Cannabis News
Cannabis Terpenes as Effective as Morphine without the Addiction Potential Says New Medical Study
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3 months agoon
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Cannabis Terpenes as Effective as Morphine
As a passionate advocate for the therapeutic potential of cannabis, I know firsthand the tremendous relief it can provide for a wide range of medical conditions. In fact, chronic pain is consistently cited as the number one reason people turn to medical cannabis for help. This is incredibly good news, especially considering the devastating toll that opioids take on our society, claiming over 80,000 lives each year in the U.S. alone. Having a safer, non-addictive alternative like cannabis could potentially save countless lives.
Fortunately, a groundbreaking new study has revealed that cannabis terpenes, the aromatic compounds that give different strains their distinctive smells and flavors, are as effective as morphine when it comes to treating pain in animal models. Even more promising, the terpenes appeared to enhance morphine’s analgesic effects when used in combination, while avoiding the euphoria and addiction potential of opioids on their own.
In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into the details of this fascinating study to better understand the remarkable potential of cannabis terpenes for treating chronic pain. We’ll explore the specific terpenes evaluated, their mechanisms of action, optimal routes of administration, and what implications the findings may have for the future of pain management. By unpacking the wealth of information contained in this research, we can gain valuable insights into how terpenes and other minor constituents of cannabis may help unlock the plant’s full therapeutic potential.
Every year, tens of thousands of lives are tragically lost to drug overdoses in the United States. While illegal drugs certainly play a role, a closer look at the data reveals a disturbing truth: prescription opioids are actually the leading cause of these overdose deaths. In 2022 alone, a staggering 81,806 overdose deaths involved opioids, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl being the primary driver behind this crisis.
The overprescription of powerful painkillers like oxycodone (OxyContin) and hydrocodone (Vicodin) by pharmaceutical companies and doctors is directly fueling this epidemic. Since being granted a virtual monopoly on drug manufacturing, distribution, and research under the Controlled Substances Act of 1971 signed by President Nixon, Big Pharma has engaged in unethical and aggressive marketing tactics to boost profits at the expense of public health. By downplaying the risks of addiction and overstating the benefits of long-term opioid use for chronic pain, they’ve helped create a nation of accidental addicts.
The statistics paint a grim picture. In 2022, prescription opioids were involved in 14,716 overdose deaths. For many, the path to addiction began with a legitimate prescription for acute pain or surgery recovery. But as their bodies developed a dependence and doctors became more reluctant to continue prescribing high doses, these patients were left to seek out illicit alternatives like heroin and fentanyl on the streets. In fact, nearly 80% of overdose deaths involving heroin in 2022 also involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl, illustrating how prescription opioid addiction often progresses to more dangerous substances.
Pharmaceutical giants like Purdue Pharma, owned by the notorious Sackler family, have faced numerous lawsuits over their role in the opioid crisis. They’ve been accused of using misleading marketing, downplaying addiction risks, and incentivizing doctors to prescribe more opioids. Other companies like Pfizer have a long history of putting profits over patient safety. From 1991-2017, Pfizer was fined $4.7 billion for wrongdoing, settling criminal and civil allegations that included illegal marketing of drugs and defrauding the state Medicaid programs.
Meanwhile, the federal government continues to classify cannabis as a Schedule I drug with “no accepted medical use,” despite its proven potential to treat chronic pain and reduce opioid use. This stance conveniently protects the profits of pharmaceutical companies who view cannabis as a threat to their bottom line. By denying patients access to a safer, non-addictive alternative, they ensure a steady stream of customers for their deadly opioids.
The opioid epidemic is a tragic example of what happens when we prioritize corporate greed over public health. It’s time to hold Big Pharma accountable for the devastation they’ve caused and demand a new approach to pain management that includes cannabis and other non-opioid alternatives. Only then can we begin to reverse this deadly trend and save countless lives from being needlessly lost to prescription drug abuse.
As the opioid epidemic continues to claim lives at an alarming rate, researchers are desperately searching for safer alternatives to manage chronic pain. A groundbreaking new study has revealed that cannabis terpenes, the aromatic compounds that give the plant its distinctive smell, may hold the key to unlocking a powerful, non-addictive pain reliever.
