Kentucky Gov. Signs Bill To Regulate Delta-8 THC

Until now, intoxicating hemp-derived products were freely available in Kentucky under the 2018 Farm Bill, but that’s about to change. Signed a bill to regulate hemp-derived delta-8 THC products.

House Bill 544 Beginning August 1, it will mandate that only adults over the age of 21 can purchase products containing delta-8 THC (a hemp-derived compound often marketed as a psychotropic drug).

According to the bill, the state will regulate “products containing delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol or other hemp-derived substances that the Department of Health and Family Services has identified as addictive to consumers.” This means that the sale, gift giving, or other possession transfer of Delta-8 THC will be regulated in the same way as cannabis.

Beshear last year signed an executive order regulating Delta 8 THC and similar products, but it only affected product packaging and labeling.

At a press conference, Beshear said, “We did our best with the executive order, but with that executive order we couldn’t do a lot of things that legislation could do.” is codified into law, but we do a lot more in establishing the regulatory structure.”

Kentucky Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell endorsed the 2018 Farm Bill to help the state’s large number of hemp farmers. However, a legal loophole unexpectedly opened the door for Delta-8 THC products.

“We want Kentuckians to have access to the resources they need to help,” said Beshear. “We want them to be able to do that safely, and this bill is a good first step.”

of courier journal Completed a series of stories On the explosion of Delta 8 THC products following passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. Some hemp-derived products have not been approved for safety.

The bill was approved by the Senate, 36-0, with one abstention, and the House, 97-0, with three abstentions. that is, Cabinet for Health and Family Services To “immediately begin the process of regulating delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol and other hemp-derived substances.”

There are some valid reasons to question certain hemp-derived products. Proponents of legislation to regulate such items come from within and outside the hemp market.

Cal NORML Director Dale Gieringer said: high times Consumers should heed the warnings on these products. Accurately extracted delta-8 THC may not be the biggest concern, but other compounds such as THC-O acetate can be particularly dangerous. THC-O Acetate is more processed than common hemp-derived compounds. Gieringer added that delta 8 THC wasn’t his primary concern, and that contaminants and other new cannabinoids are what he’s most worried about, given how little is known about the compound. I was. THC-H, THC-B, HHC, Delta-10 THC.

of Journal of Medical Toxicology On December 12, 2022, a team of researchers led by Neal L. Benowitz published an article finding a link between THC-O acetate and serious lung damage. THC-O acetate is structurally similar to vitamin E acetate. Vitamin E acetate is an additive that is dangerous to the lungs when converted by heat.

Some hemp companies have actually applauded the bill.

Daniel Verhorst CBD pure hemp oil in Prospect, Kentucky Said of courier journal that they support the bill.

“I actually think the Delta-8 products out there should be more regulated,” Barhorst said. courier journal in February. “I think some products … definitely need to be FDA approved, so the FDA can actually certify them.”

The bill directs the Kentucky Cabinet to roll out regulations by August 1.