$28 Billion Hemp Industry Faces Extinction With Government Re-Opening - Forbes

Hemp-Derived THC Products Face Uncertain Future After Federal Government Reopening

In a significant development, an amendment to the bill that reopened the federal government has effectively dealt a blow to products containing hemp-derived THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. These products, which include beverages sold at major retailers like Target, Circle K, and Total Wine, are now facing an uncertain future.

What Happens When a Federal Government Reopens?

When a federal government shutdown occurs, many government agencies are forced to close or significantly reduce their operations. However, this closure also affects other entities that rely on government funding or regulations, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). During a shutdown, the FDA may not be able to review new food products or enforce regulations, which can lead to concerns about public safety.

Hemp-Derived THC Products: A Growing Industry

In recent years, hemp-derived THC products have become increasingly popular. These products are made from industrial hemp, a plant that is rich in CBD (cannabidiol) and other cannabinoids. The CBD content of hemp is typically very low, which allows manufacturers to produce products with higher levels of THC.

One of the most notable industries affected by the federal government reopening is the beverage industry. Companies like Target, Circle K, and Total Wine have been selling beverages containing hemp-derived THC, which are marketed as "CBD" or "hemp-based" drinks. These products are often promoted for their potential health benefits, such as relaxation and stress relief.

The Impact of the Amendment

The amendment to the bill that reopened the federal government effectively kills products containing hemp-derived THC. This means that companies like Target, Circle K, and Total Wine can no longer sell beverages with these products.

The reason behind this is that hemp-derived THC products are considered a "food additive" by the FDA, which requires a pre-market approval process before they can be sold in the United States. During a government shutdown, the FDA was unable to review new applications or enforce regulations, which allowed companies to sell these products without permission.

What Does This Mean for Consumers?

The impact of this amendment on consumers is significant. Many people who have been enjoying hemp-derived THC beverages may no longer be able to access them. These products were marketed as safe and healthy alternatives, but now they are facing an uncertain future.

For companies that manufacture these products, the implications are equally severe. Many businesses have invested heavily in the production of hemp-derived THC beverages, only to see their product lines shut down overnight.

What's Next?

The future of hemp-derived THC products is uncertain. It's possible that companies may try to find alternative ways to sell these products, such as by obtaining special permits or working with state-level regulators.

However, it's also possible that the FDA will take a more active role in enforcing regulations and requiring pre-market approval for these products. If this happens, it could lead to a much safer and more regulated industry.

The CBD Industry: A Growing Concern

The hemp-derived THC industry is not the only concern when it comes to CBD. The CBD industry has grown rapidly in recent years, with many companies claiming that their products can treat a range of health conditions, from anxiety to chronic pain.

However, there are concerns about the quality and safety of these products. Many CBD products are sold without any regulation or oversight, which can lead to contamination, adulteration, or other safety issues.

Regulation: The Key to Safety

The key to ensuring that hemp-derived THC products are safe and effective is regulation. This means that companies must be held to high standards of quality control and manufacturing practices.

It's possible that the FDA will take a more active role in regulating the CBD industry, which could lead to safer and more effective products. However, it's also possible that some companies may try to circumvent regulations or avoid oversight altogether.

Conclusion

The amendment to the bill that reopened the federal government has effectively dealt a blow to products containing hemp-derived THC. These products were marketed as safe and healthy alternatives, but now they are facing an uncertain future.

As the industry continues to evolve, it's clear that regulation will be key to ensuring that these products are safe and effective. Whether companies can find alternative ways to sell these products or if the FDA takes a more active role in enforcing regulations remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: the hemp-derived THC industry will not go away anytime soon. As consumers become increasingly interested in natural health alternatives, companies will continue to innovate and adapt. However, it's also clear that there must be regulation and oversight to ensure that these products are safe for consumption.

Timeline of Key Events

• 2023: The federal government shuts down due to a budget dispute.
• 2023: Companies like Target, Circle K, and Total Wine begin selling beverages containing hemp-derived THC.
• 2023: An amendment is proposed to reopen the federal government.
• 2023: The amendment is passed, effectively killing products containing hemp-derived THC.

Key Players

• Target: A major retailer that sells beverages containing hemp-derived THC.
• Circle K: A convenience store chain that sells hemp-derived THC beverages.
• Total Wine: A liquor store chain that sells hemp-derived THC beverages.
• FDA (Food and Drug Administration): The agency responsible for regulating food products, including those containing hemp-derived THC.