Connect with us

Cannabis News

America Has a Billion Dollar THCA Dilemma

Published

on


THCA meets legal definition of hemp, operators say – but not everyone agrees

 

America is getting high on hemp and people are starting to take notice!

 

Congress members may have unwittingly legalized marijuana, unbeknownst to themselves or customers. This does not include derivatives such as delta-8 THC or hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), which are made from CBD oil taken from federally authorized hemp plants and subsequently converted into psychotropic substances. Despite many states prohibiting hemp-derived THC, these cannabinoids remain federally legal due to a 2018 U.S. Farm Bill loophole.

 

However, the focus here is on licensed, state-compliant intoxicating cannabis transformed into consumer goods and marketed under the guise of THCA. THCA, a naturally occurring cannabinoid, is nonintoxicating but converts to psychoactive THC when heated, serving as a precursor. Marketed as THCA flower, these products supposedly adhere to the Farm Bill’s 0.3% delta-9 THC limit, thus meeting federal hemp standards.

 

Estimation of THCA Hemp Revenue

 

In 2023, THCA sales constituted 7.3% of the approximately $2.8 billion market for hemp-derived cannabinoid products, as reported by the Brightfield Group, a cannabis market data company based in Chicago. This amounted to roughly $200 million in revenue. THCA sales ranked third, trailing behind delta-8 sales (44.2% market share) and hemp-derived delta-9 sales (20.3% market share).

 

Ecommerce giant Amazon is selling hemp that gets you high and does not even know it as secondary sellers are using the platform to sell intoxicating “hemp gummies and vape pens”

 

Unlike delta-8 THC and other intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids produced through chemical processes and exploiting legal loopholes, THCA sellers rely on strategic testing timing and possibly selective, even ambiguous, labeling and marketing.

 

Madeline Scanlon, cannabis insights manager at Brightfield Group, noted, “There is a prevailing sense of inevitability around THCA. Some perceive it as a de facto legalization of cannabis in America. Others see it as a loophole to be closed and are actively advocating against it. Regardless, it’s already in circulation, available for purchase much like traditional cannabis.”

 

One notable business, The Dispensary, operates 13 stores across North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, selling THCA flowers alongside products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC.

 

CEO William Nething, a U.S. Army veteran, expressed concerns about legal risks but emphasized the availability of federally compliant genetics within the THCA market.

 

While The Dispensary’s four Virginia stores ceased sales of hemp-derived cannabinoids following a state ban in July, they continue to receive THCA flower and cannabinoid products from their Wisconsin base. In Virginia, customers interested in these products must visit the online store based in Wisconsin to check inventory and make purchases. Orders can be picked up shortly afterward at the Virginia location.

 

Nething clarified, “We cannot operate in every state due to regulations. However, since our products comply with federal standards, we are permitted to ship them.”

 

Legal Uncertainty Surrounding THCA

 

A number of factors, including plant degradation, testing time and procedure, and regulatory interpretation determines the THCA flower’s legality. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) demands testing for “total THC,” which comprises both THC and THCA, within 30 days before harvest.

 

However, post-packaging or retail-level testing is not required by the USDA, according to Heidi Urness, co-chair of the cannabis practice group at the McGlinchey Stafford law firm in Seattle. As long as the pre-combustion delta-9 THC levels remain below the federal threshold of 0.3%, the product is considered federally legal hemp.

 

Under these USDA guidelines, retailers in states without established marijuana markets, such as North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin, can legally sell flower as compliant hemp, despite the fact that high levels of THCA may convert to THC upon combustion.

 

Urness clarified the legal standpoint, stating, “When it comes to retail sales, the question of legality sparks academic debates. Some, like myself, argue that it is permissible under federal law because we are confined to the definition of delta-9 THC. THCA does not fall under this category.”

 

However, these same USDA regulations largely prohibit the cultivation of cannabis if its total THC level exceeds the 0.3% hemp threshold. Total THC is calculated as follows:

 

% delta-9 THC + (% THCA x 0.877)

 

For instance, if a plant contains 0.1% THC and 10% THCA, its total THC would be 8.8%, consisting of 8.7% THCA and 0.1% THC.

 

THCA Testing Strategies?

 

Numerous cultivators claim to successfully cultivate high-THCA flower by selecting strains that delay THCA expression until late in the USDA’s 30-day testing window, and then conducting tests early within that timeframe.

