Why are US laws tightening around marijuana's legal cousin?

The U.S. government's review of hemp-derived products like Delta-8 THC has sparked debate about the legal future of hemp. Hemp advocates argue for its safety while regulators worry about possible abuses.

The U.S. government's recent scrutiny of hemp, marijuana's legal cousin, has sparked a growing debate about its role in the cannabis industry. Hemp and marijuana come from the same type of cannabis plant, but hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the marijuana high. This important distinction allows hemp products, including CBD and industrial uses, to remain legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, the rise of intoxicating cannabinoids from hemp such as Delta-8 THC has brought hemp back into the focus of regulators.

Federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have expressed concerns that these new hemp-derived products may circumvent federal marijuana laws. Hemp-based Delta-8 THC is particularly controversial because it mimics the psychoactive effects of Delta-9 THC, the compound found in marijuana. This has led to what some are calling “hemp madness,” as regulators attempt to crack down on these products while maintaining a legal distinction between hemp and marijuana.

The government's growing attention to hemp is having far-reaching implications for the cannabis industry. On the one hand, the multi-billion dollar hemp market faces potential constraints that could limit its growth and innovation. On the other hand, advocates argue that these products represent a legal and safer alternative to marijuana, especially in states where marijuana remains illegal.

As the federal government intensifies its testing of hemp products, the future of the industry appears uncertain. While hemp products currently operate in a legal gray area, it remains to be seen whether future regulations will strengthen or restrict the market.