February 19, 2025
Cannabis companies that bought into legalization are struggling on the whole. Meanwhile, hemp THC brands that found a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill seem to be flying high. The brands are taking hemp by federal definition and manipulating it until it gets people stoned. Because they operate under the guise of hemp, there is far less regulation and taxation placed on these businesses compared to licensed dispensaries, cultivators, and producers.
Sheriff Michael Bouchard recently addressed the House Committee on Energy & Commerce about intoxicating hemp, stating that legalization in his state of Michigan has quashed the issue.
This is music to the ears of entrepreneurs who have trusted the state but are now capsizing while competing with far less taxed hemp THC brands. Also, while not all hemp THC brands are bad actors, some are selling products with harmful additives and packages clearly modeled after children’s candy and snacks. Child safety was a primary concern of Rep. Morgan Griffith, who asked Sheriff Bouchard questions in the meeting.
Seeking answers for the intoxicating hemp space
Rep. Griffith asked the law enforcement officer to share insight into how the intoxicating hemp sector impacted children. Additionally, he asked Bouchard whether a regulatory intoxicating hemp framework would help mitigate potential public health issues.
“So we’ve actually found outside of our supply chain, if you will, the legal supply chain of marijuana in our state, illegal marijuana has been tampered with and has fentanyl in it,” Bouchard stated in the committee.
Bouchard was adamant that legalizing cannabis has mitigated the proliferation of intoxicating hemp in the state. This effort relies partially on affordability, which may be in jeopardy. Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced plans to end the wholesale tax exemption on cannabis companies to “fix the damn roads.” These dollars that may be recouped by higher prices for consumers at the dispensary. Nothing inspires people to seek out other options, like a price hike.
When prompted on whether Michigan is dealing with products appealing to children, the sheriff points to public education. Bouchard explained Michigan employed a winning combination of public service announcements, education on safe storage for kids and pets, and ensuring candies aren’t marketed to kids in shape or packaging.
While these are valid, the state has not been exempt from an uptick in children being hospitalized for cannabis consumption. Efforts to offset this, like those described by the sheriff, are ongoing. Only time will tell what works and what doesn’t. One success story Bouchard did highlight was cannabis legalization.
Sheriff supports legalization and regulation
Intoxicating hemp has posed multiple issues, both for the general public and state-licensed cannabis businesses. Each state is addressing this complex issue in its own way. Some lawmakers are enacting statewide bans on these hemp products, while others have opted to regulate the space. Bouchard made it clear at that meeting that he considers legalizing and regulating an integral part of the solution.
“We have seen all of these things really need a regulated inspected process, and I would encourage that to happen both with hemp and marijuana,” Sheriff Bouchard concluded.
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