Virginia Cannabis Association Opposes Hemp-Derived Synthetic Products Bill, Appeal To Gov. Youngkin

The Virginia Cannabis Association asked Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) to consider changes in a pair of bills that recently received approval from the General Assembly.

In a letter to Youngkin, the association wrote that the measure, which set regulations on hemp-derived synthetic products containing THC, “would have the unintended result of eliminating the thriving Virginia hemp industry."

Citing Whitney Economics's analysis, which found hemp-derived cannabinoid retailers have an estimated combined sales of $1.2 billion and the industry employs about 4,300 people, the group said THC products would also eliminate this entire industry along with the associated jobs and revenue.

Under Bill HB2294 and SB 903, businesses selling “an industrial hemp extract or food containing an industrial hemp extract must get a permit to do so and the products they sell can’t contain more than 0.3% THC or have more than two milligrams of THC per package," reported a local news media outlet.

Although the legislation establishes rules on labeling and packaging of products, it would expand the unregulated market and " create serious public safety and public health problem across the entire Commonwealth," the association said, pointing out that the Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services is unprepared to provide guidance, which could harm businesses.

According to the letter, "the definition of THC in the bills is very poorly written and includes all isomers of THC. This includes CBD which is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid."

They underscored that people mostly use CBD products for pain relief as an alternative to opioids or THC related-products. “The 2mg THC limit is arbitrary, unconnected to any of the concerns you have raised, and would needlessly eliminate the vast majority of non-intoxicating CBD products from the market.”

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