Latest news with #Delta9THC
Associated Press
7 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Stop Gas Station Heroin Coalition Applauds Senate Appropriators for Closing Hemp Loophole
Funding bill provision would slow spread of intoxicating hemp products, protecting kids and communities The Stop Gas Station Heroin coalition today commended the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations for unanimously approving the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This Senate funding bill and its House counterpart, approved in committee last month, show bipartisan support for closing the unregulated, intoxicating hemp loophole — correcting a legal gray area created by the 2018 Farm Bill and slowing the spread of Gas Station Heroin in American communities. ' Gas Station Heroin " refers to a range of foreign lab-made synthetic substances that include tianeptine, nitrous oxide, semi-synthetic and synthetic alkaloid products, and intoxicating hemp products such as Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta-10, and HHC. At issue here is this latter category of intoxicating hemp and its legal definition. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, the federal government classifies hemp as cannabis and its derivatives with no more than 0.3% Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on a dry weight basis. Delta-9-THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the euphoric high associated with marijuana use. Critically, the Senate funding bill would decrease the delta-9-THC limit for hemp-derived products to zero. The government's current definition of hemp permits the manufacture and distribution of products containing non-delta-9 intoxicating cannabinoids — including delta-8, delta-10, and HHC — as long as their delta-9 content remains below the statutory threshold. The narrow standards of the 2018 Farm Bill have resulted in a regulatory loophole exploited by manufacturers and retailers of intoxicating, hemp-derived products sold in convenience stores, gas stations, and smoke shops across the country. These chemically altered, highly concentrated products are concocted with imported extracts from overseas labs and rake in significant revenue for the international Gas Station Heroin syndicate, a multi-billion-dollar enterprise exploiting legal loopholes to drive addiction and profit while endangering Americans. The Senate funding bill restores the original intent of the 2018 Farm Bill, which was never meant to create a loophole for synthetic THC, while protecting legitimate hemp farmers from rogue actors flooding the market with lab-made Gas Station Heroin. Moreover, the bill would mark the most consequential federal intervention in cannabinoid policy in years, preempting and superseding a growing patchwork of state laws by establishing a uniform federal prohibition on synthetically manipulated and intoxicating hemp derivatives. This important legislation underscores that natural botanicals are not the same as harmful synthetic substances. Although whole plant products have been used safely for centuries, bad actors are now isolating basic compounds from plants and chemically altering them in labs to create hyper-potent drugs that are poisoning consumers. Stop Gas Station Heroin applauds Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee John Hoeven, and Senator Mitch McConnell for their leadership in combating the Gas Station Heroin crisis by seeking to close the hemp loophole. About Stop Gas Station Heroin Stop Gas Station Heroin is a national coalition that aims to educate consumers about harmful synthetic drugs and advocate for smart regulation that distinguishes between legitimate, natural botanicals and dangerous, synthetic drugs, combined with enforcement of current federal laws around unapproved drugs. To learn more, navigate to Media Contact Colby Wilson [email protected] ### SOURCE: Stop Gas Station Heroin Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire
Indianapolis Star
01-07-2025
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana should close marijuana loophole putting drugs in hands of 38,000 kids
Nearly 38,000 Indiana middle and high school students have tried psychoactive Delta THC products, according to the 2024 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey — a direct result of a loophole in state marijuana law that puts these substances within easy reach of minors. Delta 9 THC is the compound in marijuana that causes people to feel high. For the most part, it's banned in the state. But Indiana follows the 2018 federal farm bill's hemp definition, creating a loophole that allows similar psychoactive compounds like Delta 8 THC. Delta THC products, including drinks and candy, are widely accessible and appear to be specifically marketed toward children. 2% of public middle school students and nearly 10% of public high school students reported having tried Delta THC products. That translates to 37,565 students who have used a drug that could lead to long-term damage to their attention, memory and learning, as well as increased risks of psychiatric disorder, testicular cancer, respiratory difficulties and more. The well-documented damage to the ability of students to learn and grow is also highly concentrated among the most at-risk and marginalized. Research shows marijuana use is higher in schools with greater poverty, lower achievement, and higher absenteeism. This higher use is likely to translate to Delta THC products as well, considering their widespread distribution. Despite this clear harm, some legislators have proposed the wrong solution. State Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle, and state Rep. Jake Teshka, R-North Liberty, pushed a law this year that would have formally legalized and regulated Delta 8 THC. It fortunately died during the last stages of the legislative session. Hicks: Legalizing marijuana brings tax revenue, lower crime. Indiana is behind. Attorney General Todd Rokita was one of the major opponents of the bill, as he has long held the products should be illegal under