Michigan introduces bills to regulate Delta-8 and other cannabinoids

dwkl · May 8, 2021

Executive director of Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency, Andrew Brisbo, announced a new legislative importance, that the state bring Delta-8 THC and other cannabinoids under the same regulatory framework as Delta-9 THC.

HB4517

The eight bills, led by HB 4517, and sponsored by Rep. Yousef Rabhi (D- Ann Arbor) and Rep. Jim Lilly (R-Holland), would revise the definition of Tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) more commonly so that not only Delta-9 THC is covered but any THC product the MRA determines has a potential for abuse.

House Bill 4517 Summary

The legislation experienced accolades and self-warming reception at Monday’s committee hearing, including testimony in support from the Brisbo, and the state’s two leading cannabis trade associations.

Delta 9 THC

THC is an acronym for Tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is one of the cannabinoids found in cannabis, and is the main psychoactive element. CBD is another predominant cannabinoid. Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol is a cannabinoid found in large, naturally occurring amounts in marijuana plants and is the key ingredient that spurs cannabis sales. Delta-8, an isomer of Delta-9, or a molecule with the same number of atoms of each element but with a different atomic arrangement, is also naturally occurring in marijuana plants, but generally in trace amounts. To obtain significant amounts of Delta-8, cultivators need to distill the plant, and refine the resulting distillate, emphasizing for Delta-8 over Delta-9.

While Delta-8 has attracted a great deal of media attention, cannabis lab scientists warn that other derivatives are coming down the pipeline.

“This is a good effort by the MRA to align with what the MI public health code says,” said Greg Michaud, CEO of Viridis Laboratories, spent decades operating a forensic testing lab for the Michigan State Police.

Back to a controlled substance.

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