The study of California’s growing intoxicating Hemp market painted a horrifying picture of products that are largely unregulated and have spread across the US.
Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs and the San Diego Imperial Counties Joint Labor Management Cannabis Committee tested 104 products of hemp from more than 70 brands.
More than half the products studied contained more THC than this 0.3% threshold.
The Great Hemp Hoax study also revealed that many products, including the ones tested, contained cannabinoids synthetically synthesized, which are far more potent than delta-9-THC found in adult-use cannabis and medical marijuana.
These include THCP – a chemically synthesized delta-8 and 9 – as well synthetic chemicals that have been converted to delta-8.
The researchers discovered that in one case a gummy product had a THC content of over 32x the limit legal (10mg per serving).
Vaping products were seemingly even more potent across the board, with ‘hemp’ vapes containing 268% more THC than the legal threshold on average.
The presence of high-potency synthesized drugs distorts expectations of consumers and raises health risks, said Dr Josh Swider. These substances are more similar to designer drugs rather than cannabis.
Aside from potency issues, the study also uncovered what it called ‘rampant tax fraud’ in the industry, with 95% of products tested selling without collecting California’s required sales tax, with none of the vendors paying the state’s 15% excise tax.
The rapid growth of hemp-based substances that are intoxicating has been controversial due to the lack of regulation, as well as their ability to compete with traditional cannabis producers. States have moved quickly to regulate this substance.
Gavin Newsom of California has extended the emergency ban for hemp-derived THC. It was originally scheduled to end in September of 2024. However, the ban will continue at least for 90 more days. There is also the option of an additional extension.
The cannabis industry, which authored the study, is just as eager to clamp down as the politicians are. It’s seen as the major rival with cheaper prices and more freedom.