A bipartisan coalition of 39 attorneys general from 37 states and two U.S. territories is urging Congress to rein in what they call a dangerous and unregulated industry of “intoxicating” hemp-derived THC products.
In a letter sent October 24 to key House and Senate committee leaders, the group asked lawmakers to close a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that they say has allowed the proliferation of potent, synthetic cannabinoids like delta-8 and THC-O. The attorneys general warned that such products are often more intoxicating than marijuana and are being sold without age restrictions or safety standards in gas stations, convenience stores and online — frequently in packaging designed to attract children.
The letter was led by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, along with Indiana’s Todd Rokita, Connecticut’s William Tong and Minnesota’s Keith Ellison. It was addressed to the chairs of the Appropriations and Agriculture committees, including Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), and Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA).
“Since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived THC products—often more potent than marijuana—have flooded the market due to a misinterpretation of the bill’s language,” Griffin said in a statement. “These synthetic cannabinoids are being marketed to minors and pose serious risks to public health.”
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, but lawmakers and regulators have struggled to address a booming market for chemically modified cannabinoids derived from hemp’s CBD. Critics argue the law’s definition of hemp unintentionally created a gray area that companies have exploited.
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who originally championed hemp legalization, has since said he never intended to permit the sale of intoxicating lab-made compounds. A previous Senate spending bill included language to ban such products, but it was later stripped following objections from Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), a pro-hemp advocate who favors regulation over prohibition.
The attorneys general warned that without federal clarification, “Frankenstein THC” products will continue to endanger consumers and undermine law enforcement. “Congress must act,” they wrote, “to ensure that the hemp industry reflects its original purpose — not to create a new wave of unregulated intoxicants.”
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