Doctors for Drug Policy Reform (D4DPR), formerly known as Doctors for Cannabis Regulation, recently released a policy paper calling for the regulation of intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids, particularly delta-8 THC. The group of healthcare professionals expressed concerns about the safety of products containing these compounds and emphasized the need for a regulatory framework to ensure public safety.
With the legalization of hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill, there has been a surge in the production and distribution of hemp-derived cannabinoids, including delta-8 THC, which is known for its intoxicating effects. However, the lack of specific regulations for these compounds has led to a booming industry with little oversight in many jurisdictions.
According to D4DPR’s policy paper, the availability of delta-8 THC in various retail outlets such as gas stations, CBD shops, convenience stores, smoke shops, and online platforms has raised concerns about its accessibility to minors and the lack of clear labeling regarding its intoxicating effects. While some states have banned or regulated the sale of delta-8 THC, others have allowed it to remain legal and unregulated, creating a potential public health risk.
To address these issues, D4DPR proposed several recommendations for regulating intoxicating cannabinoids like delta-8 THC. One key recommendation is to restrict the sale of these compounds to licensed dispensaries and limit access to adults aged 21 and older. The group also called for child-resistant packaging that does not appeal to minors, clear labeling on products indicating their intoxicating effects, and lab testing for purity, potency, and safety.
Furthermore, D4DPR suggested aligning regulations for intoxicating cannabinoids with those in states with medical marijuana or adult-use cannabis programs and urged states without regulations to develop them promptly. The group emphasized the importance of conducting research on the clinical safety and toxicology of minor cannabinoids to better understand their potential risks and benefits.
In addition to state-level regulations, D4DPR called for federal action to reschedule cannabis and avoid a blanket ban on intoxicating or minor cannabinoids. The group believes that a prohibition on these compounds would perpetuate the drug war and have negative consequences on public health.
The policy paper from D4DPR adds to a growing number of calls for stricter regulations on intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids. State attorneys general recently wrote a letter to congressional leaders urging them to address the ambiguity surrounding these products under the 2018 Farm Bill. They expressed concerns about the potency of these products, their attractiveness to youth and children, and the limited oversight in place to control their distribution.
Overall, D4DPR’s recommendations highlight the need for comprehensive regulations on intoxicating cannabinoids derived from hemp to protect public health and ensure responsible access to these products. By implementing stricter guidelines on production, labeling, sales, and testing of these compounds, policymakers can help mitigate potential risks associated with their consumption and safeguard consumer well-being.
