The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has initiated rule-making for Delta-8-THC and other psychoactive components of hemp and cannabis that currently fall outside the adult-use cannabis market’s system of testing and labeling. At their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, commissioners expressed concern about the general availability of this unregulated, intoxicating product.
Delta-8-THC has recently emerged for sale nationwide, including in the supply chain of the OLCC recreational cannabis market, as well as in unregulated brick and mortar convenience stores and internet websites. Delta-8-THC is present in cannabis, but the OLCC only regulates Delta-9-THC produced in cannabis. When consumed by humans, Delta-8-THC produces an effect (“high”) similar to Delta-9-THC.
Delta-8-THC can also be created from hemp, which is regulated under the federal Farm Bill of 2018. Typically, hemp-derived Delta-8-THC is converted from CBD through a chemical process, which also produces a large proportion – as high as 30 – 50% – of unknown byproducts. Delta-8-THC created from hemp can be found in food products and sprayed on hemp flower.
Delta-8-THC isn’t addressed in Oregon statutes, isn’t included in Oregon Health Authority cannabis concentration limits, and there’s no testing for the Delta-8-THC or the byproducts included in its chemical conversion. But Delta-8 products are currently widely available for purchase outside the OLCC adult-use market, even by children.
Read more at ktvz.com