Fall is here, and America’s millions of CBD and hemp cannabinoid consumers still face an elusive expanse of rules and regulations that change as rapidly as the autumn leaves. 

• 90 new state bills would regulate hemp
• Cookies scores a University of Southern California deal
• And Cann’s 2mg Grapefruit Rosemary is delicious

Looking to make sense of the chaos? Leafly has you covered. Read on for your monthly news roundup of all things CBD, delta-8, THCA, and other hemp molecules.

Top CBD, delta-8 news of September

In a dramatic first for the hemp industry, the multinational brand Cookies has entered into a multi-year sponsorship deal with a university sports team. Beginning this season, Cookies will be an official sponsor for the University of Southern California Trojans football, as well as USC’s men and women’s basketball. According to a press release, “on-site tailgate experiences” will occur at select events; your good is as good as ours what that will look like. 

CBD and hemp legal news

In 2024 alone, US states have introduced 90 bills to regulate hemp. Yikes! The Libertarian-minded crew at the Reason Foundation recently dropped a proposal to streamline and standardize the US hemp industry. You can read it here.

California

Californians are “panic buying” thousands of dollars of CBD and other hemp products in advance of Governor Gavin Newsom (D)’s anticipated emergency ban on all hemp products containing trace amounts of THC in the Golden State. 

Missouri

Drama continues to unfold in Missouri, where Governor Mike Parson hopes to ban intoxicating hemp products. On September 18, the state health department rebuffed Parson’s plan. Hemp sales are back on, for the time being.

Texas

The Texas Supreme Court will consider whether to outlaw delta-8 sales in an upcoming case. According to the Texas Hemp Industries Association, the state’s hemp business is worth $8.1 billion, and delta-8 makes up a $6.8 billion piece of that pie.

US Federal

A US Circuit Court ruled on September 4 that the super-potent hemp-derived cannabinoid THC-O (aka THC-O acetate) qualifies as hemp, per language in the 2018 Farm Bill. The ruling puts the Court at odds with the DEA, who argue that THC-O does not meet the definition of hemp, and thus remains federally illegal. But since SupCo struck down the Chevron Doctrine this year, circuit courts no longer need to rely on a federal agency’s opinion to issue a ruling. We’ll see what happens next.

On October 15, the US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case of a truck driver named Douglas Horn who failed a drug test after consuming a CBD product that allegedly did not contain any THC. Horn subsequently lost his job. He hopes to sue the manufacturers of the CBD product, Dixie X.. 

On September 4, the FDA sent a warning letter to a North Carolina-based skincare company called Root Bioscience Brands. The letter alleges that the company made medical claims about its CBD and other cannabinoid products that it does not have qualification to do, since CBD is not an approved drug. The company complied.

This one’s weird: Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee (R) is suing Meta (the parent company of Facebook). Huckabee alleges the company ran fake ads suggesting that he’s endorsing a CBD product. 

We love Cann’s 2 mg tonics!

We interrupt our news broadcast to offer a quick review on one of our favorite hemp-derived beverages Leafly HQ: Cann’s 2 THC mg Grapefruit Rosemary tonic. Packaged in a cute mini-can, this zippy beverage delivers a bouquet of subtle flavors and a clean, mellow buzz that helps it stand out among the competition. Cann’s products look classy, taste great and don’t launch you into a sugar rush (or subsequent nosedive).

CBD and hemp science news

Heads up, Leafly Nation. As we reported earlier this month, a new study shows that contrary to a widely-held belief, CBD can actually enhance cannabis’ psychoactive effects, not diminish them. 

Suppository success! A survey-based study found that Foria’s CBD suppositories reduced menstrual pain and discomfort for nearly four-fifths of all participants. 

Oregon State University has received $5 million to study the potential uses of industrial hemp.

CBD and hemp industry news

Big ups, CBD! According to a new report from InsightAce Analytic, the CBD ingredient market (aka products that include CBD as an ingredient) could more than double by 2031. The report estimates that CBD saw $2.42 billion in revenue in 2023, and that the figure could reach $6.77 billion by 2031.

The first CBD lozenge has landed in Canada, thanks to a collaboration between Aurora Cannabis and Vectura Fertin Pharma. Bon appetit.

Woodstock for hemp sippers is here: The inaugural Pacific Hemp Beverage Summit is going down on October 11, 2024 in Bend, Oregon. You can find more info about the event here.

And that’s it for Leafly’s monthly novel cannabinoids news roundup. As always, it’s the Wild West out there. We’ll see you next month to report on the latest.

