New report calls for action on hemp-derived THC products

A policy report published by the University of Illinois System’s Institute of Government and Public Affairs, written by James A. Swartz and Dana Franceschini, researchers at UIC’s Jane Addams College of Social Work, sheds light on the explosion of hemp-derived THC products and growing concerns over their safety, legality and impact on public health.

The report, titled “High on Hemp: The Proliferation of, Public Health Implications, and Policy Debate over Regulating Hemp-Derived Psychoactive Products,” highlights how these products, which are often just as potent as state-regulated cannabis, are being sold without oversight. Due to loopholes in federal law, hemp-derived THC is widely available in convenience stores, gas stations and online retailers with no age restrictions and little to no quality control.

Over the past five years, sales of hemp-derived THC products have skyrocketed. Unlike state-licensed cannabis, these products are not tested for potency or contaminants, which means consumers are often unknowingly buying items that may contain dangerous chemicals, including pesticides and heavy metals.

One of the biggest concerns is how easily young people can access these products. Many are sold in brightly colored packaging and marketed as candy, gummies or vape pens, making them especially appealing to teenagers. A recent study cited in the report found that some hemp-derived products sold in Chicago contained higher THC levels than what’s legally allowed in cannabis dispensaries.

“This is a public health risk,” Franceschini said. “People assume these products are safe because they’re sold legally, but they are unregulated and can contain anything. That’s a serious issue, especially when young people get their hands on them.”

The report also dives into the ongoing policy debate over how to handle hemp-derived THC. Right now, federal lawmakers are considering closing the loophole that allows these products to be sold without restrictions. But until that happens, the decision falls to individual states.

Illinois, for example, has some of the highest cannabis taxes in the country, which has made it difficult for licensed dispensaries to compete with cheaper, unregulated hemp THC products. Some lawmakers want to bring hemp THC under the same strict regulations as cannabis, while others argue that looser rules would allow small businesses to continue selling these products without excessive costs.

“With millions in tax revenue at stake, states are struggling to balance consumer safety, business interests and public health,” Swartz said. “Without action, this market will continue to expand without oversight, leaving consumers at risk.”

The report suggests several key steps policymakers should take to address the issue:

• Setting age restrictions to prevent minors from buying psychoactive hemp products.
• Requiring lab testing and accurate labeling to protect consumers.
• Establishing fair licensing and tax rules that ensure a level playing field with cannabis businesses.
• Limiting sales to licensed retailers instead of unlicensed sellers such as gas stations and convenience stores.

The future of hemp THC regulation is still uncertain. In their new IGPA report, Franceschini and Swartz say action is needed to close loopholes, protect public health and create a fair market.

— Kyle Peebles, Institute of Government and Public Affairs