DEA Wants to Ban New Cannabis Derivative

Delta-8 THC products have recently become available in Florida, and the DEA doesn’t quite know what to do about them. Only Delta-9 THC is defined in the Farm Bill.

Now a strain of hemp is available that contains Delta-8 THC and is said to produce effects similar to marijuana, WFSU Public Media reports. However, the effects of this strain of hemp aren’t as strong as cannabis and don’t last as long. The effects from the Delta-8 rich hemp flower last between 30 and 90 minutes.

Hemp distributor Alex Petrick said, “The definition of marijuana is cannabis that is above .3 Delta-9-THC plus THCA times .877. Delta-8 on the other hand is not mentioned anywhere regarding marijuana in any situation or context.”

Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC are not the same.

Petrick also said, “If I use a Delta-9-THC product from a medical marijuana treatment center it creates a euphoric high that can last anywhere from two to four hours. Delta-8 on the other hand is very quick in and quick out, it’s an effect that lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half.”

Given it’s similarity to marijuana, the DEA attempted to ban this strain of hemp already. The DEA tried to say that this hemp was a synthetic drug – which it is not.

In this strain of hemp the CBD content far exceeds the Delta-8 THC content. The DEA has attempted to ban this type of hemp via rule, not via law. The Hemp Industries Association is challenging the DEA’s new rule.

Tim Gordon, Hemp Industries Association Board Member, said, “So it’s present for a little bit in the plant. But how guys are doing it in California and some guys out here they’re using a CBD concentrate and using that to convert into a Delta-8-THC molecule.”

For now, it’s a bit of an argument between the DEA and the hemp industry. It will be interesting to see how this plays out and what, if any, changes the hemp industry will have to make moving forward.