 

According to Urness, “You can manipulate a plant to suppress THCA during production but trigger its expression once it reaches retailers. At the retail stage, THCA is acceptable.”

 

Plant scientist Av Singh supported this assertion, citing studies indicating that THC concentration tends to rise later in the flowering phase. Consequently, businesses aiming to sell federally compliant THCA flower prefer to test their crops as early as possible before harvest.

 

However, some companies, like Power Biopharms based in Euless, Texas, opt out of growing their own THCA flower due to the difficulty of finding strains that meet regulatory requirements. CEO Colt Power explained, “Although it’s theoretically possible, we haven’t identified suitable strains from the approved list or refined our practices for compliance.”

 

He elaborated, “In Texas, hemp flower must contain total THC (including estimated additional delta-9 THC upon decarboxylation) below 0.3% at the cultivation stage. However, at the retail level, only delta-9 THC below 0.3% matters, with THCA disregarded.”

 

Despite not growing compliant THCA flower, Power Biopharms sources it from out-of-state cultivators and sells it both locally and online, shipping nationwide. Power emphasized the importance of thorough third-party lab testing to ensure compliance.

 

THCA flower is delivered to Power Biopharms’ Texas warehouse by cultivators, where it’s branded, packaged, and distributed. Kim Flores, the company’s business development manager, highlighted the nationwide demand for their products.

 

Bottom Line

 

The legal status of THCA in the cannabis market remains contentious, with regulatory interpretation and testing complexities posing significant challenges. While THCA offers promising opportunities, stakeholders must navigate uncertain terrain to ensure compliance and market viability. Clarity and consistency in regulations are essential to foster a thriving industry. Despite these uncertainties, the increasing demand for THCA products underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and regulatory refinement. By addressing legal ambiguities and implementing clear guidelines, policymakers can support responsible innovation while ensuring consumer safety and market integrity. Moving forward, collaborative efforts are crucial to establish a transparent framework that balances industry growth with regulatory compliance in the evolving landscape of the cannabis sector.

 

HIGH ON HEMP, AND ITS ALL LEGAL, READ ON…

HIGH ON HEMP IN AMERICA

AMERICA IS GETTING HIGH ON HEMP – HOW IT ALL IS LEGAL, TOO!



Source link

Cannabis News

The Dangers and Effects of THC Vape in UK

Published

on

By


cbd oil vape king UK

People in the UK increasingly realize that CBD vaping is quite safe. Even NHS recommends CBD vaping as one of the relatively safer ways to quit smoking. Vaping is not without any harm, but it is much safer than tobacco smoking. Even more, CBD vaping is associated with some good health effects. However, now people are realizing that THC vape pens could be an even more potent way of enjoying CBD’s health benefits.

What is THC Vape?

If readers noticed that in the introduction of this text, we talked about CBD, there is a reason for that. THC vaping is different from CBD vaping, but not entirely. It has much in common with it.

The hemp plant is rich in many cannabinoids. Two major cannabinoids are THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol). It also has many minor cannabinoids in smaller amounts, like CBG, CBC, CBN, THCV and CBDV. CBD vape pens generally have all these compounds except THC.

However, THC vape differ in the way that they also contain small amounts of THC along with CBD, minor cannabinoids, and other beneficial organic compounds like terpenes for added flavour and enhanced vaping experience.

So, why do some of the vape pens have added THC in small amounts? After all, THC is known to be addictive and has mind-altering properties. Well, the explanation is simple: the secret is in the dosage. In smaller and legally permitted dosages, THC does not cause a high; it is safe and can have many health benefits.

When small amounts of THC are added to CBD, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes, it results in much more powerful health benefits. That is why some of the CBD-based clinically approved drugs also contain THC.

THC vape pens may also have some distinct benefits not experienced with CBD vape pens. This is due to “the entourage effect.” The entourage effect is a bit different from synergy. Synergy is like two-plus-two equal to five, meaning that using some compounds together results in a more potent effect, yet safety is not compromised. However, the entourage effect means combining two compounds may result in some unique health benefits not seen when those compounds are used in isolation. So, the entourage effect is more powerful and unique than synergy.

Therefore, using THC vape pens means some unique health benefits, although these vape pens contain THC in small amounts.

THC Vape: The Dangers

It is no secret that THC is the main compound responsible for all side effects of the cannabis plant. This substance is addictive and, at higher dosages, causes euphoria, has potent mind-altering properties, and may cause hallucinations.

