A Proposed Federal THC Ban Would Wipe Out Hemp Products That Get People High
The US government's proposed spending bill, which could end a contentious shutdown, includes a provision that would effectively destroy the hemp extracts industry by banning intoxicating hemp-based THC products. The measure, tucked away in the billions-of-dollars funding package, targets online sales and availability of delta-8 and other cannabis-derived substances.
As delta-8 has become increasingly popular among consumers for its psychoactive effects, lawmakers have sought to regulate it. Delta-8 is a psychoactive compound found in hemp plants that is similar to THC, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, but with fewer side effects. While delta-9 THC remains federally illegal, delta-8 products have gained traction due to their lower potency.
The proposed ban aims to preserve non-intoxicating CBD and industrial hemp products, according to a Senate Appropriations Committee summary of the legislation. However, this provision has been met with criticism from industry experts and farmers, who argue that it would devastate the industry and harm hemp farmers who rely on the sale of these products.
In Kentucky, which is one of the largest producers of hemp in the US, dozens of farmers recently sent a letter to Senator Mitch McConnell, urging him to reconsider the ban. They warned that an immediate ban would result in "immediate and catastrophic consequences," including economic losses and hardship for thousands of families.
The proposed ban has sparked debate among lawmakers, who are divided on the need for regulation versus industry disruption. While some argue that stricter regulations can help mitigate public health concerns and ensure consumer safety, others contend that the current provisions already offer sufficient oversight.
"This will ultimately devastate the industry and devastate hemp farmers as well," said attorney Jonathan Miller, adding that a ban would "wipe out" 95 percent of hemp ingestibles. "Your readers who take CBD or take beverages or gummies really need to contact their members of Congress to let them know that we need to make sure that something's done before this takes effect."
The proposal has been met with resistance from industry stakeholders and advocates, who argue that a blanket ban on delta-8 products is too broad and will only serve to push the sale of these products underground. They point out that many states have already established regulatory frameworks for hemp-derived cannabinoids.
As lawmakers navigate the complex issue, it remains unclear whether the proposed spending bill will pass with the THC provision intact. However, one thing is certain: the fate of the hemp extracts industry hangs in the balance, and its future will have significant implications for American farmers, businesses, and consumers alike.
The US government's proposed spending bill, which could end a contentious shutdown, includes a provision that would effectively destroy the hemp extracts industry by banning intoxicating hemp-based THC products. The measure, tucked away in the billions-of-dollars funding package, targets online sales and availability of delta-8 and other cannabis-derived substances.
As delta-8 has become increasingly popular among consumers for its psychoactive effects, lawmakers have sought to regulate it. Delta-8 is a psychoactive compound found in hemp plants that is similar to THC, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, but with fewer side effects. While delta-9 THC remains federally illegal, delta-8 products have gained traction due to their lower potency.
The proposed ban aims to preserve non-intoxicating CBD and industrial hemp products, according to a Senate Appropriations Committee summary of the legislation. However, this provision has been met with criticism from industry experts and farmers, who argue that it would devastate the industry and harm hemp farmers who rely on the sale of these products.
In Kentucky, which is one of the largest producers of hemp in the US, dozens of farmers recently sent a letter to Senator Mitch McConnell, urging him to reconsider the ban. They warned that an immediate ban would result in "immediate and catastrophic consequences," including economic losses and hardship for thousands of families.
The proposed ban has sparked debate among lawmakers, who are divided on the need for regulation versus industry disruption. While some argue that stricter regulations can help mitigate public health concerns and ensure consumer safety, others contend that the current provisions already offer sufficient oversight.
"This will ultimately devastate the industry and devastate hemp farmers as well," said attorney Jonathan Miller, adding that a ban would "wipe out" 95 percent of hemp ingestibles. "Your readers who take CBD or take beverages or gummies really need to contact their members of Congress to let them know that we need to make sure that something's done before this takes effect."
The proposal has been met with resistance from industry stakeholders and advocates, who argue that a blanket ban on delta-8 products is too broad and will only serve to push the sale of these products underground. They point out that many states have already established regulatory frameworks for hemp-derived cannabinoids.
As lawmakers navigate the complex issue, it remains unclear whether the proposed spending bill will pass with the THC provision intact. However, one thing is certain: the fate of the hemp extracts industry hangs in the balance, and its future will have significant implications for American farmers, businesses, and consumers alike.
this ban sounds like a total overreaction to me... like, delta-8 isn't even as potent as THC and it's not like people are gonna get high on it all day 
meanwhile the CBD industry is still good to go and no one's touching that 
hemp farmers rely on the sale of these products to make a living, so banning them would be super hurtful to these families 
and honestly I think the government should focus on regulating the actual THC stuff instead of trying to wipe out an entire industry for "public health concerns" 
newsflash: we've had booze and tobacco for way longer than delta-8 and our society is still standing...
- they're literally gonna wipe out an entire industry because some lawmakers are worried about people getting high lol who cares about that? 
newsflash: if you don't want to get high, don't buy delta 8 
. this whole thing is so over the top
the government is considering a federal ban on THC products that get people high 
it's like they're regulating everything down to nothing . delta-8 has become super popular and now they wanna just wipe out the industry because of some psychoactive compound found in hemp plants . meanwhile, CBD products are still good to go 
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. This blanket ban on delta-8 products just feels like overkill 
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. And what about all the people who actually need delta-8 for medicinal reasons? Are they just gonna be stuck without access to stuff that might help them out? I don't think so...
and the fact that lawmakers are so divided on this is just wild 
they should at least have a discussion before passing this stuff. i mean what's the real goal here, to help consumers or to line some pockets with cash? 
! I mean, delta-8 products are literally super popular now and lawmakers want to just shut them down? That's crazy talk 
. The gov't needs to be more chill and regulate these things in a way that makes sense, not just throw the baby out with the bathwater 
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I gotta say, this delta-8 ban thing is a major mistake 
. And what about all those farmers who rely on hemp sales to make ends meet? They're gonna get crushed 
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. This blanket ban is just too broad and it'll have some serious consequences for American farmers, businesses, and consumers alike 
This ban on THC products would be a total disaster for the hemp industry 
It's about time we had some discussion on the hemp industry and its potential, not just demonization 
. what about all those farmers in kentucky who are struggling to make ends meet? do we really wanna add another layer of complexity and regulation to an industry that's already trying to stay afloat? 
!
), I think it's wild that lawmakers are considering regulating something that's actually helping people. Hemp-derived products have been gaining traction for a reason - they're safer and more effective than traditional meds or substances.
. And what about all the legit businesses that are already selling these products online? It's like, can't we just find a middle ground here instead of wiping out an entire industry 
. And what about all the people who rely on hemp-derived products for medical reasons? It's like, we're gonna take away their options without even giving them an alternative 
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. Who else is with me on this one? 
. And for what? So they can say "we're doing something" about it? Please, they're just making it worse