current law. As a result, there has been inconsistent enforcement against them at various times and places. A lawsuit against Rokita over the issue was dismissed a few months ago, declaring his opinion was not legally binding while leaving enforcement in a gray area. With that in mind, it would make sense for people to think some limited good might come out of settling the issue and formally banning the sale of the product to minors. However, Holdman and Teshka's bill made the unfortunate mistake of looking at the proliferation of marijuana through the mantra of 'safe, legal and rare.' In practice, as is the case with decriminalization of marijuana in other states, pushing for 'safe, legal and rare' only increases accessibility of the drug for minors. It would also make it more difficult for prosecutors to enforce existing laws against marijuana. What inevitably follows from actions that reduce the legal risk around a vice industry is that more investors will see it as an opportunity. New capital flows into the business, making it increasingly ubiquitous and socially acceptable. Opinion: Legalizing marijuana would be a bipartisan win for Indiana Of course, proponents of full-on marijuana legalization are counting on exactly that, as an opportunity to boost state tax revenue and reduce nonviolent arrests. But the data tells a different story. Studies show the modest economic benefits are overshadowed by a 17% increase in substance use disorders, 35% increase in chronic homelessness and 13% increase in arrests on average. As Indiana leaders abdicate responsibility for public health and the state and federal governments limit Medicaid access, it would be the worst possible time to make Delta THC products more accessible. State leaders have already wisely taken action to reduce tobacco consumption in light of their other cuts to public health spending. It is about time they finish the deal and ban marijuana once and for all by closing the loophole allowing the sale of Delta THC products.
Health Line
25-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
How Long Does a Cannabis High Last?
A cannabis high can last up to 10 hours, depending on the amount you ingest, how you consume it, the THC content, your body weight and metabolism, whether you've eaten, and your tolerance level. Cannabis contains more than 113 chemical compounds called cannabinoids. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of those cannabinoids, and it's the ingredient responsible for making you feel high. A cannabis high can last anywhere from 2 to 10 hours, depending on various factors. Here's a closer look at the timeline of a delta-9 THC high and tips for cutting things short. How long does it take for cannabis to kick in? How quickly you feel the effects mostly depends on your method of use: Smoking or vaping: You can begin to feel the effects of cannabis within minutes. It kicks in quickly because it enters your bloodstream via your lungs within minutes of inhaling it. Eating: Your digestive system metabolizes pot when you eat it, which can take a while. Edibles usually kick in within 30 to 60 minutes, but can sometimes take as long as 2 hours. Dabbing: With this method, a highly concentrated form of cannabis is smoked through a special pipe. Dabs have a higher THC content than other forms of cannabis, so the high kicks in almost instantly. How long do the effects of cannabis last? How long the effects last can vary greatly depending on the dose and potency. The more you use and the higher the THC content, the longer the effects will stick around. How you consume cannabis also affects when the effects peak and how long they last. Smoking or vaping: The effects peak immediately after consumption and typically last 1 to 3 hours, though they can linger for up to 8 hours. Eating: The effects of edibles usually peak around 2 hours after consumption and can last up to 24 hours. Dabbing: Similar to smoking, the effects of dabbing usually last 1 to 3 hours. If using a high THC concentrate, you could feel the effects for an entire day. Cannabis hits everyone differently, so while your high may only last for a couple of hours, you could potentially feel the comedown or aftereffects for several hours or through the next day. It's best to go low and slow if you're new to cannabis. Is there any way to end a cannabis high faster? If you need to cut things short, there are a few things you can try. Keep in mind that these tips are designed to reduce the effects, not eliminate them altogether. That means you'll likely still experience lingering effects, including a reduced reaction time, so you'll still want to avoid driving. Here are a few pointers based on anecdotal evidence and some research: Take a nap: Sleeping can help you relax if your high has you feeling anxious or paranoid. It also gives your body time to process and eliminate the cannabis. You'll likely wake up feeling refreshed and more alert after a few winks. Try some black pepper: There's some evidence that caryophyllene, a compound in peppercorn, increases the sedative effects of THC, which could calm you. Just take a container of black pepper and have a sniff without inhaling it. Chewing on a couple of whole peppercorns also works. Eat some pine nuts: Some research shows that pinene, a compound in pine nuts, has a calming effect and improves clarity. Skip this method if you have a tree nut allergy, though. Try some CBD: Yep, it may sound counterintuitive, but CBD may counteract the effects of THC. Like THC, cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid. The difference is the receptors in your brain that they interact with. THC causes the high you get from cannabis, but CBD has a calming effect that may help dull your high. Have some lemon peel: Lemons, especially the peel, contain compounds that have a calming effect. In theory, ingesting some lemon peel could counteract some of the psychoactive effects of THC and help you come down. Try steeping some in hot water for a few minutes, then remove them and take some sips. What about extending a cannabis high? If you're