However, there is one important thing to understand. All these effects of THC are seen at much higher dosages than those in legally produced THC vape pens.

Legally produced/sold vape pens in the UK, like those by CBDoilking, do not contain THC more than 0.2%. This is significantly lower than cannabis indica or marijuana, which may contain 25% or even more THC. So, there is no comparison between legal THC vape pens and marijuana. At these small dosages, THC does not cause euphoria or other side effects and has no addictive properties. It only has mild stress-relief properties at these dosages.

Secondly, THC vape pens sold by CBDoilking follow other important UK guidelines and legal requirements, which means that THC vape pens cannot contain more than 1 mg of THC. Hence, it is not just about low concentration but also about low amounts, thus ensuring its safety.

Safe and Potent THC vape pens

THC vape pens are for health-conscious individuals who would like to vape on a regular basis. It is safe and may have beneficial effects like reduced anxiety, improved mood, and enhanced sleep, and it may also help reduce pain sensation.

THC vape pen is even better than your regular CBD vape pen for quitting smoking. This is because it is better at reducing tobacco cravings.

CBDoilking sells one of the strongest THC vape pens in the market (75-80% CBD plus CBG along with THC in permitted amounts), and yet all pens sold on the platform follow strict legal guidelines. All the products undergo third-party testing and are proven to contain THC, CBD, and other minor cannabinoids within legally permitted and safe limits.

Another good thing about CBDoilking is that these excellent THC vape pens come in many flavours. These flavours are not due to some artificial substances but rather due to their content of terpenes. Terpenes are plant-based aromatic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

CBDoilking offers vapes that are based on science, combining different natural compounds in the right ratio. This is both about safety and potency. So, these products are really good for those looking for something better, potent, and yet safe.

The Bottom Line

CBD vape pens have been around for some time, and their safety is well-established. They are an excellent way to quit smoking and also enjoy CBD’s health effects. However, some people are looking for something more potent. THC vape pens are good for such individuals. These contain all beneficial compounds present in the cannabis plant but in the right proportions.

THC vape pen is a new way to enjoy vaping. It is unlikely to cause any side effects as these products are made for regular use. Of course, one should not overdose on THC or CBD. It is important not to have more than a few puffs a day. Rare side effects like nausea or stomach issues might occur but are transient and short-lived. Such issues are rarely the cause of concern, except in a very small number of cases.

Thus, if you are looking for something better to reduce stress and overcome pain and anxiety, then a THC vape pen may be the right choice. Choosing something strong like the one offered by CBDoilking may be a good idea. Despite being strong, these vape pens contain THC only in legally permitted amounts and in concentrations proven to be safe and not cause euphoria.

To sum up, if you are already an experienced CBD vaper, it may be a good idea to give THC vaping a try.

 

CBD VAPE OIL SAFETY, READ ON…

BENEFITS OF CBD VAPE OIL

3 BIG BENEFITS OF CBD VAPE OIL CARTS, WHY DO THEY WORK?



Source link

Continue Reading

Cannabis News

How to Buy or Sell a Cannabis Business: The Webinar Replay

Published

on

By


For anyone who wasn’t able to join us on April 17th, the video replay of our webinar titled “How to Buy or Sell a Cannabis Business” is now available on our website. You can view it here.

The description of this webinar is also included directly below. Enjoy!

____

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 12:00 pacific time, Harris Sliwoski managing partner Vince Sliwoski (Portland), Harris Sliwoski partner Griffen Thorne (Los Angeles), and Andy Shelley of CannXperts will present a free webinar entitled “How to Buy or Sell a Cannabis Business.”

Drawing on their extensive experience from representing businesses and entrepreneurs across numerous M&A transactions, including crucial state license transfers throughout the United States, our panelists will share insights and practical wisdom from their firsthand experiences in the legal cannabis industry.

  • Crafting and understanding Letters of Intent
  • Conducting thorough Due Diligence
  • Drafting and Negotiating purchase agreements and ancillary documents
  • Navigating State-Specific Regulatory Concerns
  • Managing Escrow Challenges
  • Optimizing Financial Arrangements: Purchase Prices, Holdbacks, Earnouts
  • Tackling Post-Closing Considerations

As always, we’ll also take Q&A, so please feel free to either submit questions when registering or you will be able to ask comments in chat during the webinar.



Source link

Continue Reading

Cannabis News

Is Thailand about to Change Their Cannabis Laws Yet Again?

