The lightly regulated Delta-8 THC market was in the spotlight again on Wednesday as the U.S. Hemp Authority (USHA), a private effort, announced the industry’s initiative to provide high standards, best practices and self-regulation.
Due to specific wording in the 2018 Farm Bill, Delta-8 THC is federally legal. Despite its legality at the federal level, several states have banned Delta-8, citing it as a dangerous substance, with high circulation among US states where recreational cannabis is still illegal.
“Misguided policymakers have led efforts to ban these products, moving the industry back into the dark days of prohibition,” states the USHA in a press release, noting that some politicians have called for the criminalization of all hemp products, even those that are nonintoxicating like CBD.
“Such action would devastate the hemp industry, U.S. farmers, and small businesses that sell these products—not to mention deny millions of consumers access to popular health and wellness alternatives.”
A Different Approach
Hemp industry advocates challenge that view and stress the need for “secure federal regulation to protect health and safety and ensure that potentially impairing products are kept away from children.” USHA, which seeks to certify hemp and CBD non-intoxicating products, argues that it is not Delta-8 per se, but the lack of quality control in an unregulated market.
To overcome the legal and public health hurdles faced by Delta-8 and other THC-based producers, USHA authorities propose a certification for non-intoxicating products, emphasizing good manufacturing practices, truth in labeling and additional compliance points to enhance safety. The aim is also to ensure that products capable of impairment are kept away from children and comply with FDA regulations. This certification will conclude with a USHA’s Adult Use seal, applicable to both Delta-8 and Delta-9 products.
What Is Delta-8?
Delta-8 is a synthetic compound derived from Cannabis Sativa L. plant with little total THC natural content, otherwise known as hemp. While cannabis naturally has high levels of Delta-9 THC and scant amounts of Delta-8 THC, hemp possesses less than 0.3% of total THC and also very little Delta-8, which is why every Delta-8-based product is a result of a lab extraction.
Due to specific wording in the 2018 Farm Bill, Delta-8 THC is federally legal (while “normal” THC is not). Despite its legality at the federal level, several states have banned Delta-8, citing it as a dangerous substance, with high circulation among US states where recreational cannabis is still illegal.
Related news: GOP Gov Mike DeWine Wants To Ban Public Cannabis Smoking, Sale Of Delta-8 ‘Intoxicating Hemp’
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