Is Delta-9 Legal In Pittsburgh, PA?

The fight to legalize cannabis has a complex history in the United States. The substance has been demonstrated to save lives, as legalization and access are connected to significant reductions in deaths due to opioid and substance use—including fatal accidents caused by driving under the influence. 

Yet, despite its benefits, cannabis isn’t completely legal in every city and state. Moreover, different products derived from the cannabis plant, including distinct extracts and cannabinoid compounds, hold different legal statuses. 

With this resource, we at Hippie & French hope to offer a useful tool to help others in Pittsburgh make wise, legal choices when considering cannabis products—including Delta-9 THC.

Delta-9 Overview: What Is It, and How Does It Work?

Delta-9 (Δ9) is a naturally occurring compound in cannabis and hemp plants. Specifically, it’s a type of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

What Is THC?

THC is a cannabinoid known to produce “psychoactive” effects, which can include altering one’s state of consciousness, mood, sensory activity, and thought. 

THC is sometimes used to alleviate pain, reduce nausea, increase appetite, and cultivate mood. However, as the compound reacts with an individual’s unique, internal cannabinoid system to cause effects, the results of consumption vary depending on the dose and the person. 

For some, it can also cause negative effects, including panic attacks. 

THC Vs. CBD

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is another naturally occurring cannabinoid.

 Like THC, CBD has a range of beneficial properties. Unlike THC, CBD isn’t psychoactive. Some people prefer consumables which balance both types of compounds, to receive the benefits of the pair together. 

Types of THC

In addition to Delta-9, farmers and developers can cultivate other forms of tetrahydrocannabinol. 

While all types of THC are considered psychoactive, their different molecular structures mean their effects on humans are distinct from one another. Types include:

  • Delta-8
  • Delta-9
  • Delta-10
  • THCA
  • THCV
  • THC-O

Delta-9 THC is the most widely utilized version in products today. 

Laws Regulating Delta-9: Which Limits, Licenses, and Prohibitions Apply? 

All laws that regulate either THC specifically, or the plants it’s derived from, apply to Delta-9. 

Is It Legal To Grow or Process Hemp or Cannabis?

Growing and processing cannabis plants is only legal under specific, tightly limited circumstances, both in the state of Pennsylvania and in the United States more generally. 

Outside of those circumstances, growing the plants necessary for deriving Delta-9 THC is not legal. 

2018 Farm Bill Sets Federal Cannabis Regulations In The United States 

Growing hemp and cannabis has been legal for specifically licensed medical marijuana farmers in the United States, since 2018. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production. However, to cultivate the plant legally, farmers need:

  • USDA-issued hemp cultivation licenses
  • USDA-issued hemp processing licenses
  • Registration with the local farm service agency (FSA), maintained through regular submissions of acreage reports

Moreover, the cultivated plants are limited to containing a “delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.” 

Cannabis Growing and THC Processing Regulations In Pennsylvania 

It is not legal to grow or process cannabis in Pennsylvania without a license. As of 2024, there are 32 legally licensed medical cannabis farmers in the state, and 181 legally licensed, operating dispensaries. 

Legal Status of Cannabis Farming and Delta-9 THC Processing In Pittsburgh 

Zoning laws regulate where licensed medical marijuana growers and processors can set up shop in the city of Pittsburgh, PA. The laws also cap the number of licensed growers and processors allowed to operate in a given radius. The Pennsylvania Department of Health offers resources to learn more about these laws and the operations licensing application process. 

Selling Delta-9 THC Products: Pittsburgh, PA Laws and Regulations

It is only legal to sell Delta-9 THC products in Pittsburgh, PA, through a licensed medical cannabis dispensary that abides by zoning laws. This requires obtaining a dispensary permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Is Medical Marijuana, Including Delta-9 THC Products, Legal In Pittsburgh, PA?

It is only legal to purchase and use Delta-9 THC products in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, if you have:

  • A verified patient ID, registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Health
  • A qualifying medical condition (certified by a registered physician)
  • A valid medical marijuana card, issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health

The minimum legal age to obtain a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania is 18. 

Note that, once you’ve obtained these validation forms, you do not need a specific prescription to legally buy THC products. 

Is It Legal To Use Delta-9 THC Products Recreationally in Pittsburgh, PA, Without a Medical Certification? 

No. It is not legal to possess or consume Delta-9 THC products for recreational or non-medical reasons in Pittsburgh, PA. 

It is only legal to use Delta-9 with qualifying conditions and valid licenses. 

Pittsburgh City Council Decriminalized Recreational Cannabis Use In 2015

While recreational THC use is not yet legal in Pittsburgh, PA, it is also no longer a criminal offense to consume it. In 2015, the Pittsburgh City Council voted to decriminalize non-commercial (personal) cannabis use and possession. If an adult possesses 30 grams or fewer of cannabis, they will not be charged with a crime. However, they may be charged with a fine of up to $25. 

What Other Laws Regulate Delta-9 THC Use In Pittsburgh, PA?

Recreational Delta-9 consumption is always illegal in Pittsburgh, PA However, even valid medical marijuana card-holders must abide by laws regulating where, how, and when to use cannabis products.

It is not legal to drive, nor operate certain types of machinery, under the influence of cannabis compounds. Currently, there is no amount of cannabis compounds a person is allowed to have in their bloodstream when driving. Even trace amounts can be enough to charge a person with driving under the influence. 

It is likewise illegal to sell or process any cannabis product without a license, including paraphernalia.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Hippie & French: Safe, Legal, Medical-Grade Delta-9 

If you’re seeking the healing potential of Delta-9 THC—or any other cannabis product—why not talk to our experts? We’ll work with you to determine which CBD, CBN, or THC product meets your needs. 

Visit us seven days a week in our shop at 5122 Butler St. Pittsburgh, PA 15201. Or, call us at (412) 407-9287.