Summary
In November, a new U.S. law banned intoxicating hemp products, which were legal due to a mistake in the 2018 Farm Bill. The products contained harmful chemicals leading to health issues, particularly among children, and faced opposition from some legislators. The new law includes a 12-month period for creating regulations before enforcement begins.
Key Facts
- A federal ban on intoxicating hemp products was signed into law in November.
- The 2018 Farm Bill had mistakenly allowed these products by creating a legal loophole.
- Hemp products often contained delta-8 THC, a compound similar to the psychoactive component in marijuana.
- From 2021 to 2025, over 10,000 calls were made to poison control centers related to delta-8 THC.
- Reports showed a significant increase in THC-related incidents among children.
- There was initial resistance to the ban from some industry supporters and legislators.
- The new law allows a 12-month period for the FDA to create official regulations.
- The Ohio legislature is also considering a state-level ban aligned with the federal law.
