A Michigan sheriff recently testified before a U.S. House subcommittee, advising Congress on the benefits of state-level marijuana legalization in addressing the proliferation of unregulated intoxicating hemp products. At a hearing titled “Combatting Existing and Emerging Illicit Drug Threats”, Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) spoke with Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard about the growing challenges Virginia faces due to unregulated hemp products.
Griffith inquired about the impact these unregulated products were having, particularly on children, and whether a regulatory framework was needed to ensure lawful products enter the market. Bouchard, who has served as sheriff since 1999 and is vice president of government affairs for the Major County Sheriffs Association, explained that since Michigan legalized marijuana in 2018, the state had seen a significant reduction in issues related to the unregulated hemp market.
“We have not seen a huge number of hemp products now since we have legalized marijuana in our state,” Bouchard said. He acknowledged, however, that there had been an uptick in the adulteration of marijuana products, especially with substances like fentanyl. He stressed the importance of a regulated and inspected process for both hemp and marijuana products to prevent tampering and ensure public safety.
While the sheriff did not explicitly argue for marijuana legalization, his comments reflect ongoing research showing the correlation between state-level marijuana legalization and a decrease in unregulated hemp products. A study conducted last August revealed that states where marijuana is legal and regulated had significantly lower rates of delta-8 THC exposures reported to poison centers compared to states where marijuana remained illegal.
Griffith further highlighted concerns about unregulated THC products in the form of gummy candies that are often indistinguishable from regular candy, making them easily accessible to children. He expressed concern about children mistakenly ingesting THC-laced gummies, which may lead to harmful effects, including possible brain damage.
Sheriff Bouchard echoed Griffith’s concerns, noting that in Michigan, public service announcements (PSAs) were being aired to educate parents and children about the dangers of ingesting unregulated cannabis products. He also suggested discussions around making such products less attractive to children, such as redesigning packaging to prevent confusion with candy or vitamins.
The issue of unregulated hemp products has sparked widespread concern, especially in states where marijuana remains illegal. In some regions, delta-8 THC, a hemp-derived compound, has become increasingly popular, with higher self-reported use among 12th-grade students in states without legal marijuana. Research has shown that exposure to delta-8 THC is more prevalent in areas lacking legal marijuana regulation, prompting experts to call for stronger oversight.
Rep. Griffith has been a vocal critic of the FDA’s inaction on providing regulations for hemp-derived CBD products, which were legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill. Griffith’s frustration with the FDA has been a consistent theme, as he believes that clearer guidance and regulatory pathways for hemp compounds like CBD are urgently needed to protect consumers and promote public safety.
As more states explore the potential benefits and challenges of marijuana legalization, Sheriff Bouchard’s testimony underscores the need for comprehensive regulation that addresses both marijuana and hemp products. He emphasized that states should adopt an approach that ensures both product safety and public health, helping to mitigate risks related to unregulated substances.
As the debate around cannabis legalization continues, lawmakers and law enforcement officials agree on the importance of establishing effective regulations to protect children and prevent the proliferation of dangerous, unregulated hemp products.
Stay informed with daily updates on cannabis business news by subscribing to our newsletter.
