Latest news with #Delta-9
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois lawmakers again fail to act on hemp, while a new study highlights growing health concerns
A new report on hemp-derived THC highlights growing concerns over its safety, legality and impact on health — even as Illinois lawmakers have failed again to keep the products away from children. The report by the University of Illinois System Institute of Government and Public Affairs notes that the lack of regulation of hemp means there is no state oversight of ingredients, potency or marketing to kids. The report cites studies showing many hemp products had different amounts of THC than labeled, while some were well above the package limits for licensed cannabis products, and contained toxic solvents left over from processing. Some products also mimicked popular candy or snack packaging that could appeal to kids. Several incidents have occurred in the Chicago area of school-age children going to hospitals after ingesting hemp products. But as in previous years, state lawmakers failed to take any significant action on hemp in its latest session, which ended Saturday. Hemp is caught in a Catch-22 repeating cycle of inaction. The 2018 federal Farm Bill legalized hemp, defined as cannabis plants that have less than 0.3% by weight of Delta-9 THC, the primary component of the plant that gets users high. Although the Farm Bill allowed production of non-intoxicating hemp derivatives such as CBD, it also inadvertantly set off an explosion of intoxicating products now available across the nation at smoke shops and gas stations. Hemp processors found ways to use chemical solvents or other methods to produce variants such as Delta-8, Delta-10, and THCO, which can get users high like marijuana. And with little enforcement, many hemp products contain Delta-9 THC anyway. The federal law also set no age restriction for hemp products. While cannabis, which is the same plant but with high levels of Delta-9, remains federally illegal, it's legal for recreational use in Illinois and 23 other states. But getting a business license is extremely difficult and expensive, and regulations make it much more expensive to open and run a cannabis business than a hemp shop. As a result, hemp shops have proliferated, while many who hold cannabis business licenses have failed to get up and running. Cannabis industry leaders want to shut down their competition, saying unlicensed hemp undercuts those who went through arduous cannabis licensing. Hemp business owners say they want to be regulated instead. Proposed hemp legislation set guidelines that would have been similar to those on cannabis businesses: sales only to those 21 and over, and testing and labeling of products for potency and contaminants, but without the expensive licensing. The chief proponent of allowing hemp businesses to operate with further regulations in Springfield, Rep. La Shawn Ford, said lawmakers could not reach agreement over whether to ban or regulate hemp. But since the spring legislative session ended, Ford has had joint meetings with cannabis and hemp operators in an attempt to reach some compromise. With the lack of licensing and taxation for hemp, and continued problems for cannabis, the state is losing out on millions in potential tax revenue, Ford said. 'It's always been industry against industry, so now everyone has made a commitment to work together to regulate hemp and make some improvements to cannabis,' he said. At least 14 states have made intoxicating hemp products illegal, and numerous municipalities in Illinois have done so. Despite Gov. JB Pritzker calling last year for hemp restrictions, state lawmakers have been stuck between the two sides, unable to reach a consensus, and as a result have done nothing. Both cannabis and hemp businesses have made significant campaign contributions to legislators. Rachel Berry, president of the Illinois Hemp Growers Association, said the lack of legislation allows business to continue as usual, but again misses an opportunity for 'common-sense' regulation. 'It seems like there's been a lack of leadership amongst lawmakers to get this issue taken care of,' she said. 'This is something that the community has been asking for for years.' She also took issue with the hemp study's characterization of intoxicating hemp as a 'loophole' in the law. She noted that federal law explicitly allows for 'all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers' from hemp, which opened the door to Delta-8 and other intoxicating products. From the other side of the issue, the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois argues that intoxicating hemp products are flooding the market, undercutting licensed operators, evading health and safety regulations, and generating minimal state revenue because they aren't taxed at the high rate applied to licensed cannabis. 'Hemp and cannabis come from the same plant,' association Executive Director Tiffany Chappell Ingram said. 'Both products can get users high. It's time Illinois regulate intoxicating hemp in a manner similar to cannabis.' The National Poison Center reported about 5,000 cases of Delta-8, Delta-10 or THC-O acetate accidental or abusive ingestion, representing an 89% increase from 2021 to 2022. A 2022 national survey found that 10% of Illinois youths age 12 to 17 had used a hemp product in the past year. The University of Illinois hemp study concluded that producers would likely find new ways to get around a ban on intoxicating hemp products, which could merely drive customers online. Instead, requiring limits on hemp packaging amounts, and testing hemp products for potency, accuracy in labeling, and contaminants 'could best serve the public interest.' Tomasz Gliszewski, founder of Chicago Cannabis Co., which sells hemp products, has grown to three stores on the city's North Side since 2018, said lawmakers should approve a 21 and older age limit for hemp, with a 3% sales tax. Responsible hemp store operators already restrict sales to adults, he said, and sell tested products. His stores are described as 'Your neighborhood weed shop.' The company offers joints, vapes and edibles with THC or CBD, available by online ordering and same-day home delivery via DoorDash — something state-licensed cannabis companies can't do. 'It's been rough not having clarity,' Gliszewski said. 'Instead of trying to ban this stuff, they should pass common-sense legislation.' More companies are moving into the hemp business. Even Edible Brands, the parent company that makes Edible Arrangements fruit bouquets, has entered the market, with hemp-derived THC-infused products at Meanwhile, lawmakers took no major action to help struggling state-licensed cannabis businesses and their customers. A bill that would have expanded medical marijuana to all dispensaries, lowered licensing fees and allowed curbside pickup and drive-thru windows died again in Springfield this session.
