Hemp regulation is a patchwork. The 2018 Farm Bill opened the door, then individual states started writing their own rules. The result: three popular cannabinoids — THCa, Delta-8, and Delta-9 — each with a different legal footprint.

THCa

What it is: The non-decarboxylated precursor to Delta-9 THC. In raw flower, it's THCa. Apply heat (lighter, vape, oven) and it converts to Delta-9 THC.

Federal status: Legal under the 2018 Farm Bill if the flower tests at less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. THCa percentage doesn't count toward the limit — only Delta-9 does.

Effect: Identical to traditional cannabis once heated. Full-spectrum, full-flavor, all the terpene complexity of the original strain.

Delta-8

What it is: A minor cannabinoid found naturally in trace amounts. Most commercial Delta-8 is converted from CBD via a chemical isomerization process.

Federal status: Legal under the Farm Bill, but a growing number of states have specifically banned it. Always check your state.

Effect: Roughly 60–70% the potency of Delta-9. Often described as more body-focused, less mental. Some users prefer it for that reason; others find it lacks the complexity of full-spectrum hemp.

Delta-9 (Hemp-Derived)

What it is: Same molecule as cannabis Delta-9 — just sourced from hemp plants and dosed within the 0.3% legal threshold (typically in edibles or beverages).

Federal status: Legal under the Farm Bill, with the same state-by-state caveats.

Effect: Identical to dispensary-grade Delta-9. The dose just needs to fit within the 0.3% by dry-weight rule, which is why you mostly see it in edibles where total weight is high.

Quick Reference Table

States That Have Restricted or Banned Hemp THC

Top G Farm does not ship to: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.

This list changes. Always confirm your state's current laws before ordering.

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