NC

A greenhouse chock full of hemp at Franny’s Farmacy | Photo by @frannysfarmacy

Have you heard of Delta-8? No, we aren’t talking about the airline company, but it could make you take flight.

Today we’ve got the 411 on the plant product known as Delta-8 which remains legal in NC — at least, for now.

What is it?

Without getting too deep in the weeds, Delta-8, known by some as ‘marijuana lite,’ represents 1 strain among 140+ existing cannabinoids which are derived from the cannabis plant. Due to its similarity to Delta-9 (aka THC), Delta-8 has become quite popular — especially in states that don’t legally allow “traditional” marijuana such as North and South Carolina.

Many Delta-8 consumers report effects such as mild euphoria, improved mood, sleep benefits + pain relief, albeit at a much less potent rate than THC. Side effects may also include dry mouth, red eyes, paranoia, anxiety + a case of the “munchies.”

Delta-8 gummies in the production process. | Photo from @frannysfarmacy

What’s the legality of this stuff?

As of July 2021, North Carolina has not banned Delta-8 and it is available locally. Due to the 2018 farm bill, the hemp from which Delta-8 is extracted has been federally authorized. So long as the hemp plant has a THC level below .3% it’s legal to grow in the state with proper permits; however, anything above that is illegal.

Where can you find Delta-8 locally?

The short answer: throw a dart at a map of Asheville and it’ll probably land near a local hemp dispensary that sells it. You can also check out these spots:

More from AVLtoday
Land bridges have become an increasingly popular tool to facilitate safe passage for wildlife, and the state’s first will be completed by the end of the year in Robbinsville.
The City of Asheville and Thrive Asheville are partnering to identify what worked well as neighbors responded to Helene — share your stories at the April 18 event.
Dip your toes into “phillumeny,” aka the practice of collecting matchbooks, while you explore Asheville and support local businesses at the same time.
The group behind Gan Shan, Jettie Rae’s, and Vinnie’s is setting out to capture the magic of NY’s Mott Street with its fourth concept, The Majestic.
A Weaverville company stitches itself into the history of space travel, while a historic former NASA facility in Rosman returns to its original mission 60 years later.
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Asheville’s many beautiful patios.
Chef Montgomery Taylor of Montgomery Sky Farm and Meherwan Irani and Molly Irani of Chai Pani Restaurant Group pushed past the semifinalist round for the accolades.
Mezze, wraps, and Mediterranean favorites are spicing up the lineup at the historic food hall.
Three Asheville exhibitions are showcasing craft, light, and Impressionist landscapes in fresh perspective this spring.
Put down the tech and pick up one of these hands-on hobbies by joining a local club or class.