Delta-8 is similar to marijuana. So how is it legal in Nebraska?

The strain of THC is derived from hemp

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Storefronts in Lincoln and beyond are advertising delta-8, a strain of THC.

Even though Republican lawmakers in Nebraska have adamantly opposed the legalization of marijuana in the state, a bill passed in 2019 allows an alternative that has the same effects as marijuana, but without the risk of jail time.

The Nebraska Hemp Farming Act allowed the sale and production of hemp, which is the industrial and medicinal cousin of the illegal cannabis plant.

Delta-8 is derived from hemp, and therefore, is allowed to be sold in Nebraska.

“The hemp plant is actually a very resilient plant that can be used for textiles, building materials,” said Jaxsom Anderson, manager of Grateful Green, a store that sells delta-8. “You can use it for fabrics, you can use it for loads of products that are very helpful.”

Delta-8 also seems to have the same psychoactive effects and health benefits as its illegal counterpart. Anderson said these benefits include help with mental health, chronic pain and even addiction.

But health care workers warn of the risk of inhaling the strain or ingesting an unsafe amount.

“There’s the risks that go along with burning something and inhaling it,” said Dr. Taryn Collins of CHI Health St. Elizabeth. “A large part of this has to do with how much you’re using. Many things can be used in moderation.”

There’s no word as to whether Nebraska lawmakers will try to regulate delta-8 in the future, so for now, this strain is here to stay.