The Senate has included language in a government funding bill to delay necessary restrictions on the harvesting of Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Before 2025, manufacturers of THC exploited a loophole allowing them to harvest indefinite amounts of Delta-8 and add extra chemicals to create synthetic THC. The extra THC has been added to gummies, drinks, and vapes, poisoning adults and children. In the 2025 Farm Bill, lawmakers included language to cap the amount of THC harvested from hemp to 0.3% and banned synthetic production of THC. Both chambers passed this provision, and it was signed into law by President Trump. Now, the Senate is threatening to upend this measure.
Delta-8 has reaped a slew of ill-intended effects on Americans, especially children. These products are marketed with bright colors, familiar candy themes, and tasty flavors. They are often found not just in pot shops but in gas stations and convenience stores. In 2023, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that 11% of high school seniors had previously used Delta-8. Because teenagers’ brains are still developing, they are more likely to take larger doses of THC unintentionally, form addictions faster, and have long-term side effects. Appealing to children and giving them easy access to these intoxicating drugs ensures that the addiction-for-profit industry will have lifelong customers.
States are seeing a massive influx of life-threatening cases due to this type of THC exposure. Smart Approaches to Marijuana reported that in just two years, the Virginia Blue Ridge Poison Control Center saw a 460% increase in Delta-8 THC-related calls. Likewise, Tennessee saw a 116% increase with 32 calls for kids under 6 years old. Addiction centers across the nation are seeing an uptick in patients relying on Delta-8 or using it, leading to harder drugs.
To be clear, Delta-8 THC is not the same as cannabidiol (CBD), which is nonintoxicating. This provision will not completely ban hemp. It can still be used to make ropes, jewelry, clothing, and small amounts of THC that are much less intoxicating.
The Senate is voting this week to delay these necessary restrictions that would keep our children safe. Please call or email your Member of Congress and ask them to vote against the continuing resolution that includes the delay of hemp restrictions.