The study, published in the journal PAIN, found that certain cannabis terpenes were as effective as morphine in reducing markers of pain in mice. When injected, terpenes like beta-caryophyllene and geraniol produced pain relief comparable to a moderate dose of morphine, without any signs of reward or addiction potential. Even more promising, combining low doses of terpenes with morphine enhanced its pain-relieving effects, suggesting a potential for combination therapy that could reduce the risk of opioid dependence.
Interestingly, the route of administration played a crucial role in the terpenes’ effectiveness. While injection produced significant pain relief, oral administration and inhalation had little to no effect on pain markers. This could be due to differences in bioavailability or metabolism when terpenes are ingested or inhaled compared to direct injection.
The implications of this research are profound. If cannabis terpenes can be harnessed as an effective pain treatment, it could provide a much-needed alternative to opioids and help curb the addiction epidemic. However, the pharmaceutical industry and government regulators seem intent on maintaining control over cannabis rather than making it widely accessible.
The DEA’s recent proposal to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III may seem like a step in the right direction, but it actually allows Big Pharma to monopolize the medicinal cannabis market. By keeping it a controlled substance, they ensure that only FDA-approved, patented medications derived from cannabis will be legally available. This shuts out whole-plant medicine and denies patients access to the full spectrum of beneficial compounds in cannabis, including terpenes.
To truly unleash the potential of cannabis as a pain treatment, we need to push for full legalization and reject attempts by the pharmaceutical industry to co-opt this versatile plant. Only then can patients and doctors freely explore the most effective ways to harness its therapeutic properties, whether through isolated terpenes, whole-plant extracts, or personalized combinations tailored to individual needs.
Every day, the opioid epidemic claims more lives, tearing families apart and devastating communities across the country. At the heart of this crisis are synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which have flooded the illicit drug market and dramatically increased the risk of overdose deaths. But why are these deadly substances so readily available? The answer lies in the failed policy of drug prohibition.
As cannabis legalization has gained momentum in recent years, drug cartels have shifted their focus to more potent and profitable substances like fentanyl. It’s easier to smuggle, harder to detect, and creates a powerful addiction that keeps customers coming back. Prohibition has not only failed to curb drug use, but it has actually made the problem worse by driving the market underground and into the hands of dangerous criminal organizations.
Meanwhile, a safer alternative has been staring us in the face all along: cannabis. This versatile plant has proven to be an effective pain reliever with a much lower risk of addiction and virtually no risk of overdose. The recent discovery that cannabis terpenes can rival the pain-relieving effects of morphine without the same addiction potential is a game-changer. It offers hope for a future where patients can manage chronic pain without the fear of becoming dependent on dangerous opioids.
But instead of embracing this natural solution, the government seems intent on maintaining tight control over cannabis. The DEA’s proposal to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III is nothing more than a cynical attempt to appease the pharmaceutical industry. It would allow them to monopolize the medicinal cannabis market with patented, FDA-approved medications while shutting out whole-plant medicine and denying patients access to the full spectrum of beneficial compounds in the plant.
This move is a slap in the face to the countless individuals and families who have suffered under the opioid epidemic and the failed war on drugs. It’s a reminder that our current drug policies are not based on science, compassion, or public health, but rather on profits and political expediency.
As voters and citizens, we must demand a new approach. We need to question whether prohibition is truly the answer, or if it’s time to rethink our entire strategy for dealing with drugs in society. How many breakthroughs like the discovery of terpenes’ pain-relieving properties have we missed out on because of the strict barriers to cannabis research? How many lives could have been saved if we had prioritized harm reduction and evidence-based policies over punishment and stigma?
The Sticky Bottom Line
The sticky bottom line is that our current approach to drugs is broken, and it’s costing us far too many lives. We need bold, compassionate leadership that is willing to challenge the status quo and put people’s health and well-being first. The next time you head to the ballot box, think about the lives lost to the opioid epidemic, the potential of cannabis as a safer alternative, and the urgent need for change. Together, we can build a future where substance use is treated as a public health issue, not a criminal one, and where everyone has access to the care and support they need to thrive.
CANNABIS AND OPIOIDS WORKING TOGETHER? READ ON…
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Cannabis News
The US Suddenly Has Two Pro-Marijuana Legalization Candidates, But Only One is Believable 60 Days Before the Election
Published
19 hours agoon
September 7, 2024By
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“Don’t Believe the Hype” – Public Enemy
In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed the legalization of cannabis, arguing that the criminalization of marijuana “ruins lives” and “wastes taxpayer dollars.” Speaking at a rally in Florida, Trump expressed confidence that voters will support a marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot, stating, “I really believe it’s the right thing to do.”
