Latest news with #Tetrahydrocannabinol
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Texas Bans Delta-8 THC, Which Is Only Popular Because of Prohibition
This week, the Texas House of Representatives passed a bill outlawing an intoxicating substance derived from hemp, just six years after legalizing it. Ironically, prohibition is what created the problem in the first place. Senate Bill 3, which passed the Texas Senate in March, would ban all forms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the state. "Since 2019, retailers across Texas have exploited a state agriculture law to sell life-threatening, unregulated forms of Tetrahydrocannabinol to Texans, including children," Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (a Republican) said in March, in support of the bill. "These stores which often target children with their marketing have popped up across the state, threatening the safety of our communities." The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 officially legalized hemp at the federal level, by defining it as any part of the Cannabis sativa plant "with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent." Many states, including Texas, soon followed suit, passing farm bills at the state level using the same percentage. Hemp and marijuana both come from the Cannabis sativa plant. Delta-9 THC is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, which causes a "high" when ingested. While THC occurs naturally in marijuana—at a 15 percent concentration, on average—it's only present in trace amounts in hemp. In 1967, an Israeli chemist synthesized a separate compound, delta-8. On a molecular level, delta-8 is nearly identical to delta-9, and it produces a similar but milder intoxicating response when ingested. Delta-8 also only occurs in small amounts but it can be synthesized using CBD, which comes from hemp. Once the farm bills became law, hemp production exploded, flooding the market within a growing season. The industry pivoted, using hemp surpluses to manufacture intoxicating delta-8 products. It worked: A 2022 whitepaper from the Brightfield Group, a market research firm, found the industry grossed nearly $2 billion from delta-8 in two years. This is why unregulated delta-8 products of dubious quality started popping up in gas stations and convenience stores all across the country. Texas alone now has more than 7,000 registered hemp retailers. "State regulations governing hemp products vary widely and are unevenly enforced, creating a patchwork of rules that can change dramatically from one state to the next," according to a 2024 report by Michelle Minton and Geoffrey Lawrence of Reason Foundation, the nonprofit that publishes this magazine. "Consumers face an increasingly confusing array of products of uncertain quality while businesses must navigate a shifting and uncertain regulatory environment." Patrick is right that delta-8 appeals to young people: A 2023 study found more than 11 percent of high schoolers reported having used delta-8 products in the previous year. (In the same period, over 30 percent reported using marijuana.) But it should come as no surprise that prohibition—specifically, of marijuana—has the most direct impact on delta-8's sudden popularity. As that same 2023 study pointed out, the prevalence of delta-8 use was higher "in the South and Midwest US and in states without legal adult-use marijuana." "Higher [delta-8] use in states without medical or adult-use cannabis laws suggests that cannabis prohibition may unintentionally promote [delta-8] use," according to another study the following year. It's not that people are excited to use a substance that is like marijuana, but less potent and potentially more dangerous; rather, consumers are choosing an inferior product because it's easier to get and not illegal. By passing S.B. 3, Texas is criminalizing a product sold by thousands of stores that only opened because the state government legalized it. State Rep. James Talarico (D–Austin) called the repeal "the nanny state at its worst" in comments from the chamber floor. "Instead of regulating this booming industry in our state, we are now going backwards to the days of prohibition. This bill is not going to stop Texans from smoking weed or eating edibles, just because a bunch of politicians in Austin tell them not to. Texans will still use THC, but instead of getting it safely from a local small business, they'll now get it from the black market, from the drug cartels. This ban is a gift to the cartels." The post Texas Bans Delta-8 THC, Which Is Only Popular Because of Prohibition appeared first on
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
4 arrested in Marietta on drug charges, 2 wanted for murder in Memphis
