26% Of Hemp Delta-9 THC Products Are Actually Made From Marijuana, New Study Suggests

Three-quarters of hemp delta-9 THC products cannot be legally sold as hemp in states such as Colorado and Massachusetts, according to a new study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, commissioned by cannabis consumer research company CBD Oracle. The study states that “While it is not possible to determine the source of the ∆9 THC with absolute certainty, there are several indicators that strongly suggest one of three sources: the ∆9 THC naturally produced by a hemp plant, ∆9 THC sourced from a cannabis plant and ∆9 THC resulting from a conversion from CBD”. The research shows that 49% of products included delta-9 THC produced by chemically modifying CBD and another 26% used delta-9 sourced from federally-illegal marijuana.

The study, conducted by CBD Oracle and InfiniteCAL Labs, analyzed 53 hemp delta-9 THC products. The results showed that while only 2 products exceeded the 0.3% legal limit for delta-9, 66% differed from their stated dosage by more than 10%, and 75% were not tested for impurities by their manufacturer.

Through a new analytical strategy proposed by the paper, they conclude that three-quarters of hemp delta-9 products did not use THC naturally produced by the hemp plant. The lab analysis showed that 49% of products used the same type of reaction banned in states such as Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts and North Dakota to produce their delta-9 THC, and another 26% illegally sourced it from marijuana plants. This means, in some states, over 75% of hemp delta-9 products are actually illegal.

The paper calls on governments to establish maximum THC doses per serving for hemp, establish age limits and mandate lab testing to ensure the safety of consumer hemp products.

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