Trump’s comments come at a time when public support for cannabis legalization is at an all-time high, with recent surveys indicating that approximately 78% of American adults favor legalization. The economic implications of this shift are significant, with the cannabis industry currently employing around 500,000 people and generating $29 billion in sales last year, a figure projected to rise to $37 billion by 2027.
The Harris camp immediately accussed the Trump camp of a “brazen flip-flop” on marijuana legalization just before the election in order ot try and lure swing voters. Based on Trump’s past presidency and his work with Attorney General Sessions during his first term, he is certainly no fan of marijuana, marijuana legalization, or was in any rush to support states that establisted legal, medical cannabis programs. As they say in life, “watch what someone does, not what they say 60 days before an election”, Trump had his chance as Commander-In-Chef and put the marijuana movement back 5 steps when he was in office.
This certainly smells fishy from the start based on his track record on drugs, alcohol, and marijuana legalization. Remember, he actually took steps in his Presidency to shut the marijuana movement down in America according to the New York Times.
Harris, on the other hand, claims to be for rescheduling cannabis and even legalizatio,n and a large clemency program. While she has been Vice-President for 4 years and legalization has not happened, her boss, President Biden, is no fan of drugs and has been on a founding memeber of the “War on Drugs” for over 40 years in office. So no, Harris has not “had her chance” the way Trump has had his chance as the actual President. As many know, the Vice-President’s roll in some instances is more for show and to take tours and visits the president does not have time or want to to do.
Harris has a “yet to be determined, yet things look good” on her marijuana legalization report card.
As MJBIZ covered in their artice on who would be better for marijuana reform going forward..
During a relatively quiet few years as vice president, Harris stumped for Biden’s generational advances in marijuana reform.
She was out front on the Biden administration’s pardons for former federal marijuana offenders as well as the October 2022 executive order that culminated in the Justice Department’s proposal this spring to move marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 of the Controlled Substances Act.
“She’s actually gone further than (Biden),” said Bryan Barash, vice president of external affairs and deputy general counsel at Dutchie, an Oregon-based online cannabis sales platform.
“She’s said, ‘We can’t stop until there’s full legalization,’ which he has never said.”
In other words, Harris has the best record on marijuana reform of any major presidential candidate, including Biden.
Economic Implications of Legalization
The economic implications of cannabis legalization are substantial. The cannabis industry has rapidly evolved into a multi-billion dollar market, employing around 500,000 people and generating $29 billion in sales in the past year alone. Projections indicate that this figure could rise to $37 billion by 2027, highlighting the potential for job creation and economic growth in states that choose to legalize cannabis.
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Job creation: Legalizing cannabis could create thousands of jobs across various sectors, significantly boosting the economy. In agriculture, the cultivation of cannabis will require a workforce for planting, harvesting, and processing. The retail sector will also expand, as dispensaries will need staff for sales and management roles. Additionally, manufacturing jobs will emerge to produce cannabis-infused products, such as edibles and oils. Overall, legalization can lead to substantial job creation in agriculture, retail, and manufacturing, benefiting local communities and economies.
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Tax Revenue: Legalizing cannabis could create thousands of jobs across various sectors, providing a significant boost to the economy. In agriculture, the cultivation of cannabis will require workers for planting and harvesting. The retail sector will also expand, as dispensaries will need staff for sales and management roles. Additionally, manufacturing jobs will emerge to produce cannabis-infused products like edibles and oils. Overall, legalization can lead to substantial job creation, benefiting local communities and economies.
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Economic Growth: A legal cannabis market has the potential to stimulate economic growth, especially in economically disadvantaged areas. By establishing regulated cannabis businesses, communities can attract investment and create new revenue streams, leading to job creation and increased local spending. This influx of economic activity can revitalize struggling neighborhoods, providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and supporting ancillary businesses, such as suppliers and service providers. Additionally, the tax revenue generated from cannabis sales can be reinvested into public services, infrastructure, and community development projects, further enhancing the overall economic landscape. Ultimately, legalizing cannabis can serve as a catalyst for sustainable growth and revitalization in areas that need it most
Health Benefits and Opioid Reduction
Trump also emphasized the health advantages of legal cannabis, particularly its potential role in managing chronic pain and reducing reliance on opioids. This point is especially relevant given the ongoing opioid epidemic, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in recent years.
