The Hemp Industry Association (HIA) recently announced all hemp-derived cannabinoids are federally legal, including hemp-derived Delta 8. The HIA is the only national hemp nonprofit with a track record of taking on the DEA in court. They call on lawmakers to listen to science and ask industry leaders to adopt similar standards and practices which put consumer safety first.
The HIA says the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized Delta 8 in addition to all other hemp-derived cannabinoids. They cited a legal opinion drafted by attorneys Rod Kight and Philip Snow of Kight Law to support their position.
HIA’s Position
The HIA says the Farm Bill, which removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Registry, directs hemp be regulated as an agricultural product. It also defined hemp to include its cannabinoids and all tetrahydrocannabinol. Since the Farm Bill became law, it remains the governing law for the hemp industry.
History shows natural cannabinoid consumption does not present public health and safety risks. Not to mention researchers have only begun to explore the full range of potential hemp-extracted compounds offer. The industry needs a regulatory framework for the production of hemp products. It needs to prioritize consumer safety while being grounded in science.
Prohibition is a failed concept. It exacerbates the threat to consumers by creating unregulated markets. The HIA calls on state lawmakers to abstain from ineffective bans and partner with the hemp producers and industry members to create hemp policies. This is in order to safely open hemp markets in each state.
The HIA asks industry leaders to build consumer confidence as well as expand the market for hemp cannabinoids. They should adopt the highest quality standards for Delta 8 and similar cannabinoids. To accomplish this, they ask the industry to market those products’ responsibly by using transparent and detailed labeling. This includes potency data and warnings against underage usage.
“Businesses, farmers, and consumers all deserve regulations that support the exploration of the hemp plant’s full potential. This isn’t just about one minor cannabinoid — the list is over a hundred already and growing,” said Jody McGinness, HIA’s Executive Director. The stance on Delta 8 and other hemp-derived cannabinoids are in line with the HIA’s history of defending the legality of all hemp products. Additionally, HIA supports the growth of industries using all parts of the hemp plant.
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