Chicago Tribune
5 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Illinois lawmakers again fail to act on hemp, while a new study highlights growing health concerns
A new report on hemp-derived THC highlights growing concerns over its safety, legality and impact on health — even as Illinois lawmakers have failed again to keep the products away from children. The report by the University of Illinois System Institute of Government and Public Affairs notes that the lack of regulation of hemp means there is no state oversight of ingredients, potency or marketing to kids. The report cites studies showing many hemp products had different amounts of THC than labeled, while some were well above the package limits for licensed cannabis products, and contained toxic solvents left over from processing. Some products also mimicked popular candy or snack packaging that could appeal to kids. Several incidents have occurred in the Chicago area of school-age children going to hospitals after ingesting hemp products. But as in previous years, state lawmakers failed to take any significant action on hemp in its latest session, which ended Saturday. Hemp is caught in a Catch-22 repeating cycle of inaction. The 2018 federal Farm Bill legalized hemp, defined as cannabis plants that have less than 0.3% by weight of Delta-9 THC, the primary component of the plant that gets users high. Although the Farm Bill allowed production of non-intoxicating hemp derivatives such as CBD, it also inadvertantly set off an explosion of intoxicating products now available across the nation at smoke shops and gas stations. Hemp processors found ways to use chemical solvents or other methods to produce variants such as Delta-8, Delta-10, and THCO, which can get users high like marijuana. And with little enforcement, many hemp products contain Delta-9 THC anyway. The federal law also set no age restriction for hemp products. While cannabis, which is the same plant but with high levels of Delta-9, remains federally illegal, it's legal for recreational use in Illinois and 23 other states. But getting a business license is extremely difficult and expensive, and regulations make it much more expensive to open and run a cannabis business than a hemp shop. As a result, hemp shops have proliferated, while many who hold cannabis business licenses have failed to get up and running. Cannabis industry leaders want to shut down their competition, saying unlicensed hemp undercuts those who went through arduous cannabis licensing. Hemp business owners say they want to be regulated instead. Proposed hemp legislation set guidelines that would have been similar to those on cannabis businesses: sales only to those 21 and over, and testing and labeling of products for potency and contaminants, but without the expensive licensing. The chief proponent of allowing hemp businesses to operate with further regulations in Springfield, Rep. La Shawn Ford, said lawmakers could not reach agreement over whether to ban or regulate hemp. But since the spring legislative session ended, Ford has had joint meetings with cannabis and hemp operators in an attempt to reach some compromise. With the lack of licensing and taxation for hemp, and continued problems for cannabis, the state is losing out on millions in potential tax revenue, Ford said. 'It's always been industry against industry, so now everyone has made a commitment to work together to regulate hemp and make some improvements to cannabis,' he said. At least 14 states have made intoxicating hemp products illegal, and numerous municipalities in Illinois have done so. Despite Gov. JB Pritzker calling last year for hemp restrictions, state lawmakers have been stuck between the two sides, unable to reach a consensus, and as a result have done nothing. Both cannabis and hemp businesses have made significant campaign contributions to legislators. Rachel Berry, president of the Illinois Hemp Growers Association, said the lack of legislation allows business to continue as usual, but again misses an opportunity for 'common-sense' regulation. 'It seems like there's been a lack of leadership amongst lawmakers to get this issue taken care of,' she said. 'This is something that the community has been asking for for years.' She also took issue with the hemp study's characterization of intoxicating hemp as a 'loophole' in the law. She noted that federal law explicitly allows for 'all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers' from hemp, which opened the door to Delta-8 and other intoxicating products. From the other side of the issue, the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois argues that intoxicating hemp products are flooding the market, undercutting licensed operators, evading health and safety regulations, and generating minimal state revenue because they aren't taxed at the high rate applied to licensed cannabis. 'Hemp and cannabis come from the same plant,' association Executive Director Tiffany Chappell Ingram said. 