When Connecticut approved the legalization of adult-use marijuana last month, it became the latest state to institute a ban on hemp-derived THC products, including delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC, for companies without a license to sell them.
The state’s new law prohibits products containing delta-7, delta-8, delta-9 and delta-10 from being sold outside licensed cannabis retailers or medical marijuana dispensaries.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) warned businesses after enactment of the law that established an adult-use marijuana marketplace and made changes to existing cannabis regulations that, beginning July 1, they may no longer offer or sell products made using hemp or hemp-derived THC products.
The new law defines cannabis to include hemp products with a total THC concentration exceeding 0.3% on a dry-weight basis, which includes delta-7 THC, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC and delta-10 THC.
License applications are not yet available, according to the DCP.
“This change stops the exploitation of a loophole in the federal hemp act that resulted in individuals selling unregulated products on the retail market with high delta-8 THC concentrations that have intoxicating effects,” DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull said in a statement.
“Prior to this change, entities were able to sell products in the normal retail market without having to adhere to any testing, packaging, or labeling standards, including childproof packaging standards, or product restrictions prohibiting forms that appeal to children.”
The law ensures that hemp products containing any type of THC exceeding the federal legal limit will be regulated, she said.
New York is another state that recently legalized marijuana and banned hemp-derived delta-8 THC.
Michigan and California, which both have regulated marijuana markets, are considering legislation to regulate hemp-derived THC products such as delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC.
Michigan’s bill, which has passed both chambers, awaits a signature from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.