x
Breaking News
More () »

Opinion | It may not be as strong but it works and is legal to buy | Richard Ransom

ABC24 anchor Richard Ransom discusses in his Ransom Note about the legal version of THC and how easy it is to get.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In tonight’s Ransom Note: the legal THC and what may be the worst secret in Tennessee. 

Turns out you can go out right now and buy the same chemical in marijuana that makes you high, at virtually any vape shop in Memphis and it’s perfectly legal. 

It’s called Delta-8 and stores can’t keep it in stock selling it in the form of gummies, syrups, vapes, joints, and even chocolate bars. 

It’s not CBD, which is everywhere, nor is it marijuana’s Delta 9. Delta 8 is one molecule away and comes from hemp. 

So, while it’s less concentrated than THC from marijuana, it’s still THC and one vape store owner told us clients like it. 

“It's interesting when you see a 60-65 year old person coming here, and you think they're wanting CBD and they're like 'no, no. I want that Delta-8 stuff for my pains, arthritis, aches and stuff like that. A lot of people said that that works better than CBD,” said Neal Murphy, vape shop owner. 

That vape shop owner told us Delta 8 has pushed up sales by 30 percent. But now, some state lawmakers want to ban Delta 8. What they need to do is what all the states around us are doing. Legalize medical marijuana or things like Delta 8 will keep popping up. 

I always love to hear from you. Join the conversation by email (rransom@abc24.com), Facebook, or Twitter.

Before You Leave, Check This Out