On Tuesday, lawmakers in Michigan approved several bills requiring hemp-derived delta 8, and other intoxicants that mimic a cannabis high, to be regulated by the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency.

The Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee unanimously approved the bills. Meanwhile, they will advance to the full House for a vote.

After several unregulated delta 8 products begin entering the Michigan marketplace, lawmakers took action. In addition, the proposal has support from cannabis business members, including the Michigan Cannabis Manufacturer’s Association. The executive director, Stephen Linder, testified before the committee earlier in the month.

Linder praised the committee’s approval of the bills. Without delay, he said he supports regulating delta 8 substances to “promote the health and safety of all Michiganders.”

“Any product considered medicine should adhere to the same health and safety standards as medicines dispensed in pharmacies,” Linder said. 

“Currently, these products are available to anyone and can be found in gas stations, party stores, and smoke/vape shops,” Linder said.

Michigan’s action follows concerns about delta 8 being an intoxicant that currently doesn’t fall within the definition of marijuana. Lawmakers want to ensure that delta 8 products are subject to the same safety requirements and oversight as delta 9 products.

Michigan isn’t the only state taking steps to regulate delta 8. Recently, Colorado’s health department clarified that the state had banned delta 8 derived from hemp extracts. In addition, they joined other states in defining that retailers cannot sell THC isomers if they come from hemp.

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