Following the recreational cannabis legalization bill, SB 1201, regulators in Connecticut warn businesses about selling Delta 8 products beginning in July. In SB 1201, cannabis is defined to include hemp products with a total THC concentration above 0.3 percent. This is something the Farm Bill, passed in 2018, had been adamant about defining. Hemp and cannabis were different. However, in Connecticut, they are now the same.
Retail Businesses
This new definition of hemp comes from the Department of Consumer protection (DCP). But it doesn’t mean Delta 8 is illegal in Connecticut. Citizens can still purchase and consume Delta 8 at their pleasure. The restriction comes with who can and who can’t sell Delta 8 and other cannabinoids. Those can include Delta 7, Delta 9, and Delta 10.
If a business in Connecticut has either a medical or recreational cannabis license, they can sell Delta products. This is to cover up a sort of loophole the Farm Bill has created with its definition of industrial hemp.
Official Statement
“This change stops the exploitation of a loophole in the federal hemp act that resulted in individuals selling unregulated products on the retail market with high delta-8 THC concentrations that have intoxicating effects,” said Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull. “Prior to this change, entities were able to sell products in the normal retail market without having to adhere to any testing, packaging, or labeling standards, including childproof packaging standards, or product restrictions prohibiting forms that appeal to children.
“The creation of a regulated cannabis market will protect and benefit public health and safety by ensuring consumers know exactly what is in the products they are purchasing and preventing children from accessing these products,” the commissioner continued. “This change will ensure that hemp products that contain any type of THC that exceeds 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis will now be regulated.”
Future
The recreational cannabis legalization bill, SB 1201, became signed by Governor Lamont on June 22 and will take effect July 1. Retail businesses have until then to sell their Delta 8 products. Citizens will still be able to purchase Delta 8 from licensed retailers and online sources after July 1st.
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