Published

on

By


thailand changing weed laws again

Thailand To Change Weed Laws Soon?

It’s Still Weed Paradise Right Now, So Go If You Can

 

Sure, weed is already legal in most of the United States.

 

However, for people who are in need of a holiday and want nothing to do but relax on a tropical Asian beach while enjoying a joint, the best place is still Thailand. Or at least, for now. Last June 2022, Thailand became the first nation in Asia to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes, albeit due to some governmental loopholes that allowed adult-use dispensaries to pop up like weed around the country.

Just a few days after weed was legalized, budding (pun intended!) entrepreneurs put up all kinds of weed shops and dispensaries. The smell of marijuana was soon prevalent all over, whether you were walking down a street in Bangkok or sunbathing in Phuket. These days, weed shops are as common as ATM machines or bubble tea kiosks.

 

We aren’t sure how long this is going to last. Over the last 1.5 years, throngs of tourists have come from all over the world to enjoy the globe’s newest weed haven. And while many cannabis businesses and farmers are thriving economically from the weed boom, some government officials are against it. As of the time of writing, the Thai government is working on regulating the cannabis industry much more tightly, so much so that smoking weed may not be such a liberal act to enjoy anymore.

Could Thailand’s weed heydays be this short-lived?

According to the news, Thailand’s health minister is set to ban recreational marijuana use completely by year end. A new bill is forecast to be discussed to parliament before session ends in October. Anutin Charnivakul, the public health minister responsible for initially proposing cannabis legalization, didn’t intend for weed to be as widely sold and consumed as it was. Instead, he explained that he merely intended for it to be used medicinally, helping farmers and other industries earn from the economic benefits of cannabis legalization.

“We have always emphasized using cannabis extractions and raw materials for medicinal purposes and for health,” he disclosed to CNN back in July 2022. “There has never once been a moment that we would think about advocating people to use cannabis in terms of recreation – or use it in a way that it could irritate others,” he added.

 

They likely did not anticipate or foresee that the tourism sector would experience a massive boom due to the said loopholes in cannabis law. Nobody knew that thousands of tourists would be coming from all over to enjoy partaking, and, helping to boost the tourist economy which was much-needed after the pandemic.

 

In a Reuters interview with Public Health Minister Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, he says that marijuana will only be permitted for medical use. Recreational users and cannabis growers who do not have a permit can expect to be charged with heavy fines, if the new bill is passed. “Under the new law, cannabis will be a controlled plant, so growing it would require permission. We will support cannabis cultivation for the medical and health industry,” he told Reuters.

 

The fines they are discussing are certainly steep: in the draft bill, it states that penalties of up to $1,690 can be charged to recreational users. Meanwhile, individuals who are caught selling weed or advertising its use can face a file of as much as $2,770, jail time, or even both.

 

The news to change Thailand’s once-ideal regulations regarding cannabis use was announced a few months ago, leaving businesses and other industries that are reliant on it, afraid and unable to make any plans for the future.

 

Can Tourists Still Smoke Weed In Thailand?

Until the government announces final changes to the weed law, tourists are still welcome to smoke weed and partake of recreational marijuana in various forms throughout the country. I just came from spending a few days in Bangkok, the nation’s capital, where hundreds of weed shops are still flourishing throughout the massive city.

 

Dispensaries are designed in fun, colorful interiors using bright colors and world-class marketing to attract smokers and consumers. We’ve walked into several different kinds of dispensaries and had no problems buying flower, edibles, vapes, and a variety of paraphernalia to consume either in the dispensary or in our hotel room. However, you do have to keep in mind that there are still rules in place.

 

For one, vaping or smoking weed in public places is still prohibited. Don’t be tempted to light up on the streets even if you can smell weed, because getting caught by the cops can lead to a $700 fine. That said, there are certain areas in Thailand where the law is a bit more – uh, relaxed. For example, in the backpacker central of Khao San Road, it’s not uncommon to see tourists lighting up at night. In the tourist beach areas of Krabi and Samui, there have been reports of tourists being able to easily light up a joint on the street with no problem.

 

Again, there’s no timeline of how long this is going to last. So if you can go to Thailand before the year end, when the new laws are expected to be set in place, go!

 

THAILAND AND LEGAL CANNABIS, READ ON..

CANNABIS CHANGES IN THAILAND

WHAT THAILANDS’ U-TURN ON WEED MEANS FOR ASIA, READ THIS!



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright © 2021 The Art of MaryJane Media