With escalating environmental concerns, society’s search for sustainable, innovative solutions has never been more critical. One solution that shows great promise lies in the cultivation of an adaptable and versatile plant species known as industrial hemp. In this in-depth exploration, we will delve into the environmental benefits and the extraordinary potential of industrial hemp as an eco-friendly alternative across various industries.

I. The Background and Adaptive Nature of Industrial Hemp

Hemp, a variant of the Cannabis sativa plant species, boasts a history of usage dating back thousands of years due to its myriad applications. From ancient Chinese civilizations weaving hemp fibers into textiles to American colonists using it for paper and rope, the applications of this plant are as diverse as its history. Nevertheless, it is crucial to distinguish industrial hemp from marijuana – the former contains less than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana, making it unsuitable for recreational use.

Industrial hemp is a robust plant that makes it an environmentally sound choice for cultivation. It’s worth highlighting that it requires significantly less water than many traditional crops, including cotton. Hemp needs only about 20% of the water needed for cotton cultivation, offering a potential solution for regions prone to drought or with limited water resources. Furthermore, industrial hemp boasts a remarkable natural pest resistance, making it an ideal choice for organic farming and reducing the need for potentially harmful pesticides. This resistance not only lessens the strain on the environment but also allows for healthier soils and ecosystems, marking a significant stride in sustainable agriculture.

II. Industrial Hemp: A Carbon Sink and Soil Regenerator

Industrial hemp’s environmental impact extends far beyond water conservation and pest resistance. It exhibits impressive performance when it comes to absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere – an essential process known as carbon sequestration. Hemp absorbs more CO2 per hectare than many other crops and most trees, making it a formidable ally in our global fight against climate change.

Apart from its carbon sequestration potential, industrial hemp also contributes positively to soil health. Its deep root system helps to improve soil structure and prevent soil erosion, a critical factor in maintaining the health and sustainability of our agricultural systems. When the hemp plants decompose, they enrich the soil with nutrient-rich organic matter, enhancing its fertility for future crops. The impact of this cannot be overstated – by improving soil health, we can increase agricultural productivity and resilience, contributing to global food security and environmental protection.

III. Industrial Hemp’s Versatility Across Industries

The potential of industrial hemp extends far beyond agriculture and into various other industries:

A. Textiles

In the textile industry, the durability and strength of hemp fibers present a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fibers and cotton. Hemp can be used to create a vast array of textiles, from clothing to upholstery and even carpets. By switching to hemp-based textiles, we can significantly reduce our environmental impact and help build a more sustainable fashion industry.

B. Food Products

In the food sector, hemp seeds offer a nutrient-rich source of essential fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins. The potential of hemp seeds in contributing to our diets and promoting a sustainable food system is vast. They can be used in everything from baking to smoothies, offering a healthy, environmentally friendly alternative to many conventional food products.

C. Biofuels

In the energy sector, industrial hemp shows tremendous promise. It can be processed into biofuels like biodiesel and ethanol, which can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. As the world moves towards more sustainable energy sources, hemp-derived biofuels could play a significant role in this transition, offering a renewable, sustainable alternative to conventional fuels.

D. Building Materials

In the construction industry, industrial hemp is making its mark. It can be processed into several eco-friendly building materials like hempcrete – a composite material used in construction. These materials not only offer a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials, but they also have the added benefit of carbon sequestration. This means that not only are we reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry by using hemp-based materials, but we are actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere in the process.

Conclusion:

Industrial hemp stands out as an eco-friendly powerhouse with potential applications in numerous sectors. Its resilience, low resource requirements, carbon sequestration capability, and soil regeneration properties make it an environmentally beneficial crop. Furthermore, its versatility offers sustainable alternatives in industries such as textiles, food production, biofuel generation, and building construction. The cultivation and utilization of industrial hemp represent a significant step forward in our journey towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. By harnessing the power of this impressive plant, we can make strides towards environmental conservation and sustainable development in the face of increasing environmental challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the war between hemp and marijuana and how did it get started?
2. What do leading cannabis associations say about the rise of hemp products that are potentially impairing?
3. Is there any common ground between the hemp and marijuana industries on the issue of adult cannabinoids?
4. What is the legal and regulatory future for intoxicating hemp products and how should companies in the space be prepared?

LISTEN AT  https://www.hemplegallyspeakingpodcast.com/episodes/robert-hoban-and-the-war-between-hemp-and-marijuana