No More Getting High On Hemp In America? Multiple States Begin Intoxicating Hemp Crackdown
This article was originally published on Cannabis.net and appears here with permission.
The burgeoning market for hemp-derived products, particularly those that contain intoxicating compounds like Delta-8 THC, has been met with increasing scrutiny and regulation across various states in the U.S. This shift comes in response to growing concerns over public health, safety, and the integrity of hemp legislation initially aimed at promoting non-intoxicating uses of the plant. In some cases, over 90% of tested hemp products contain well over the 0.3% THC threshold to be considered hemp and not intoxicating cannabis.
An earlier article by Cannabis.net called, “America is Getting High on Hemp” pointed out the subtle differences between natural marijuana and lab-produced Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC.
As more states implement stringent regulations, the landscape of the hemp industry is poised for significant changes. This article delves into the reasons behind the regulatory crackdown, the implications for the industry, and the potential future of hemp-derived products.
The Rise Of Intoxicating Hemp Products
Hemp, a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant, was legalized federally in the United States under the 2018 Farm Bill, provided it contains no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive compound commonly associated with marijuana. This legislation was primarily aimed at promoting the agricultural and industrial use of hemp, including the production of non-intoxicating cannabinoids such as CBD (cannabidiol).
However, the market soon saw the emergence of products containing Delta-8 THC, a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in small amounts in hemp but can be synthesized from CBD through a chemical process. Delta-8 THC produces psychoactive effects similar to, but generally milder than, Delta-9 THC. The popularity of Delta-8 THC products has surged, driven by their legality under the broad language of the 2018 Farm Bill and consumer interest in an alternative to traditional marijuana.
Regulatory Concerns And Crackdowns
Despite their popularity, Delta-8 THC and other intoxicating hemp products have raised significant concerns among lawmakers, health officials, and industry stakeholders. These concerns include:
Public Health and Safety: There is limited research on the safety and long-term effects of Delta-8 THC. Reports of adverse reactions, including hallucinations, vomiting, and loss of consciousness, have prompted calls for regulation. Additionally, the unregulated production processes raise the risk of contamination with harmful chemicals.
Youth Access: The marketing and packaging of Delta-8 THC products, often …