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Mental Health Benefits: Emerging research suggests that cannabis may also have therapeutic benefits for mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, further supporting its legalization.
Disproportionate Impact on Communities of Color
Trump’s advocacy for cannabis legalization also reflects a growing awareness of the disproportionate impact of cannabis criminalization on communities of color. Over 40,000 individuals remain incarcerated for non-violent cannabis offenses, with Black and Hispanic individuals being significantly more likely to face prosecution and harsher sentences for cannabis-related crimes.
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Social Equity Programs: Many states that have legalized cannabis have implemented social equity programs aimed at helping communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs, providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic participation in the legal cannabis market.
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Expungement of Records: Legalization efforts often include provisions for expunging the records of individuals previously convicted of non-violent cannabis offenses, allowing them to reintegrate into society without the stigma of a criminal record.
Shifting Political Landscape
Trump’s endorsement of cannabis legalization represents a significant shift in the political discourse surrounding the issue. Historically, the Republican Party has been more resistant to legalization efforts, with many conservatives expressing concerns about the potential for increased drug use and public safety risks. However, as public opinion has shifted and the economic and social benefits of legalization have become more apparent, some Republican leaders have begun to reconsider their stance.
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Influence of State-Level Legalization: The success of state-level legalization efforts has provided a blueprint for national policy changes, demonstrating that cannabis can be regulated effectively without compromising public safety.
Potential Impact on the 2024 Election
Trump’s support for cannabis legalization could have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election, particularly if he decides to run again. By aligning himself with a popular issue that enjoys broad bipartisan support, Trump may be able to attract a wider range of voters, including younger and more progressive-leaning individuals who have traditionally been skeptical of Republican candidates.
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Engaging Younger Voters: Younger voters, who are more likely to support cannabis legalization, could be crucial for Trump’s campaign, potentially swaying their votes in his favor.
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Broadening the Republican Base: By embracing cannabis legalization, Trump may be able to broaden the Republican base and attract independent voters who prioritize social justice and economic reform.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s endorsement of cannabis legalization marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to end the criminalization of marijuana in the United States. By acknowledging the negative impact of prohibition on individuals, communities, and taxpayers, and highlighting the potential benefits of legalization, Trump is adding his voice to a growing chorus of advocates who believe that it is time for a new approach to cannabis policy. As the 2024 election cycle approaches, it will be fascinating to observe how Trump’s stance on this issue shapes the political landscape and influences the debate over the future of cannabis in America. With public support at an all-time high and the economic and social benefits becoming increasingly clear, the momentum for cannabis legalization appears poised to continue growing in the years to come.
TRUMP FOR 4 MORE YEARS BUT YOU GET CANNABIS LEGALIZATION, YES OR NO? SEE BELOW!
Cannabis News
What State Just Dropped Below $80 an Ounce for Legal Cannabis? A. Florida B. Michigan C. California D. New York
Published
1 day agoon
September 6, 2024By
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In a significant development for Michigan’s cannabis industry, retail prices have fallen below $80 per ounce as of September 4, 2024. This historic milestone, reflecting a nearly 14.5% decline from the previous year, signals a major shift in market dynamics.
The price drop is driven by increased competition among licensed dispensaries, a growing supply of cannabis products, and the maturation of the market since the legalization of recreational use in 2018. More dispensaries and cultivation facilities have led to competitive pricing and greater product availability, making cannabis more affordable for consumers and potentially boosting legal sales.
As a leader in the Midwest’s cannabis landscape, Michigan’s regulatory framework supports both medical and recreational markets, generating significant tax revenue and job opportunities. As the industry evolves, stakeholders must navigate challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Factors Behind the Price Drop
The surge in the number of licensed dispensaries in Michigan since the legalization of recreational cannabis in 2018, coupled with the expansion of cultivation facilities, has led to a significant increase in the supply and availability of cannabis products. With more dispensaries offering a wider variety of choices for consumers, the market has become increasingly competitive, with retailers employing pricing strategies to attract customers. This growth in the number of dispensaries and cultivation facilities has enabled dispensaries to offer lower prices to consumers, making cannabis more accessible and affordable.
