Bans on hemp THC products drive consumers to the regulated cannabis market, according to a poll conducted by NuggMD.
The survey of cannabis consumers comes after several states and the federal government have approved bans on hemp THC products. Although the federal ban is scheduled to go into effect in November, legislative efforts to repeal the ban are underway in Congress, and many states have passed regulations to govern the production and sale of products with hemp-derived THC.
To conduct the survey, 583 cannabis consumers in states with regulated cannabis markets were interviewed from July 16 through July 20. After noting that several states are pursuing bans on hemp THC and THCA products, the poll asked participants, “How have these bans affected your access to cannabis?”
Half of Respondents Have Obtained a Medical Card in Response to Hemp Bans
Half (50%) of those surveyed reported that they had obtained a medical cannabis card in response to bans on hemp THC products, while 6% said they had switched to licensed dispensaries to purchase cannabis products.
Eight percent of respondents said that they have had trouble finding cannabis products as a result of state bans on hemp THC. Additionally, 8% said that they did not use hemp THC products, and 8% said they were not aware of state bans on the products. The remaining 20% of participants said that state bans have had “no impact” on their access to cannabis products.
“Hemp ban supporters claim the bans will improve public safety, while opponents have argued the bans could push consumers into the illicit market,” Tyler Elson, NuggMD director of content, told Marijuana Moment. “Our poll suggests these fears may be overblown, at least among frequent consumers. Over half of poll participants said they responded to state hemp bans by getting their med card or switching to state-licensed dispensaries.
“But the potential for hemp bans to push consumers into the black market isn’t zero, and the risk increases in states without accessible medical cannabis programs or adult-use markets,” he said. “Nearly one in ten poll respondents reported having trouble finding products after their state banned hemp.”
“Demand doesn’t go away when bans are enacted, and that’s something regulators need to consider before eliminating a product category many consumers have come to rely on as a safer alternative to opioids, alcohol, and other drugs,” Elson said.
Congress Legalized Hemp in 2018
Congress legalized hemp agriculture and hemp products with the 2018 Farm Bill. Under the legislation, hemp is defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight.
The legalization of hemp led to the introduction of many products sought by consumers, including CBD formulations. But under what many consider a loophole in the Farm Bill, the legislation also prompted some hemp operators to begin offering goods with intoxicating cannabinoids such as THC, delta-8 THC, THCA, and others.
Federal Hemp THC Ban Coming in November
Last fall, Congress walked back the legalization of hemp with a ban on products containing even tiny amounts of THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids. Set to go into effect in November, the ban is expected to devastate the growing hemp industry, which advocates say already generates nearly $30 billion in annual revenue.
In April, President Donald Trump called on Congress to revisit the hemp ban in light of the administration’s proposal to reclassify cannabis under federal drug laws.
“I am calling on Congress to update the Law to ensure that Americans can continue to access the full-spectrum CBD products they have come to rely on, and that help them, while preserving Congress’s intent to restrict the sale of products that pose Health risks,” Trump said in a Truth Social post on the same day his administration announced it is pursuing a plan to reschedule cannabis.
“We must get this done RIGHT and FAST, especially for those who saw that CBD helps them,” the president said. “Plus, I am told it will also help our GREAT FARMERS, who we love, and will always be there for.”
The impending hemp ban and Trump’s call for a fix have led to a bill to block the coming prohibition. Last week, two House lawmakers introduced bipartisan legislation, the Lawful Hemp Protection Act, which would regulate hemp products, including those with intoxicating cannabinoids.
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
