Anti-Drug Groups Urge Congress To Ban Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids As Debate Grows

A coalition of anti-drug, law enforcement and health groups is urging Congress to ban hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC. As reported by Marijuana Moment, a group led by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) drafted a letter to lawmakers advocating for an amendment to the 2024 Farm Bill, which would remove cannabinoids synthesized or manufactured outside of the hemp plant from the federal definition of legal hemp.

Rep. Mary Miller's Amendment

The amendment, proposed by Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) and approved by a House committee in May, seeks to “change the definition of hemp in the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, to only include naturally occurring, naturally derived and non-intoxicating cannabinoids.” The modification is supported by both prohibitionists and some marijuana businesses who see it as a necessary solution to a loophole created under the 2018 Farm Bill.

This hemp loophole created a market in which delta-8-THC products are sold outside the cannabis control systems implemented by states that legalized recreational cannabis products, using sophisticated sourcing and distribution strategies designed to evade cannabis and hemp laws and appeal to consumers.

Concerns And Support

The letter, signed by 52 groups, including D.A.R.E. America and the American Association of Addiction Psychiatry highlights the health and safety risks associated with these products. It argues that banning them is essential to close the federal loophole and protect communities.

"Research suggests that use of semi-synthetic cannabinoids is associated with acute psychiatric disorders including severe psychosis, and lung, chest, and heart disorders, as well as injuries and poisonings," the letter says.

Legislative Actions and Industry Impact

In addition to Miller's amendment, the House Appropriations Committee recently approved a spending bill that would prohibit cannabinoid products containing any quantifiable amount of THC. If enacted, these measures would redefine legal hemp, affecting many non-intoxicating CBD products.

Rep. John Rose (R-TN) supported the amendment, emphasizing the need for proper guidelines to ensure the safety of Americans. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) noted that the amendment would provide clarity for Virginia farmers. However, some Republican members, such as Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN), opposed the amendment, arguing it could harm American farmers who have invested in the hemp industry.

Industry And Economic Implications

The amendment has caused divisions within the cannabis community, with some marijuana businesses aligning with prohibitionists. The U.S. Cannabis Council (USCC) has proposed language to regulate intoxicating THC products similarly to cannabis, which some hemp advocates argue could also ban non-intoxicating CBD products.

Meanwhile, the House Agriculture Committee’s version of the Farm Bill includes provisions to reduce regulatory barriers for hemp farmers and address issues related to drug felony convictions. However, advocates are pushing for more comprehensive reforms in the Senate’s forthcoming Farm Bill draft.

At the same time, members of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, along with dozens of other trade associations, are taking action and using National CBD Day to raise awareness of “the harmful consequences of this language that continues to be used in various bills” and the potential impact that the possible 90-95% bans on hemp products being considered in Congress may have on the market as well as the population.

The hemp market, which began to recover in 2023 after significant losses, continues to face regulatory challenges. The USDA's annual industry report indicates a larger market for hemp in 2022 than all state marijuana markets, equaling national craft beer sales.