looking for a longer-lasting high, consider sticking with edibles. They take longer to kick in, but the effects will hang around longer, which can be a big help if you're using cannabis for medical purposes. You could also re-dose or try a higher THC strain for a longer high, but know that you'll also have more intense effects. For a seasoned consumer, this is probably not a big deal, but a newbie may find the effects of a bigger dose to be a bit much. There are some anecdotal methods for extending your high on the Internet, like eating mango, but there is no evidence to support them. Some websites recommend drinking alcohol with cannabis to extend your high, but it isn't the best idea. Drinking before using cannabis — even just one drink — can heighten the effects of THC. This combo can cause some folks to 'green out' and experience some pretty unpleasant symptoms, including: nausea vomiting dizziness sweating increased impairment This combo doesn't work great in the other direction, either. Using cannabis before drinking can minimize the effects of alcohol, meaning you'll feel less drunk than you are. This makes it easy to get overly intoxicated. Plus, using cannabis and alcohol together may increase your risk of dependence on one or both substances. First-timer tips If you're new to cannabis, keep these tips in mind: Start with a low-THC strain. Keep your dose low and wait at least 2 hours before re-dosing, especially if using edibles. Try it when you have a chunk of free time to ride out the high, like on your day off. Have water handy to help avoid dry mouth and a cannabis hangover. Eat something before getting high, and be sure to have snacks on hand because the munchies are real. Having some food beforehand can also reduce potential side effects. Avoid mixing cannabis with alcohol or other substances. Have a friend with you in case you become anxious or have a bad reaction. The bottom line Cannabis affects everyone differently, so it's hard to predict exactly how long you'll feel the effects. Starting with a low dose and less potent strain can help keep you from getting too high, whereas opting for edibles will help to extend things a bit.
Indianapolis Star
18-06-2025
- General
- Indianapolis Star
What's the difference between Delta 8 THC and marijuana or 'weed'?
Hoosiers might have started to notice gummy products labeled "Delta 8" or even "THC" in their corner stores or vape shops over the last few years. In the state legislature, lawmakers have been tinkering for years with bills to try to regulate these off-brand cannabis products that the federal government accidentally legalized. The difference between Delta 8 and the kind of marijuana we colloquially call "weed" or "pot" comes down to some chemistry and an arbitrary federal definition. They all come from the same plant, Cannabis sativa. This plant contains hundreds of chemical substances known as cannabanoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the psychoactive cannabanoid responsible for the "high" associated with marijuana. This is also called Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 THC is another cannabanoid in the plant. It's an isomer, or a slightly altered chemical compound related to Delta 9 THC, but less psychoactive. However, since there isn't a lot of naturally occurring Delta 8, most Delta 8 on the market is made in a lab and is derived from what the federal government now considers "hemp." That's where the federal definitions come in. In the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress wanted to give farmers a legal way to make agricultural textiles from less potent varieties of the cannabis plant, or hemp. Lawmakers decided to codify a dividing line between legal hemp and illegal marijuana. Hemp would henceforth be known as dry cannabis flower with less than 0.3% concentration of Delta 9 THC, and marijuana, illegal on the federal level, is flower with higher concentrations. Cannabis cheat code: Marijuana is illegal in Indiana, but this loophole makes it complicated The Farm Bill didn't address isomers like Delta 8. So the market has innovated all kinds of products and derivatives from plants containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 ― or legal hemp ― including Delta 8, THCa and all kinds of other letters and numbers. This is the impact of the loophole: It's possible to sell products containing very high concentrations of Delta 8, enough to mimic intense psychoactive effects, and still abide by that federal definition. THCa, which can also be found in Indiana stores, is another example: when dry, it abides by the legal definition, but when exposed to heat, it chemically transforms into regular Delta 9 THC. A bill to regulate Delta 8 and other hemp-derived THC products died on the last day of the Indiana legislative session. Meanwhile, the cannabis industry is lobbying Congress heavily to pass an amendment that would close the loophole the Farm Bill created. For now, there remain no regulations on these products.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Robertsdale CBD store owner found not guilty of selling narcotics
BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) — A Baldwin County business owner has been found not guilty of selling illegal narcotics. Brandon Stokes, who owns a CBD store in Robertsdale, was arrested in July 2022 along with his business partner, Michah Dangelo, after a year-long investigation conducted by the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force. Taco Bell employee arrested after spitting in woman's food, according to Milton police BCSO officials said they executed a search warrant at his home and his store and seized several kinds of drugs including cocaine, LSD, ecstasy and marijuana. Wednesday, Stokes was found not guilty on all five counts. Stokes' attorney, Jonathan McCardle, told News 5 the jury was out just over an hour before returning the not guilty verdict on charges of distribution of Delta 9 THC, distribution of marijuana, cocaine and possession of marijuana. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
