Article by: Tom Zuber, Janet Jackim, and Jim Ickes

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has recently clarified its stance, indicating that THC-A, a precursor to the psychoactive compound THC, does not qualify as legal hemp under current federal law. This statement comes at a pivotal moment as legislative bodies consider amendments to the upcoming Farm Bill that could recriminalize certain cannabinoids, reshaping the hemp industry and likely put some hemp growers and producers out of business.

THC-A is naturally occurring in the cannabis plant and converts to THC when exposed to heat, a process known as decarboxylation. Unlike THC, THC-A is non-intoxicating. However, the DEA’s interpretation stems from THC-A’s potential to convert into THC, viewing it through a lens similar to controlled substances.

In the context of the 2018 Farm Bill, lawmakers are debating amendments that could redefine hemp to exclude THC-A. This redefinition is significant, as the current legal threshold for hemp classification is a THC concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. The proposed changes aim to prevent any hemp-derived products that could yield psychoactive effects upon conversion.

The implications of these legislative adjustments are profound for the hemp industry. Stakeholders argue that such changes could devastate various segments of the market, particularly those involved in the production and sale of hemp-derived cannabinoids, including THC-A. The industry, which has seen rapid growth and innovation, could face stringent new limits that may affect everything from seed sales to the availability of certain hemp products.

Meanwhile, lobbying efforts intensify as various cannabis advocacy groups push for and against the proposed changes. Proponents of stricter regulations argue for the necessity of such measures to prevent the misuse of hemp derivatives, while opponents warn of economic fallout and stifled innovation within a sector that has begun to thrive under more relaxed regulations.

As the debate unfolds, the hemp industry remains on high alert, with business owners, consumers, and legal experts closely monitoring the evolving legal landscapes that could dictate the future of cannabis-derived products in the United States.