A Michigan sheriff has told Congress that state-level marijuana legalization has helped mitigate issues related to unregulated hemp products found in non-legal states.
Rep. Morgan Griffith of Virginia addressed Oakland County Michigan Sheriff Michael Bouchard about challenges associated with Virginia’s unregulated hemp market during a hearing held before House Energy & Commerce subcommittee last week on “Combatting Existing and Emerging Illicit Drug Threats.”
Congressman Johnson asked Sheriff Johnson “about the effects of unregulated, intoxicating hemp products on children”, and whether we need “to create a regulatory framework allowing lawful products to reach market.”
“I have some ideas working with FDA on that,” Griffith stated, but asked, “what you all have seen about these unregulated hemp products that intoxicate children.
Bouchard has served as county sheriff in Michigan since 1999 and currently acts as vice president for government affairs for Major County Sheriffs Association. Since legalizing marijuana use in his state in 2018, “we haven’t seen a large quantity of hemp products”, said Bouchard.
What has occurred is “an increase in adulterating cannabis products, including hemp-derived varieties, with other synthetic materials or drugs like Fentanyl,” said Mr. Keim.
“What we have noticed, however, is that outside of the state-regulated supply of marijuana–illegal marijuana has been found with trace amounts of fentanyl inside of it and so there must be an inspection process in place both with hemp and marijuana products.”
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While Sheriff White did not seem to support legalization of marijuana explicitly, his point about policy change and unregulated hemp products being connected is consistent with research being done into this matter.
An August study revealed that rates of delta-8 THC exposure reported to poison centers across the U.S. are much lower in states where marijuana is legal and regulated versus states that ban the cannabinoid altogether.
Prior research has similarly demonstrated that delta-8 THC internet queries were greater in states without marijuana legislation and that self-reported delta-8 usage among 12th graders was greater there as well.
At the hearing, Griffith mentioned one of the problems seen in their region was THC-containing gummy bears — intended to contain CBD but actually filled with an unknown and unregulated amount of THC — becoming available and becoming candy for children that then overdoses them.
He noted that by “overdose”, he does not refer to deaths but suggests there could have been brain damage as evidenced by recent allegations and signs.
Is that just an issue in Virginia?” asked Congressman Barrow.
“No, that is something we are witnessing as well,” Bouchard replied, noting the presence of public service announcements (PSAs) across states with legalized marijuana that include components like gummies informing kids and parents how best to store and avoid its dangers. Additionally, discussions are underway around making some gummy characters less appealing as kids think these products might contain candy instead of drugs like they think a vitamin product does.
Griffith then stated “it would certainly be beneficial if we received guidance from FDA”.
“Yes, sir,” replied the sheriff in response to Congressman Chris Collins’ criticisms about FDA’s lack of action regarding regulations for hemp-derived CBD since legalizing this crop and derivatives under the 2018 Farm Bill.
He’s introduced legislation before that would provide a regulatory pathway for hemp compounds like CBD, including during this past session. Trump Welcomed Return Of Medical Marijuana Patient Freed From Russia At White House Without Mention Of U.S. Cannabis Prohibition
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