less than 0.3%

When referring to "less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC," this is a crucial threshold used to legally distinguish industrial hemp from marijuana in the United States. Here's what it means:

1. **Delta-9 THC:** Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-9 THC) is the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It's responsible for the "high" that is associated with marijuana use.

2. **0.3% Limit:** The 0.3% limit refers to the maximum allowable concentration of Delta-9 THC in industrial hemp plants grown in the United States. In accordance with federal law (specifically, the 2018 Farm Bill), any cannabis plant with a Delta-9 THC concentration exceeding 0.3% is classified as marijuana, which remains a controlled substance under federal law.

3. **Industrial Hemp:** Cannabis plants that contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC are classified as industrial hemp. Industrial hemp is distinct from marijuana not only in terms of THC content but also in its various uses, including fiber production, seed oil extraction, and the production of hemp-derived products like CBD.

4. **Legal Implications:** The 0.3% limit is significant because it determines whether a cannabis plant is legal or illegal under federal law. Industrial hemp, with its low Delta-9 THC content, is legal to cultivate, process, and distribute in the United States. Marijuana, with its higher Delta-9 THC content, remains illegal at the federal level, although individual states have the authority to establish their own cannabis regulations.

5. **Hemp-Derived Products:** Products derived from industrial hemp, such as CBD (cannabidiol) oils and extracts, are legal at the federal level as long as they contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. These products have become widely available and are subject to regulation by federal agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

6. **State Regulations:** While the federal government has established the 0.3% threshold for industrial hemp, individual states have the authority to impose stricter regulations or set their own standards for hemp cultivation and products. Some states have chosen to maintain the 0.3% limit, while others have implemented more stringent THC limits or have opted out of hemp production altogether.

In summary, the "less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC" threshold is a crucial legal distinction that separates industrial hemp from marijuana in the United States. It determines the legality of cannabis plants and products under federal law and has played a pivotal role in the growth of the hemp industry and the availability of hemp-derived products in the market.