The Marietta Police Department says four people were arrested on drug charges. Two of them were wanted for murder in Tennessee. Police said they arrested Martavious Jenkins, Lacameron Jenkins, Maria Jenkins and Jade Brown on Tuesday. According to the department, the Memphis Tennessee Police Department Gang Unit told Marietta police that two murder suspects may be hiding in the area. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] ABC 24 in Memphis reported police were investigating the deaths of two people and another critically injured from a shooting on Cleoford Avenue related to domestic violence. ABC 24 reported four suspects were charged with murder in Memphis, including Martavious and Lacameron Jenkins. Each face two counts of murder in Tennessee and eight counts of attempted first-degree murder, according to ABC 24's report. Memphis police told officers in Marietta that tips led their investigation over the state line and into the metro Atlanta area. TRENDING STORIES: Traffic stop lands GA college student in ICE custody 2 weeks after same thing happened to father Motel at center of trafficking ring shut down; other residents left searching for place to stay CSX train partially derails near Cobb County neighborhood, middle school Marietta officers coordinated with the Memphis investigators and MPD's Crime Interdiction Unit began their own investigation, working with the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force. Their work led to getting a search warrant for Lacameron Jenkins, which Marietta SWAT officers and the Special Operations Group then served at a home on Crestridge Drive Wednesday night. While looking for Lacameron Jenkins, police said 'multiple individuals in the home were detained,' with narcotics sitting out in the open. Police got another search warrant for the home and seized MDMA, oxycodone, psilocybin mushrooms, THC gummies and more than five pounds of marijuana during the investigation. In Georgia, the arrests led to the following charges: Martavious Jenkins, 34-year-old from Memphis TN: Fugitive from justice (F), Intent to Distribute Marijuana (F), Intent to Distribute Psilocybin (F), Intent to Distribute MDMA (F), Intent to Distribute Oxycodone Hydrochloride Scheduled II (F), Intent to Distribute Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) scheduled I (F). Lacameron Jenkins, 24-year-old from Memphis TN: Fugitive from justice (F), Intent to Distribute Marijuana (F), Intent to Distribute Psilocybin (F), Intent to Distribute MDMA (F), Intent to Distribute Oxycodone Hydrochloride Scheduled II (F), Intent to Distribute Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) scheduled I (F). Maria Jenkins, 25-year-old from Memphis TN: Intent to Distribute Marijuana (F), Intent to Distribute Psilocybin (F), Intent to Distribute MDMA (F), Intent to Distribute Oxycodone Hydrochloride Scheduled II (F), Intent to Distribute Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) scheduled I (F). Jade Brown, 19-year-old from Memphis TN: Intent to Distribute Marijuana (F), Intent to Distribute Psilocybin (F), Intent to Distribute MDMA (F), Intent to Distribute Oxycodone Hydrochloride Scheduled II (F), Intent to Distribute Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) scheduled I (F). [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Scotsman
09-05-2025
- Scotsman
Falkirk drug crime: Addiction charity worker caught with drugs worth £100k
Jack McGuire was sentenced via video link at Falkirk Sheriff Court (Picture: Michael Gillen, National World) Jack McGuire was sentenced to three years in prison for being concerned in the supply of cannabis. Sign up to the daily Crime UK newsletter. All the latest crime news and trials from across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... An addiction charity worker has been sentenced to three years in prison after being caught smuggling drugs to his Falkirk home. Jack McGuire pleaded guilty to charges of importing and being involved in the supply of cannabis and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) between August and October 2023. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The 36-year-old was caught after officers intercepted a delivery of drugs to his home address in Banknock, where he was found to have cannabis and THC with an estimated street value of around £100,000. At the time of the offences McGuire, a marital arts instructor, also volunteered with several charities - including those dedicated to helping those with substance abuse issues. Appearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court from custody via video link on Wednesday, May 7, McGuire was sentenced to three years in prison. While imposing the sentence, Sheriff Derek Hamilton referred to the 'irony' of his situation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sheriff Hamilton said: 'As I'm sure the irony is not lost on you, when you were purportedly supporting young offenders with their recovery from addictions you were also supporting the abuse and feeding the need of drug users by smuggling drugs into this country. 'Smuggling drugs into this country is a serious issue and the penalties require to be significant.' Detective Inspector John Currie, Forth Valley CID, said: 'This case reflects our continued commitment to tackling the illegal supply of drugs in the Forth Valley area. "Being concerned in the supply of cannabis is illegal and we will use to the full extent of the powers available to anyone that involves themselves in this kind of offending. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Information from the public is crucial in helping us to combat those involved in drugs activity in our communities. It is only as a community working together that we can tackle drug dealing activity.
