A new whitepaper titled, “Pandora’s Box: The Dangers of a National, Unregulated, Hemp-Derived Intoxicating Cannabinoid Market” was released by the California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA), a cannabis industry trade group.
The Executive Summary of the paper concludes that:
“While cannabis and its derivatives remain federally illegal, massive loopholes in the federal definition of hemp are being exploited by “hemp” product manufacturers to sell extremely potent, often chemically synthesized intoxicants that are more powerful than anything available in licensed cannabis dispensaries.”
This paper discusses the questionable safety, excessive THC levels, mis-labeling and appeal to children, and legality of intoxicating cannabinoids synthesized from hemp.
Delta-8 THC and a host of other synthetically derived intoxicating cannabinoids several times stronger that regulated THC pose significant risks to youth health and their potential for addiction.
Prevention professionals have a key responsibility to alert youth, families and communities of the health and safety risks posed by these unregulated cannabis substances and the need for stronger laws and their enforcement to protect vulnerable youth and the public.
At the same time, prevention specialists must continue to provide theory and research-based cannabis use prevention programs such as the Marijuana and SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) programs to children and adolescents, as well as parents, across the nation.