No Dispensary? No Problem! Legal Cannabis Alternatives in Non-Legal States
If you live in a state where cannabis is still illegal, you might feel stuck.
Should you risk the black market? Wait for laws to change? Settle for something that’s almost cannabis?
Here’s the truth: Legal cannabis alternatives exist, but they’re not perfect. If you want pain relief, a mild high, or better sleep, there are options available—without breaking the law.
This blog covers:
What actually works (and what doesn’t)
How hemp-derived THC compares to dispensary weed
The best legal options for pain, sleep, and relaxation
Why legalization is still the ultimate goal
Why Some States Still Restrict Cannabis
Many states still ban cannabis due to outdated policies, political resistance, and stigma.
But the 2018 Farm Bill created a legal loophole: hemp-derived cannabinoids. If a product comes from hemp and contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight, it’s federally legal—even if it can still get you high.
That’s why CBD, Delta-8, and even hemp-derived Delta-9 are available in places where dispensary weed is illegal. But do they really compare? Let’s break it down.
The Best Legal Cannabis Alternatives (Even in Restricted States)
1. CBD – The No-High Wellness Option
Best for: Pain relief, anxiety, inflammation, and sleep.
Legal in all 50 states (some restrictions apply).
CBD has zero intoxicating effects, but it’s powerful for pain management, stress relief, and better sleep. If you’ve tried CBD and didn’t feel much, it’s likely because:
You didn’t take enough (dosing can be tricky).
You used CBD isolate instead of full-spectrum (which contains other helpful cannabinoids).
You needed a stronger entourage effect by combining it with CBG, CBN, or even hemp-derived THC.
Top Products:
Full-spectrum CBD oil (for maximum effect)
CBD gummies for relaxation and sleep
CBD topicals for joint and muscle pain
CBD works best with other cannabinoids—not alone.
2. Delta-8 THC – The “Diet Weed” Alternative
Best for: A mild high, pain relief, and stress reduction.
Legal in most states (but check your local laws).
Delta-8 is often called “weed light” because it has similar effects to Delta-9 THC but is about 50-75% as strong. Some users find it more clear-headed and functional, while others say it feels synthetic compared to full cannabis.
Compared to dispensary weed:
Pros: Milder high, less anxiety, legal in more places.
Cons: Less potent, sometimes extracted from CBD in ways that may not be fully natural.
Drug Test Warning: Even though Delta-8 is legal in many states, it will show up as THC on a drug test. Most standard tests do not differentiate between legal and illegal THC sources, so if you’re subject to drug testing, avoid it.
Top Products:
Delta-8 vape cartridges (fast-acting)
Gummies (longer-lasting, full-body relaxation)
Tinctures (great for microdosing)
Best for those who want a legal high without overwhelming effects.
3. Hemp-Derived Delta-9 THC – The “Legal Weed” Loophole
Best for: A true cannabis high without a dispensary.
Federally legal under the Farm Bill (under 0.3% THC by dry weight).
This is actual Delta-9 THC (the same THC found in dispensary weed), but because it’s extracted from hemp, it remains legally compliant. The catch?
It’s only legal in edible form, because the THC percentage is calculated by total product weight.
It takes longer to kick in (like regular edibles).
It can still get you just as high as dispensary weed—it’s just delivered differently.
Drug Test Warning: Even though this form of THC is legally compliant, it is still identical to regular THC in the body. If you take hemp-derived Delta-9, you will test positive for THC on a standard drug test.
Top Products:
Hemp-derived Delta-9 gummies
THC-infused drinks and syrups
Chocolates and baked goods
Best for those who want dispensary-level effects without needing a medical card.
4. Minor Cannabinoids – The “Whole Plant” Experience
Best for: Sleep, mood enhancement, and focus.
Legal everywhere.
Longtime cannabis users know that THC and CBD are only part of the equation. Minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and CBC add depth to the experience.
CBG (Cannabigerol): Helps with focus, energy, and inflammation.
CBN (Cannabinol): A sedative cannabinoid that improves sleep.
CBC (Cannabichromene): May boost mood and support brain function.
These cannabinoids don’t get you high, but they work synergistically with THC and CBD to enhance effects.
Top Products:
CBN sleep gummies
CBG tinctures for energy and focus
CBC-infused vapes for mood enhancement
Best for those who want a full-spectrum experience without psychoactive effects.
Where to Buy Safe, Lab-Tested Products
Since these products aren’t well-regulated, low-quality and unsafe versions are everywhere. To ensure you’re getting pure, effective, and third-party tested cannabis alternatives, we recommend Sunmed and Your CBD Store.
Why Choose Sunmed & Your CBD Store?
Founded in 2018 by Rachael Quinn, Your CBD Store started as a personal journey to better health. After experiencing the life-changing effects of CBD, Rachael made it her mission to share safe, high-quality, and scientifically tested products with others.
Quality & Transparency: Every product is third-party tested for purity and potency.
Award-Winning Formulas: Backed by research and real customer success stories.
Personalized In-Store Experience: Visit a local Your CBD Store to sample products and get expert guidance.
Ready to try trusted, lab-tested cannabis alternatives?
Shop now at GetSunmed.com or visit a Your CBD Store near you.
Final Thoughts: Legal Loopholes Are Not Enough—We Need Full Legalization
Hemp-derived THC is a temporary solution for people in restrictive states, but it’s not the end goal. Full cannabis legalization means:
Access to natural, whole-plant medicine without loopholes.
Better regulation and safety standards for all cannabis products.
Expungement of criminal records for past cannabis convictions.
If you support full legalization, get involved:
Vote for pro-cannabis candidates in your state.
Support organizations pushing for cannabis reform.
Share this post to spread awareness about legal options.
Have you tried any of these alternatives? Let us know in the comments.