Scotsman
09-05-2025
- Scotsman
Falkirk drug crime: Addiction charity worker caught with drugs worth £100k
Jack McGuire was sentenced via video link at Falkirk Sheriff Court (Picture: Michael Gillen, National World) Jack McGuire was sentenced to three years in prison for being concerned in the supply of cannabis. Sign up to the daily Crime UK newsletter. All the latest crime news and trials from across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... An addiction charity worker has been sentenced to three years in prison after being caught smuggling drugs to his Falkirk home. Jack McGuire pleaded guilty to charges of importing and being involved in the supply of cannabis and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) between August and October 2023. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The 36-year-old was caught after officers intercepted a delivery of drugs to his home address in Banknock, where he was found to have cannabis and THC with an estimated street value of around £100,000. At the time of the offences McGuire, a marital arts instructor, also volunteered with several charities - including those dedicated to helping those with substance abuse issues. Appearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court from custody via video link on Wednesday, May 7, McGuire was sentenced to three years in prison. While imposing the sentence, Sheriff Derek Hamilton referred to the 'irony' of his situation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sheriff Hamilton said: 'As I'm sure the irony is not lost on you, when you were purportedly supporting young offenders with their recovery from addictions you were also supporting the abuse and feeding the need of drug users by smuggling drugs into this country. 'Smuggling drugs into this country is a serious issue and the penalties require to be significant.' Detective Inspector John Currie, Forth Valley CID, said: 'This case reflects our continued commitment to tackling the illegal supply of drugs in the Forth Valley area. "Being concerned in the supply of cannabis is illegal and we will use to the full extent of the powers available to anyone that involves themselves in this kind of offending. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Information from the public is crucial in helping us to combat those involved in drugs activity in our communities. It is only as a community working together that we can tackle drug dealing activity.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Layton man charged for operating an illegal THC cartridge lab out of his home
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. LAYTON, Utah () — A man has been charged with operating an illegal 'clandestine laboratory' to produce Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cartridges at his home in Layton. Daniel Jemmings, 21, has been charged with five felonies. He is facing one count each of clandestine laboratory precursors and equipment, production of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a dangerous weapon by a category II restricted person, and endangerment of a child. A 'clandestine laboratory' is a 'secret laboratory used to manufacture controlled substances,' according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. Provo man arrested after family member finds pipe bombs in his apartment, documents say On March 3, 2025, the Layton City Police Department responded to reports of a fight in progress, according to documents. 'Little did they know what they would end up discovering,' the Deputy Davis County Attorney wrote in the charging documents. Police would obtain a search warrant to investigate what was inside the residence. While at the home, police discovered roughly 1,425 THC vape cartridges, 3,219 grams of THC extract dab, 31 grams of marijuana, and 29 grams of methamphetamine. They also located a loaded firearm and a 'large quantity of cash.' According to charging documents, 'police found hot plates, metal pans on them, beakers, and water evaporation lines. There were several mason jars with drug residue.' Two motorcyclists kidnapped, robbed and left in remote area of Tooele County, documents say Police said Jemmings claimed to work at a Smith's warehouse, and was the sole breadwinner despite paying nearly $3,000 a month to rent his home. A 1-year-old child was living at the residence, and officers found that 'the drugs, packaging, and paraphernalia found inside and in different bedrooms was great and accessible by anyone, including children.' Previous charges showed that Jemmings had been found with marijuana while in Syracuse. He had recently entered a plea in abeyance, and that case was closed in February, shortly before police discovered the laboratory in his home. Jemmings was arrested at the time, but has since been released with conditions, including a promise to appear in court and not commit any crimes while on release. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
