US Hemp Authority Gets Serious About Regulating the Wild West of Delta-8 THC

In the latest episode of “As the Hemp World Turns,” the US Hemp Authority (USHA), or as we like to call them, the ‘Hemp Sheriffs,’ have decided to tackle the wild, wild west of the Delta-8 THC market. They’re introducing a new certification process, aiming to clean up the rather ‘lawless’ scene.

Delta-8 THC, the psychoactive cousin of CBD, is currently playing a game of hide and seek with federal law thanks to some clever wording in the 2018 Farm Bill. But, the rise in Delta-8 products has caused quite a stir, with several states pulling out the ‘Danger’ card and imposing bans.

In response, the Hemp Sheriffs have saddled up and launched the ‘Adult Use Hemp Product Certification Programme.’ The goal? To bring back some trust in the hemp industry and make sure harmful products aren’t sneaking into minors’ backpacks.

In a press release that was probably written while sipping on a hemp-infused latte, the USHA addressed calls for ‘drastic action’ from lawmakers. Some of these folks have even suggested that all hemp products, including the non-intoxicating CBD, should be federally criminalized.

“Such action would devastate the hemp industry, U.S. farmers, and small businesses that sell these products—not to mention deny millions of consumers access to popular health and wellness alternatives,” the USHA said. We imagine they then added, “And seriously mess up our latte game.”

To counter this, the certification programme is stepping up to take responsibility for these products, given the federal regulation is still playing catch up.

The new ‘adult-use’ seal will be based on the USHA’s current certification standard for nonintoxicating products. This includes good manufacturing practices, truth in labeling, and other FDA-required standards. But, it will also require additional compliance points to promote safety and ensure products with the potential to impair are kept out of the reach of minors – because we all know how much teenagers love to reach for things they’re not supposed to.

This nationally-awarded program will reportedly begin certifying adult-use hemp products later this year, and is set to be led by the CEO of High Spirits Beverages Chris Fontes. He’ll be juggling this as part of his duties as the newly-elected USHA president.

“USHA will be developing detailed standards in the coming weeks and will once again ask all hemp stakeholders to weigh in for public comment.” We imagine this will be followed by an all-hemp potluck, but that’s yet to be confirmed.

So, New Jersey, stay tuned for the next exciting episode in the hemp saga. It’s sure to be a wild ride!