A coalition of 39 attorneys general from 37 U.S. states and two territories is urging Congress to take immediate action against the growing sale of hemp-derived THC products. In a letter sent on October 24 to leaders of key Senate and House committees, the group called for a revision of federal law to close what they describe as a loophole in the Farm Bill 2018 that has allowed synthetic, psychoactive products to proliferate nationwide.
The bipartisan letter, coordinated by Arkansas AG Tim Griffin along with Indiana’s Todd Rokita, Minnesota’s Keith Ellison, and Connecticut’s William Tong, warns that hemp-derived THC compounds, often stronger than traditional cannabis, are being sold with little oversight. They argue that the substances, including THC-O, delta-8, and delta-10, are being sold openly in gas stations, convenience stores, and online, often packaged in ways that attract children.
Their letter also argues that companies are exploiting the original intent of the Farm Bill, which legalized hemp for industrial uses such as fiber and grain. The attorneys general contend that manufacturers have twisted the bill’s language to justify producing synthetic THC compounds that are often more potent than cannabis, classified as a controlled substance. Without clear federal action, they warn, the market for these unregulated products will continue to expand, posing risks to public health and complicating law enforcement efforts.
The AGs are asking lawmakers to revise the definition of hemp either through the next federal spending bill or the upcoming farm bill reauthorization, making clear that intoxicating hemp products should be considered illegal.
Senator Mitch McConnell, who championed hemp legalization in 2018, said earlier this year that Congress never intended to allow unregulated intoxicating hemp products. A Senate committee briefly included a proposal to ban such substances in a spending bill, but the measure was later removed after objections from Senator Rand Paul, who argued for regulation rather than prohibition.
State governments have taken steps to restrict or ban synthetic THC products, but the AGs warn that inconsistent state laws cannot address a nationwide issue. “Only Congress can fix this,” they wrote, emphasizing the need for a clear, unified federal approach to restore the original purpose of the Farm Bill and protect public health.
The group’s letter reflects growing bipartisan concern over an industry that operates with minimal oversight and few safety standards. Without federal action, they caution, the market for these products will continue to expand, putting children, consumers, and law enforcement at risk.
Marijuana firms, including those based outside the U.S. like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), will be watching whether Congress takes up this matter and what decisions are made regarding intoxicants made from hemp.
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