The divide between cannabis and hemp has never been more volatile. A new chapter in the cannabis movement unfolds, but instead of progress, we’re seeing fragmentation. Social stigma and commonly held misconceptions surrounding hemp-derived THC, but most specifically Delta-8, Delta-9 and other psychoactive cannabinoids, is intensifying and highlights a significant need for education. This dramatic legal, regulatory, and cultural battle could reshape the entire industry.
The national conversation is often dominated by misinformation, fear-mongering, and overreaction. Some news organizations are focusing on sensational stories that receive more engagement, and may position hemp products as more dangerous than they actually are. The national impression of hemp has changed in recent years, but the coverage can still be inconsistent and unpredictable.
The stakes are high for businesses, but also for consumers who have come to rely on these wellness products. We have the ability to create a regulated market for hemp-derived THC that protects consumers, supports small businesses, and advances innovation, and even have historical models to look to in other preceding states that have gotten regulation right. In addition to the hemp industry, it’s also crucial to support legal adult-use recreational cannabis markets because recreational cannabis is just as valuable as medical, and has been proven to be a safer alternative to tobacco or alcohol.
Hemp-THC’s “Legal Loophole”
Hemp-derived THC like Delta-8, Delta-10, and THCV exploded in popularity after the 2018 Farm Bill. These compounds offer consumers a milder, more accessible alternative to adult-use cannabis, especially in states without legal frameworks. But their diverse range of intoxicating effects that require consumer understanding in order to have a positive experience, and general public confusion, have triggered an outcry of scrutiny from regulators, competitors, and the media.
We’re also seeing growing confusion at the consumer level, with customers finding products in gas stations nationwide and not understanding how they are legal, or how the product will affect them. Having been in the industry for 6+ years, not a day has gone by without someone asking me questions to better understand the plant. The public is hungry for more information from a reliable source and they deserve security to know what they are putting into their bodies and how it will impact them. It’s also crucial that the public is given autonomy over their medical and recreational lives. We need publicly funded research and an accrediting organization to ensure hemp retailer competency, and collaboration with state, local, and federal bodies to give this community the support they need.
It’s important consumers know that hemp and cannabis are the same plant species from the Family Cannabaceae (Genus Cannabis), and cannabinoids like Delta-8 and CBN occur naturally in both. So why should we push for cannabis and hemp legislature that allows for both plants to exist and for compliant businesses to play fair? It’s because the different variations of the plant offer varying benefits. Flower will always be king in this industry, and the only missing piece is the proper education about it.
This distinction matters because it’s completely possible to regulate hemp-derived THC safely and responsibly, if we listen to the science behind hemp-derived compounds and allow voices from all angles – but most especially black and brown minorities, and female small business owners – to have a seat at the table during regulatory discussions.
Varying Regulatory Attitudes Toward Hemp THC
On June 22, 2025, Texas Governor Ted Abbott vetoed SB 3, which would have banned consumable hemp‑derived THC products, just before the midnight deadline—keeping hemp‑derived THC (≤ 0.3% THC) legal in Texas. He then called a special session which will take place at noon on July 21, 2025, with a focused agenda to regulate hemp products. This includes proposals to prohibit sales to anyone under age 21 and to establish comprehensive regulation of potency, testing, and enforcement, while maintaining hemp as a lawful agricultural commodity. It’s important to note that this veto does not change existing laws on marijuana, which remains illegal in the state.
In comparison, Minnesota has created the most progressive hemp THC regulatory model in the nation, which is establishing a licensing system that mirrors their adult-use legal industry. Their framework includes safety protocols, lab testing requirements, and age limits, which is proof we can set up a system where both cannabis and hemp industries can thrive.
As we see unfortunate cases of hemp products ending up in the wrong hands due to lack of consistent regulation, one bill to watch next is North Carolina’s S.B. 265 which offers an opportunity to enact age restrictions, mandatory product testing, childproof packaging, and clear THC labeling.
Also Read: Last Week in Weed: July 1- July 8, 2025
Leave Room for Regulatory Growth
Beyond the well known compounds THC and CBD, the hemp plant has hundreds of minor cannabinoids that will only explode in popularity in the coming years. As BDSA reports, CBD sales are down, while compounds like CBN, which are used for sleep, CBG, an anti-inflammatory, are seeing significant growth. We’re seeing CBC being explored for effects on mood, and THCV can potentially increase focus. We need to create a regulatory pathway that leaves room for underexplored compounds to enter mainstream product lineups.
We’re not asking lawmakers to ignore concerns. We’re asking them to engage with the science, to listen to responsible operators, and resist the urge to legislate out of fear. It’s time for the cannabis and hemp industries to come together and push for unified national standards that prioritize safety, transparency, and consumer trust. Safe access to plant-based wellness is a right, not a luxury. Just as we have a responsibility to respect individual autonomy and ensure no one’s safety is compromised by the decisions of others, we also have the right to make informed choices about what we put into our bodies – free from unnecessary interference in the marketplace.
Hold people to the right standards and believe in their ability to rise, support growth with the right resources, and just watch. The people meant to succeed will already be in lockstep with the consumer’s best interest, take each challenge with grit and perseverance, and honor the driving force behind so many people’s support of this industry – the heart of the community. We have never been stronger or more magnified than now.
