Perhaps over the summer, you noticed smoke shops, gas stations, and even convenience stores selling delta-8 THC in Michigan.
They were able to do this because of a loophole in the law. But that’s all going to come to an end on October 11th when it will become illegal for these businesses to sell delta-8 THC.
And many high-end cannabis growers who stress the importance of keeping consumers safe are grateful for this new legislation.
What Is Delta-8 THC?
Casual cannabis users have likely heard of delta-9 THC. This is the compound in cannabis that delivers the psychoactive effect – i.e. the “high”. Delta-8 THC, another compound in the plant, binds to the endocannabinoid system in a similar way to delta-9 THC, also giving the user a high.
The problem is, delta-8 THC is present in far smaller quantities than delta-9. And to extract and then purify delta-8 THC was proving highly unprofitable. Then some folks discovered there was a way to convert CBD into Delta-8 through an isomerization process that’s actually been around for decades.
They also figured out how create a synthetic version of it from delta-9 THC.
This worked out great since the CBD industry is booming and there’s an excess of CBD. And thanks to THC remediation processes, there’s plenty of excess delta-9 THC as well. As such, marijuana testing labs are finding more growers and producers extracting delta-8 THC from marijuana. And because delta-8 THC been in a legal grey area, hemp farmers have found this route a profitable way to sell their harvests.
The legal grey area is a result of previous laws focusing only on delta-9 THC and written too narrowly to include delta-8 THC. In fact, it was only delta-9 THC referenced in the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, the United States Department of Agriculture’s final rule regarding hemp production, and Michigan’s hemp laws.
Meanwhile, CBD and delta-9 THC have been transformed through solvents and acids into delta-8 THC – often leaving residual chemicals. And since there are no regulations to ensure that manufacturers are safely performing the process, consumers could be inhaling a lot more than delta-8 THC.
Enacting Laws on Delta-8 THC in Michigan
On July 13, 2021, Governor Whitmer signed into legislation a law that will regulate delta-8 THC. Beginning October 11, 2021, it will be no longer be legal for businesses like gas stations, smoke shops, or convenience stores in Michigan to produce or sell delta-8 THC without licensing from Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA).
As of that date, delta-8 THC products will be considered marijuana and can only be produced by licensed marijuana businesses, tested for safety, and sold only at licensed marijuana businesses or events. And only shops and individuals who are licensed by state cannabis regulators will be able to sell or produce hemp-derived THC products.
Michigan is not alone in this – with many other states having already passed similar legislation. In fact, 14 states have blocked the sale of delta-8 THC. In Alaska and Vermont, these cannabinoids are prohibited and Washington state currently has a temporary ban on both delta-8 and delta-10.
Stick With Quality and Safety
You don’t need to resort delta-8 THC in Michigan. When you source your cannabis from a state-of-the-art grow facility like ours, you know you’re getting only the best and SAFEST cannabis there is.
So don’t take chances. Insist on the best cannabis available. Click here to find out where you can access our line of high quality products.