As the cannabis market matures, both producers and retailers have optimized their operations, leading to reduced costs that are often passed on to consumers. Enhanced cultivation techniques and economies of scale have played a crucial role in lowering production expenses, allowing businesses to improve efficiency and increase output. This combination of operational optimization and cost reduction not only benefits producers and retailers but also makes cannabis products more affordable and accessible for consumers, fostering a healthier and more competitive market environment.
The market has become oversaturated with cannabis products, particularly following significant outdoor harvests. This oversupply has led to a decrease in prices as producers and retailers compete to sell excess inventory.
Michigan currently has no statewide cap on the number of cannabis business licenses, resulting in explosive growth in both supply and demand. This unrestricted licensing has intensified competition among businesses, driving prices downward as they vie for market share.
Implications for Consumers and the Industry
The recent drop in cannabis prices has made the product more affordable for a broader segment of the population, enabling consumers to access quality cannabis without financial strain. This increased affordability not only allows more individuals to enjoy legal cannabis but also promotes responsible use and consumption, as people are more likely to make informed choices when quality products are within reach. By removing financial barriers, the industry is fostering a healthier relationship with cannabis among consumers, contributing to a more informed and responsible market.
The potential boost in sales volume is another significant implication of the lower cannabis prices in Michigan. As the cost of cannabis becomes more affordable, more consumers are likely to enter the market, leading to an increase in overall sales. Dispensaries may experience higher foot traffic as a result of this increased interest in cannabis products, directly benefiting from the lower prices. This influx of new consumers and higher sales volume could further solidify the industry’s growth and sustainability in the state, as businesses capitalize on the greater demand for their products.
The competitive pricing of legal cannabis products in Michigan has the potential to curb illegal sales by making regulated options more attractive to consumers. As the cost of legal cannabis becomes more affordable and accessible, individuals may be more inclined to purchase from licensed dispensaries rather than the black market. This shift towards regulated products not only supports the legal industry but also enhances public safety and quality assurance. By choosing legal cannabis, consumers can be confident in the safety, purity, and potency of the products they purchase, reducing the risks associated with unregulated, illicit markets. As more consumers opt for legal cannabis due to the competitive pricing, the state can expect to see a decline in illegal sales and an improvement in overall public health and safety.
Michigan’s Cannabis Landscape
Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in Michigan, the state has become a pioneer in cannabis reform within the Midwest. With a comprehensive regulatory framework in place, Michigan supports both medical and recreational markets, fostering a thriving industry that has generated significant tax revenue and job opportunities.
The cannabis industry in Michigan has significantly contributed millions in tax revenue, which is allocated to vital areas such as education, infrastructure, and public health initiatives. Additionally, the industry’s growth has led to job creation across cultivation, distribution, and retail sectors, providing numerous employment opportunities for residents. This dual impact not only supports the state’s economy but also enhances community well-being through improved public services and increased job availability.-
As cannabis prices continue to decrease in Michigan, making the products more accessible to a wider consumer base, there is a growing need for comprehensive consumer education. Dispensaries are increasingly taking on the responsibility of educating their customers on responsible use, product selection, and the effects of various cannabis strains. By offering workshops and informational resources, dispensaries aim to help consumers make informed choices and develop a deeper understanding of the products they consume. This proactive approach to consumer education not only promotes responsible use but also fosters a more informed and engaged cannabis community in the state.
Conclusion
The decline in cannabis prices to below $80 per ounce is a significant development for Michigan, highlighting the success of Its regulatory framework and the positive impact on consumers. As the market matures, stakeholders will need to remain vigilant in addressing challenges while capitalizing on the opportunities presented by this dynamic industry.
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Cannabis News
Loper Comes for the DEA. Will it Matter, Though?
Published
1 day agoon
September 6, 2024By
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Earlier this week, the federal Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, in a case entitled Anderson v. Diamondback Investment Group, LLC, handed the DEA a big loss when it comes to hemp – at least for now. In Anderson, the court held that DEA’s interpretation that a host of hemp-derived products were illegal was essentially wrong. Today I want to talk about why Anderson is – and isn’t really – important.
Anderson, as I wrote more than a month ago, was based in relevant part on Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, a 2024 US Supreme Court decision. Here’s what I said then:
Loper ended what’s often referred to as “Chevron deference.” To vastly oversimplify, Chevron deference required federal courts to defer to reasonable agency interpretations of ambiguous statutes, even if courts did not agree with those interpretations. With Chevron dead, courts will not be required to defer to agencies and courts can decide, on their own, whether an agency’s interpretation was within its statutory authority.
