What Is Delta-8 THC and Is It Legal in Canada?

Delta-8 THC is a cannabis compound that’s gaining popularity. But if you’re in Canada, you might be wondering: what exactly is Delta-8 THC, and is it legal here?

In this guide, we’ll break everything down in plain language. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned user, you’ll learn what Delta-8 THC is, how it compares to other cannabinoids, and where the law stands in Canada.

What Is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC (short for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis. It’s a close cousin of the better-known Delta-9 THC, the main compound that gives you a “high” when you use weed.

Even though Delta-8 and Delta-9 sound similar, they’re slightly different in how they affect your body and how strong the effects are.

Key Differences Between Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC

Delta-9 THC is the most common form of THC in cannabis. It’s known for its strong psychoactive effects.
Delta-8 THC is less potent. Many users say it gives a milder high—more relaxed and less intense.
Both are psychoactive, meaning they affect your brain. But Delta-8 is often described as smoother and easier to manage.

Where Does Delta-8 Come From?

Delta-8 THC is found in very small amounts in cannabis plants. Most Delta-8 products aren’t made by growing special strains. Instead, manufacturers usually create Delta-8 by converting CBD (a non-psychoactive cannabinoid) through a lab process.

That means a lot of Delta-8 products you see are semi-synthetic. They start with hemp-derived CBD and get chemically changed into Delta-8.

This process matters when it comes to the law—which we’ll cover shortly.

How Does Delta-8 THC Make You Feel?

Everyone reacts differently to cannabinoids, but many people describe Delta-8 THC as:

Calm or relaxed
Mildly euphoric
Clear-headed
Less anxious compared to Delta-9 THC

For some, it feels like a more “functional” high. For others, it can still be too much—especially in high doses. Just like with regular THC, start low and go slow.

Is Delta-8 THC Safe?

We don’t have as much research on Delta-8 as we do on other cannabinoids like CBD or Delta-9 THC. That’s because Delta-8 has only recently become popular.

Some things to keep in mind:

Delta-8 is still THC, so it may cause side effects like dry mouth, red eyes, or anxiety—especially in large amounts.
The way Delta-8 is made matters. If the process isn’t done properly, the final product could contain harmful chemicals or contaminants.
Health Canada hasn’t approved Delta-8 products as safe or effective for any condition.

If you’re using any THC product, make sure it comes from a trusted source. Always check for lab results if available.

How Is Delta-8 THC Different from CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is another well-known cannabinoid, but it doesn’t make you feel high. People often use CBD for stress, pain, or sleep without any buzz.

Here’s how they compare:

Compound	Gets You High?	Common Uses
Delta-8	Yes (mild)	Relaxation, mild euphoria
Delta-9	Yes (strong)	Recreational or medical use
CBD	No	Anxiety, pain, sleep, wellness

Delta-8 is sometimes seen as a middle ground between CBD and Delta-9 THC.

Is Weed Legal in Canada?

Yes, cannabis is legal in Canada.

In 2018, Canada became the second country in the world to fully legalize cannabis for both medical and recreational use.

Here’s what’s allowed:

You can possess up to 30 grams of legal dried cannabis (or the equivalent in other forms).
You can buy weed from government-approved stores or licensed online dispensaries.
You can grow up to 4 plants per household (in most provinces).

So if Delta-8 is a type of THC, does that mean it’s legal in Canada too?

Not exactly.

Is Delta-8 THC Legal in Canada?

As of now, Delta-8 THC is not legal in Canada—at least not in the way you might see it sold online from U.S. vendors.

Here’s why:

All THC products are regulated by Health Canada. That includes Delta-9, Delta-8, and other types of THC.
Delta-8 THC made through chemical conversion of CBD (which is how most Delta-8 is produced) is considered a controlled substance unless made by a licensed cannabis processor.
You can’t legally import, sell, or possess Delta-8 THC products that haven’t been approved by Health Canada.

So, What’s the Deal?

You won’t find legal Delta-8 THC products sold in Canadian dispensaries—at least not under current laws.
Some online stores based in the U.S. ship Delta-8 to Canadian addresses, but doing so is not legal or safe. Customs may seize the package, and there may be legal risks.

What About Other Cannabinoids?

Canada’s laws apply to all cannabinoids that have psychoactive effects, including:

Delta-9 THC – fully legal if sold by licensed dispensaries
Delta-8 THC – not permitted under current regulations
Delta-10 THC – also not legal in Canada
THC-O and HHC – synthetic cannabinoids that are not approved for sale

On the other hand, CBD (with less than 0.3% THC) is legal in Canada when sold by licensed producers.

Always double-check the source of your cannabinoids, especially if buying online.

Why Is Delta-8 THC Legal in the U.S. but Not Canada?

In the U.S., the 2018 Farm Bill created a gray area. It allowed hemp and hemp-derived compounds like CBD to be legal—so some producers started making Delta-8 THC from hemp-derived CBD.

Some U.S. states have banned Delta-8, but others still allow it.

In Canada, the rules are different:

Canada’s Cannabis Act covers all forms of THC.
Even if a compound comes from hemp, if it causes a high, it’s treated like any other THC product.
Only licensed producers can sell or make these products.

So, Delta-8 might be legal in some U.S. states, but in Canada, it’s not allowed unless sold by an approved cannabis retailer.

Can You Buy Delta-8 THC in Canada?

Right now, you can’t legally buy Delta-8 THC in Canada.

If you see it sold online to Canadian customers, it’s likely being imported illegally or mislabeled. Always be cautious with products that:

Don’t show lab testing
Claim to ship Delta-8 THC from outside Canada
Are not listed on official cannabis store websites

If you’re looking for legal alternatives, stick to Delta-9 THC products or CBD from licensed dispensaries like Get Kush.

Should You Use Delta-8 THC?

If you’re in Canada, using Delta-8 THC isn’t recommended—because it’s not legal.

But if you’re interested in its effects, here are some legal alternatives:

Low-dose THC edibles – available at licensed dispensaries and can offer milder effects
Balanced THC:CBD products – less intense than pure THC
CBD with minor cannabinoids – such as CBG or CBN, for gentle wellness effects

Summary: What You Need to Know About Delta-8 THC in Canada

Here’s a quick summary of the most important points:

Delta-8 THC is a less potent form of THC with mild psychoactive effects.
It’s made by converting CBD, usually through chemical processes.
In Canada, Delta-8 is not legal unless produced and sold by licensed cannabis companies.
Only Delta-9 THC and CBD products sold through licensed retailers are legal.
Avoid buying Delta-8 from unregulated or U.S.-based websites.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s cannabis laws are clear: all THC products, including Delta-8, must be regulated and sold by licensed providers. That means if you want to stay on the right side of the law, stick to legal sources like Get Kush.

Whether you’re exploring cannabinoids for relaxation, wellness, or fun, you’ve got lots of legal options to choose from. Always check your labels, understand what you’re taking, and shop from trusted dispensaries.

Want to Explore Legal THC in Canada?

At Get Kush, we offer a wide range of legal cannabis products—including THC edibles, marijuana flower, cannabis concentrates, and CBD oils—from licensed Canadian producers.

Browse our collection today and find the right product for your needs. All products are lab-tested, safe, and shipped discreetly across Canada.

REFERENCES:

Department of Justice. Cannabis Act (2018). Available at: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-24.5/

Elizabeth H., BSc, MSc, MA, PhD. Medically reviewed Daniel B. B., MD. (2022, July 25). How Delta-8 THC Works, and Why Experts Are Worried About It. The New York Times. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/01/well/mind/delta-8-thc-marijuana.html