Public Policy

Hemp and cannabis are different words describing the same plant – cannabis sativa. In public policy at the state and federal level, “hemp” is defined for regulatory purposes as cannabis with THC levels below 0.3%. In the early days of crafting regulations for the first legal cannabis marketplaces in the United States, statute and rules did not anticipate expanded understanding of the cannabis plant that would reveal hundreds of cannabinoids and their various properties. Better-known cannabinoids include THC and CBD, and each is understood to have different effects. THC is known and recognized as an intoxicant and CBD for its wellness benefits including relief from pain or nausea. In response to innovations like those made possible by clēēn:tech’s extensive research and development, as well as to challenge a rapidly growing illicit marketplace, policymakers in many states are working to understand and appropriately enfold cannabinoids that are intoxicants into their regulatory frameworks.

Cannabinoids

Cannabis – like other plants with multiple uses such as corn and potatoes – can be bred and grown for different types of products that, depending on their properties, are subject to regulatory oversight. No matter what a particular cannabis plant is grown for, it contains hundreds of cannabinoids, compounds that occur naturally within the plant that are the subject of intensive discussion, research, and study. The cannabis plant is the source of cannabinoids whether the plant is defined by regulators as “hemp” or as “cannabis.” Cannabinoid creation starts with a singular molecular compound called cannabigerol (CBG). As the cannabis plant grows and develops in nature, CBG naturally converts into cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as well as over 150 other cannabinoids.

THC is a cannabinoid (THC’s full scientific name is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD is a cannabinoid. Due to its intoxicating affects, cannabis with more than .3% THC is either regulated for adult use in the United States, allowed only for medical use, or banned. But CBD (and CBG, or CBN, which are not intoxicating) are in a wide range of products that are unregulated and available for casual purchase at grocery stores and day spas alike.

We are learning more about the cannabis plant and cannabinoids every day. When it comes to momentum toward legalization across the country and adult use intoxicants, informed and empowered consumers across the country will have a spectrum of legal, regulated THC products to choose from, and regulators have a critical role in ensuring those products are safe.

A Lower Carbon Footprint

At times, cannabis production has been subject to criticism by environmental advocates for the relatively high energy costs required for indoor grow facilities. By contrast, Hemp Sourced THC™ produced by clēēn:tech’s proprietary technology reduces the energy cost (and therefore carbon emissions) and other environmental impacts of indoor grow facilities:

• • Hemp grown outdoors sequesters carbon, improves soil structure, and reduces water pollution.
  • Hemp has the ability to absorb an estimated 8.8 tons of CO2 per acre

The Illicit Market

A majority of United States residents live in a state with some form of legal cannabis, a recognition of the failed “war on drugs,” and its devastating social harms. But while the illicit marketplace for cannabis has been reduced, it still exists. We have seen alarming growth – as measured by internal data monitoring of online conversations – regarding illicit marketplace activity for different forms of THC, especially Delta-8 THC. In order to meet the goals of the new legal markets for cannabis, THC must be uniformly and consistently regulated or we risk public health and safety while also undermining trust and confidence in the work of the licensed industry including regulators and licensees.

As with other legal intoxicating substances subject to strict regulation, THC can harm developing brains and should only be used by adults over the age of 21.