'Both products can get users high. It's time Illinois regulate intoxicating hemp in a manner similar to cannabis.' The National Poison Center reported about 5,000 cases of Delta-8, Delta-10 or THC-O acetate accidental or abusive ingestion, representing an 89% increase from 2021 to 2022. A 2022 national survey found that 10% of Illinois youths age 12 to 17 had used a hemp product in the past year. The University of Illinois hemp study concluded that producers would likely find new ways to get around a ban on intoxicating hemp products, which could merely drive customers online. Instead, requiring limits on hemp packaging amounts, and testing hemp products for potency, accuracy in labeling, and contaminants 'could best serve the public interest.' Tomasz Gliszewski, founder of Chicago Cannabis Co., which sells hemp products, has grown to three stores on the city's North Side since 2018, said lawmakers should approve a 21 and older age limit for hemp, with a 3% sales tax. Responsible hemp store operators already restrict sales to adults, he said, and sell tested products. His stores are described as 'Your neighborhood weed shop.' The company offers joints, vapes and edibles with THC or CBD, available by online ordering and same-day home delivery via DoorDash — something state-licensed cannabis companies can't do. 'It's been rough not having clarity,' Gliszewski said. 'Instead of trying to ban this stuff, they should pass common-sense legislation.' More companies are moving into the hemp business. Even Edible Brands, the parent company that makes Edible Arrangements fruit bouquets, has entered the market, with hemp-derived THC-infused products at Meanwhile, lawmakers took no major action to help struggling state-licensed cannabis businesses and their customers. A bill that would have expanded medical marijuana to all dispensaries, lowered licensing fees and allowed curbside pickup and drive-thru windows died again in Springfield this session.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nexzen Extracts Emerges as a Premium Name in Hemp-Derived Wellness Products
Nexzen Extracts, a rising brand in the hemp and cannabis wellness space, has officially announced its expansion into the national market with a product line focused on purity, potency, and plant-based innovation Shenandoah, Texas, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nexzen Extracts, a rising brand in the hemp and cannabis wellness space, has officially announced its expansion into the national market with a product line focused on purity, potency, and plant-based innovation. With an emphasis on lab-tested Delta-8, Delta-9, and THCa products, Nexzen Extracts is poised to deliver a new standard of quality and transparency to wellness consumers across the United States. Founded on the principles of precision extraction and ethical sourcing, Nexzen Extracts uses advanced techniques to ensure consistent cannabinoid content, flavor retention, and safety in every batch. From disposable vapes and gummies to concentrates and flowers, the brand is quickly becoming a go-to choice for consumers seeking effective, farm-bill-compliant hemp alternatives. 'We're not just another hemp brand. Nexzen was built to meet the growing demand for clean, consistent, and compliant cannabis products,' said a Nexzen spokesperson. 'Every formula we release is third-party tested and designed with the end user in mind—whether that's for stress relief, better sleep, or just a smoother experience.' A Transparent Approach to Hemp Wellness Nexzen Extracts products are made from U.S.-grown hemp and manufactured in GMP-certified facilities. Each product undergoes comprehensive third-party testing to verify potency and ensure zero detectable contaminants. Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are publicly available, aligning with the brand's commitment to transparency. Popular Product Categories: THCa Flower – Legal in many U.S. states under federal guidelines, offering high potency and terpene-rich strains. Delta-9 Gummies – Hemp-derived and compliant with the 0.3% THC by dry weight rule. Delta 8 Gummies– For users looking for non-psychoactive relief and better rest. Meeting Consumer Demand in a Growing Market With the U.S. hemp industry projected to grow at a CAGR of over 20% through 2027, Nexzen Extracts enters at a time when quality control, brand trust, and consumer education are more important than ever. As regulatory scrutiny increases, Nexzen is focused on building long-term relationships with both customers and retailers by keeping compliance, education, and product integrity at the core of its mission. About Nexzen Extracts Nexzen Extracts is a wellness-focused hemp brand offering federally legal Delta-8, Delta-9, THCa, and CBD products to customers seeking plant-based alternatives to conventional health solutions. The brand's formulations are crafted for maximum effect, tested for quality, and designed with a user-first approach. With a growing national footprint, Nexzen is setting the bar for responsible innovation in the hemp wellness industry. For more information, visit Company Name: Nexzen Exrtracts Contact Person: Nexzen Extracts Support Email: support@ Website: Country: United StatesError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hemp sales in Texas face uncertain future
TEXAS (KMID/KPEJ)- The Texas House and Senate are currently in a showdown battle for which of their proposed THC ban bills will ultimately pass the 89th legislative session. Texas Senate Bill 3 originally aimed at banning all hemp products containing THC. However, a Texas House committee passed its own version of the bill that was drastically different. FULL STORY: Hemp sales in Texas face uncertain future SB 3 Key Differences Texas Senate's version Bans all consumable hemp products statewide Backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Texas House's version Allows the sale of hemp beverages (containing less than 0.3% of THC) Allows very low THC consumables that don't resemble a snack marketed towards children Bans vapes, vape shops and all synthetics Backed by Chair of the State Affairs Committee, Ken King 'It allows for some hemp sales to be continued. It bans vapes. It bans vape shops. It bans all synthetics. Delta-9, the natural flower that's grown and sold in Texas, would remain,' King said. A customer must be 21 to purchase a hemp beverage, and the bill prohibits any sales from being made within 1,000 feet of a school, playground, day care, homeless shelter, or church. If the bill is passed, it would not guarantee these products will be sold everywhere in Texas. Counties will have the option to opt out of this bill by voting to become a dry county for consumable hemp. