Responsibly managing hemp intoxicants: Industry call

The urgent need for regulation in the hemp industry

In the evolving landscape of the U.S. hemp industry, a critical issue has emerged: the unchecked proliferation of hemp-derived products containing intoxicating compounds like delta-8 THC. This development poses significant challenges, not only to public health but also to the integrity of the hemp industry itself. As stakeholders revisit the industry's priorities for the upcoming U.S. Farm Bill, the need for a cohesive strategy to address these intoxicating products is more pressing than ever.

Industry's oversight: The elephant in the room

The U.S. Hemp Roundtable's recent policy recommendations, while highlighting unity among trade bodies, conspicuously lack a coherent approach to the controversial issue of intoxicating hemp products. These products, which can induce a marijuana-like high, are created by altering CBD in the lab. Their widespread availability and appeal, particularly to younger demographics, have sparked lawsuits and regulatory challenges across various states.

The dual dangers of intoxicating hemp products

The proliferation of these products presents two-fold dangers. Firstly, there's a significant public health concern. Some producers market these intoxicating cannabinoids, especially delta-8, in packaging that mimics popular candy brands, attracting a younger audience. Secondly, the rise of these products threatens to undermine the efforts of hemp industry pioneers who have worked tirelessly to distinguish hemp from marijuana. The increasing visibility of intoxicating hemp products to the public and regulators risks eroding these efforts, impacting investment and development across all hemp sectors.

The industry's response: A missed opportunity

Despite the growing concerns, the collective response from the 33 groups under the U.S. Hemp Roundtable has been lackluster. There's a noticeable absence of a realistic strategy for managing these products, a gap that undermines the industry's position as a responsible entity committed to consumer safety.

Regulatory challenges and the 2018 Farm Bill

The 2018 Farm Bill, a landmark for industrial hemp, did not foresee the legalization of intoxicating products derived from hemp. While the bill allowed for hemp derivatives with a THC concentration of not more than 0.3 percent, it inadvertently opened a loophole for the creation of synthetic, intoxicating cannabinoids. This oversight has led to a semi-gray market, further complicating the regulatory landscape.

The need for clear guardrails

The delay in the 2023 Farm Bill presents an opportunity to address the regulatory void surrounding CBD and its intoxicating derivatives. Ideally, these products should be regulated similarly to marijuana, with strict manufacturing, labeling, and distribution standards. Ensuring that these products are confined to licensed dispensaries and not accessible to children is paramount.

Charting a path forward: Industry responsibility and consumer safety

Until the CBD sector demonstrates its ability to self-regulate effectively, federal and state oversight is essential to protect consumers and restore public confidence. The focus should not be on regulation as a punitive measure but as a means to establish responsible practices and standards. The current state of affairs underscores the industry's inability to self-regulate, highlighting the need for robust external oversight.

• Addressing the public health concerns posed by intoxicating hemp products
• Understanding the regulatory gaps and challenges in the hemp industry
• Emphasizing the need for responsible industry practices and consumer safety