Why it matters: The Wyoming legislature committee has voted to advance a bill that would ban hemp products with psychoactive properties, such as delta-8 THC. This bill seeks to ban psychoactive hemp products and was approved by the Joint Judiciary Committee. Despite reservations from some members of the panel, the bill was advanced but is likely to be amended before a full legislature vote.
What they are saying: Representative Art Washut expressed reservations about the bill, stating it was “not ready for prime time.” Senator Bill Landen also recognized that the bill is a work in progress but believes it is a necessary step. Shane England of the Hemp Industries Association argued against changing the definition of hemp and warned against a total ban on THC. Officials from the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation stated that the lab cannot distinguish between natural and synthetic delta-8 THC.
The big picture: The bill aims to prohibit the addition of synthetic substances or additives to hemp products and ban hemp products with more than 0.3% THC. However, the bill’s definition of “psychoactive” is unclear, raising concerns about unintended consequences and potential rulings that could affect CBD products. There is a need for a clearer definition to avoid ambiguity in the legislation.
What to watch: The bill will now proceed to the full legislature, where further amendments are expected. It will be important to monitor whether the bill is amended to address concerns about the definition of “psychoactive” and potential impacts on CBD products.
My take: The advancement of this bill reflects the ongoing debate surrounding the regulation of hemp products and THC. While the intention is to ban synthetic substances and additives in hemp products, the lack of clarity in the definition of “psychoactive” raises valid concerns. It is crucial to strike a balance between regulation and allowing access to hemp products that can benefit individuals with various ailments. Ultimately, the bill should be amended to provide a clear definition and avoid unintended consequences for the CBD industry.
