In red states where marijuana is illegal other hemp products flourish

In Red States where marijuana remains illegal, hemp products with psychoactive effects such as Delta 8 and THC-A are gaining popularity.

Industry Landscape: Despite recreational and medical marijuana being illegal in many Red States, hemp stores are thriving.
* Stores like Blue Flowers in North Carolina sell hemp flower strains resembling that of a California marijuana dispensary, complete with pre-rolled joints.

Market Gap and Solution: The 2018 Farm bill permitted hemp as long as it contains less than .3 percent Delta 9 THC, leading entrepreneurs to create hemp products with psychoactive effects.
* These hemp products such as Delta 8 and THC-A have enabled users in marijuana-restrictive states to experience similar effects as regular marijuana consumption.
* These hemp derivatives, which become Delta 9 THC when combusted, are believed to be a loophole in States where recreational marijuana is illegal.
* However, the FDA has neither evaluated Delta 8 for safety nor approved it for therapeutic uses, causing some states like New York to ban the substance.

Legal questions: There is ambiguity and unawareness around the legality of these hemp derivatives.
* Erica Stark, from the National Hemp Association, expressed surprise at the legality of THC-A products and pointed out that it would not meet hemp standards after being burned.
* Rod Kight, an attorney representing the hemp industry, stated that the only factor distinguishing lawful hemp from unlawful marijuana is the concentration of Delta-9 THC, not other cannabinoids like THC-A.

Regulation: Amidst the emerging hemp product market, there is a lack of regulatory oversight, and it has led to concerns about underage consumption.
* There are often no laws prohibiting the sale of hemp products to minors.
* In North Carolina, a bill to add an age requirement for these hemp products has been introduced but has not passed so far.

View original article on NPR

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