As of September 2024, California has enacted emergency regulations banning the sale of hemp-derived products containing THC, such as Delta-8 and Delta-9, to protect consumers—especially minors—from potentially dangerous products. This move has created waves across the hemp industry, impacting 90-95% of the hemp products previously available in California. But beyond this legislation, there’s a larger conversation about the safety and regulation of synthetic cannabinoids.
At Made By Hemp, we do not sell or carry synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8, Delta-10, or THC-O. We respect the right of consumers to make their own choices about what they use for their health. The state of Michigan has stepped in, stating all products over .3% THC must be purchased thru licensed dispensaries. At the same time, producing these compounds requires a skilled chemist and involves using a range of chemicals that vary depending on the intended outcome. If the manufacturing process isn’t meticulously controlled, traces of these chemicals can end up in the final product, posing potential health risks to consumers.
What’s more, there is little to no research on the long-term effects of ingesting these synthetic cannabinoids. Because they are relatively new to the market, we have yet to understand the impact they may have on the human body. At Made By Hemp, we prioritize products made from naturally occurring cannabinoids found in hemp. There are over 100 naturally derived cannabinoids, and the research into their benefits is ongoing. Nature provides enough variety, and we prefer to focus on delivering safe, effective, and thoroughly tested products derived directly from hemp.
In Michigan, where Made By Hemp is based, any product containing more than 0.3% THC—including synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8—must be purchased from a licensed marijuana dispensary. Under Michigan Law, any THC products above the hemp limit are only available through licensed dispensaries. However, these products still show up in smoke shops and party stores across the state.
What Does This Mean for Hemp Consumers?
The new regulations in California mean that consumers might see fewer hemp products on store shelves. At the same time, the state’s focus is on protecting children from potentially dangerous products adults who rely on hemp-derived cannabinoids for their personal needs. They may now need to look to licensed cannabis dispensaries to find alternatives.
The Impact on the Hemp Industry
For hemp businesses operating in California, the newly implemented regulations are causing serious upheaval. Companies producing Delta-8 and other synthetic cannabinoids are facing tough new challenges, as many of their products have now been outlawed. While some businesses may shift their focus to naturally occurring cannabinoids, others could struggle to survive in this new landscape.
Opponents of the ban argue that rather than implementing an outright prohibition, California could have opted for stricter regulations and better testing protocols. After all, existing laws already require these products to contain no more than 0.3% THC, and the industry has been working within those boundaries under Assembly Bill 45. Critics fear that by completely cutting off access to these products, the state may inadvertently push consumers toward unregulated markets, which could pose even greater health risks.
What Comes Next?
At Made By Hemp, we remain focused on providing US-grown, all-natural hemp products that our customers can trust as we will continue to advocate for education and transparency in the hemp industry. More research is needed to clarify the benefits of naturally occurring cannabinoids; we are committed to bringing those findings to you as they happen. Health is a journey, and we are committed to helping you make the most informed decisions about your health.
