Delta 8 THC will be regulated in Michigan starting October 11th

Beginning this fall, Delta-8 THC, a compound developed from cannabidiol (CBD), will be regulated in Michigan.

Governor Whitmer signed a bill that will make new legislation on this issue.

Delta-8 THC is similar to the cannabinoid Delta-9 THC, but does not have a very strong psychoactive effect.

Controversy ensued after this drug was sold in convenience stores, gas stations, and smoke shops throughout the state. Rep. Yousef Rabhi, D-Ann Arbor states that new legislation is necessary to protect public health.

“We know that banning these substances is not the best way to keep the public safe. But we also know that these psychoactive compounds are currently being sold with no public health standards to anyone, regardless of age.”

Rob Robar is the founder and operator of The Helping Friendly Hemp Company in Madison Heights, Michigan.

He produces and sells Delta-8 THC products.

Robar said he’s glad that Michigan did not go with a complete ban, but he does have some concerns.

“I'm happy that we're not talking about a complete outright ban of this particular cannabinoid,” Robar said. “On the other side, it does create a certain set of hurdles for a lot of people who are currently providing these products for people. It's really going to limit the players who can be involved.”

Robar said the new legislation will be limiting to smaller hemp producers like himself because of the cost of licensing at stake.

“When it comes to licensed cannabis space, it's going to require a whole lot more investment,” he said.

Robar prepared for Governor Whitmer to sign this legislation for some time now. It's something he saw as inevitable and even went as far as laying off 6-7 manufacturers and phasing out his Delta-8 products.

And, Robar noted, this is not exclusive to Michigan, but also present in other U.S. states too.

As of late June, at least 14 states including: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Utah have banned, or restricted, Delta-8 THC.

Michigan’s new legislation that regulates Delta-8 THC products will now have the state agency conduct testing.

The package of bills also updates definitions regarding products derived from the cannabis plant.

The new policies will take effect on October 11th.

Other sources:
https://lawstreetmedia.com/agriculture/michigan-governor-signs-bill-regulating-weaker-delta-8-thc/
https://hemptoday.net/michigan-puts-delta-8-thc-under-states-marijuana-regulations/
https://hempindustrydaily.com/michigan-governor-signs-legislation-to-regulate-delta-8-thc-products/
https://mjbizdaily.com/michigan-governor-moves-to-regulate-delta-8-thc-products/