Ever since Loper was decided, there have been a million different theories on how it could affect the cannabis and hemp industries. [For the record, I agree with folks like Shane Pennington who argue that Loper will not affect rescheduling.]
When it comes to hemp though, Loper may in theory have more of an impact, as my colleague, Vince Sliwoski, argued prior to Loper‘s publication. That’s because the DEA routinely issues what amount to opinion letters as to whether this or that cannabinoid is or is not a schedule I narcotic. Under Loper, if there were any statutory ambiguity, the DEA’s interpretation would no longer be given deference. That’s not to say that the DEA might not prevail, but it means the deck would be less stacked in DEA’s favor.
And that is essentially what happened in Anderson. Without getting into the factual weeds of the case, an employee had been terminated after drug tests allegedly showed marijuana use. She sued, in part claiming that she used legal hemp-derived products. The court ultimately held that she had failed to provide they were legal because she did not introduce sufficient evidence that the hemp products had less than 0.3% delta-9 THC.
However, for purposes of this post, the important part of the Anderson decision was its discussion of the 2018 Farm Bill and DEA’s interpretations of the legality of various cannabinoids under that law. One specific cannabinoid that the court analyzed was THC-O, which does not occur naturally but is created from hemp derivatives.
For years, there has been a heated debate as to whether hemp-derived products like delta-8 THC are considered “hemp” under the 2018 Farm Bill. The debate centers around whether these products are “synthetic” because they are derived from other cannabinoids. This is important because DEA considers synthetic cannabinoids to be controlled substances.
A few years ago, in AK Futures LLC v. Boyd Street Distro, LLC, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals addressed the issue (albeit in a much different context), and held that delta-8 THC products derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC were legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.
Importantly, Anderson found AK Futures persuasive, holding:
“we think the Ninth Circuit’s interpretation of the 2018 Farm Act is the better of the two. And we’re free to make that determination ourselves, despite a contrary interpretation from the DEA, because we agree with the Ninth Circuit that [the 2018 Farm Bill’s definition of hemp] is unambiguous . . ., and because even if it were ambiguous, we needn’t defer to the agency’s interpretation [as a result of the Loper decision].”
Crucially, Anderson held that “rather than originating from organic matter—like the hemp-derived cannabinoids at issue—, synthetic cannabinoids are just that: compounds manufactured entirely out of synthetic materials.”
To summarize all of this, according to the Fourth Circuit, if a product is derived from hemp and does not contain more than 0.3% THC, it is legal. This includes things pulled directly from the plant, or things like delta-8 THC which may take other processes to produce. But, any cannabinoid derived purely from synthetic materials would not be considered “hemp” under the 2018 Farm Bill.
All of that said, Anderson probably won’t matter much. As I noted in in July:
[A]ll of [the discussion about Loper] is almost certainly academic – at least if Congress passes the Farm Bill with proposed amendments that would ban intoxicating hemp products. If that happens, the DEA won’t need to opine on the legality of many (if not most or all) intoxicating hemp products. The law would have already changed to prohibit them expressly.
But what happens if the upcoming Farm Bill doesn’t contain bans on intoxicating hemp products? Things will almost certainly not end there. The FDA, which has been hostile to many hemp products since the day the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, could simply claim products are adulterated or misbranded and seek to pull them from the market. It does this with kratom, which is an unscheduled plant, and there’s no reason why it could not do it here (subject again to FDA having to prove its case in a post-Loper court challenge).
And, as I noted, federal law isn’t the only thing that matters:
Things are also not looking great for intoxicating hemp products at the state and local levels. The State of Virginia, for example, just levied nearly $11 million in fines against more than 300 retailers allegedly selling state-prohibited intoxicating hemp products. Out west, the Colorado attorney general sued a business in June for allegedly selling super-high THC products marketed as federally legal hemp.
We also assume that there is a lot of local enforcement actions that go under the radar – things like state or local public health officials pulling products from shelves or warning stores. That can be harder to track if for no other reason than it doesn’t often make the news. We also assume that a lot of the reports concerning enforcement against alleged illegal marijuana stores or operators, including in places like New York, may miss the legal nuances between intoxicating hemp products and illegal cannabis products.
In sum, the intoxicating cannabinoid industry just won the battle with DEA, but it’s probably not going to win the war.
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City Of Oakland Issues RFP For Employee Training Programs
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UArizona launches online cannabis compliance online course
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