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has called for the ban of all THC, saying the products being sold in Texas are unregulated and a risk to children. Patrick is so adamant about passing SB 3, he's threatened to force a special session despite not having the explicit power to do so. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alabama bill giving ABC Board regulation over THC products derived from hemp awaiting Gov. Ivey's signature
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — A new bill to regulate THC products derived from hemp in Alabama has passed through the House and Senate and is headed to Governor Kay Ivey's desk. House Bill 445, sponsored by Andy Whitt, would grant the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to regulate all consumable hemp products through the licensure of manufacturers, wholesale distributors and retailers of consumable hemp products. The bill says that under existing law, products that have 'psychoactive cannabinoids found in or derived from hemp may not be sold to minors but are otherwise not regulated.' It also defines THC as 'any tetrahydrocannabinol derived from hemp, including, but not limited to, Delta-8, Delta-9 or Delta-10. Under HB445, if passed into law, it would: Impose testing and labeling requirements on all consumable hemp products sold in this state Authorize the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to license retailers of these products Establish restrictions on retail establishments Prohibit the sale of consumable hemp products to minors Prohibit the sale of smokable hemp products Prohibit online sales and direct delivery of consumable hemp products Impose an excise tax on consumable hemp products and provide for the distribution of tax proceeds Establish the Consumable Hemp Product Compliance Fund and provide for expenditures of the fund Authorize the board to seize unlawful consumable hemp products Provide for civil and criminal penalties for violations Repeal Section 13A-12-214.4, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the sale of psychoactive cannabinoids If signed into law, HB445 would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. After this, 'consumable hemp products distributed into or within the state and offered for sale and sold to consumers in this state shall be governed by this chapter. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board shall administer and enforce this chapter and shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this chapter.' The Consumable Hemp Product Compliance Fund, as stated in HB445, is created within the State Treasury and is said to be administered by the Board. 'All filing fees, annual license fees, and label approval fees collected under this chapter shall be deposited into the fund. Amounts deposited into the fund shall be budgeted and allotted in accordance with Sections 41-4-80 through 41-4-96 and Sections 41-19-1 through 41-19-12.,' the bill says. The bill defines the contents of the consumable hemp products: For a beverage or any edible product, a consumable hemp product may not contain more than 10 milligrams of total THC For any topical, sublingual, or other consumable hemp product not addressed in subdivision (1), one container of a consumable hemp product may not contain more than 40 milligrams of total THC All edible consumable hemp products shall be individually wrapped in single-serve packaging. One carton may not contain more than 40 milligrams of total THC A beverage serving size may not exceed 12 fluid ounces or 355 milliliters. One carton may not contain more than four 12-ounce containers A consumable hemp product may not contain alcohol, other than as a flavoring agent, or any other intoxicating compound other than cannabinoids The bill said that, if passed, a 10% excise tax would be levied on the retail sales price of consumable hemp products. This is in addition to any other tax imposed by federal, state or local law. The bill also lists out what each label/packaging for a consumable hemp product must contain at a minimum: May not bear the likeness or contain cartoon-like characteristics of a real or fictional person, animal, or fruit that appeals to children Must be child-resistant A list of all ingredients in descending order of predominance A scannable barcode or quick response code linked to the certificate of analysis The batch number that corresponds to the certificate of analysis The total number of milligrams of THC per serving May not be modeled after a brand of products primarily consumed by or marketed to children May not include a statement, artwork, or design that could reasonably mislead an individual to believe that the package contains anything other than a consumable hemp product The manufacture date and expiration date The total number of milligrams of THC found in the container and the serving size This bill was first introduced on March 18, it passed the House on April 10 and then passed the Senate on May 6. You can read what the full enrolled bill entails below. Alabama-2025-HB445-EnrolledDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
