Balancing regulation and growth: S.B. 521's potential impact on the hemp industry
In the land of pines and sweet tea, the North Carolina General Assembly has recently been mulling over Senate Bill 521, a piece of legislation that aims to regulate cannabinoid products. On the surface, it seems like a reasonable move, seeking to create a voluntary licensing program for cannabinoid-related compounds. However, a closer look reveals a potential blow to the hemp industry, particularly the sale of THCA flower, a popular product at stores like PhenomWell CBD Store.
As a refresher, THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw and live cannabis plants. It's the precursor to THC, the well-known compound that produces the "high" associated with marijuana use. Many consumers turn to THCA for its potential therapeutic benefits, which include anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-emetic properties.
The crux of the issue lies in a specific provision of the bill, which appears to limit the allowed concentration of not just Delta 9 THC, but also THCA in hemp flower to 0.3% on a dry weight basis. For businesses like PhenomWell CBD Store, this limitation poses a serious problem, as they rely on sales of THCA flower as a significant part of their revenue.
It's worth noting that the bill does include some positive aspects, such as the establishment of a voluntary certification program for good manufacturing practices in the production of cannabinoid-related compounds derived from hemp. This could help to ensure quality and safety standards in the industry. However, the THCA restriction threatens to undermine the bill's positive intentions.
We urge the North Carolina General Assembly to reconsider this aspect of the legislation. It's crucial to strike a balance between regulation and the needs of small businesses like ours that are dedicated to providing high-quality, compliant products to customers seeking relief from a range of health challenges.
In the meantime, we at PhenomWell will continue to offer our full range of products, including CBD, CBG, Delta 8 THC, Delta 9, and other cannabinoids, as well as our commitment to excellent customer service. We hope that the powers-that-be in North Carolina will ultimately recognize the importance of this thriving industry and make the necessary adjustments to S. B. 521.
This is not the only bill introduced this year. Last week we discussed Senate Bills 346 and 3. You can check at out here: NC Nears Medical Cannabis with SB3: Enter SB346.
As a refresher, THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw and live cannabis plants. It's the precursor to THC, the well-known compound that produces the "high" associated with marijuana use. Many consumers turn to THCA for its potential therapeutic benefits, which include anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-emetic properties.
The crux of the issue lies in a specific provision of the bill, which appears to limit the allowed concentration of not just Delta 9 THC, but also THCA in hemp flower to 0.3% on a dry weight basis. For businesses like PhenomWell CBD Store, this limitation poses a serious problem, as they rely on sales of THCA flower as a significant part of their revenue.
It's worth noting that the bill does include some positive aspects, such as the establishment of a voluntary certification program for good manufacturing practices in the production of cannabinoid-related compounds derived from hemp. This could help to ensure quality and safety standards in the industry. However, the THCA restriction threatens to undermine the bill's positive intentions.
We urge the North Carolina General Assembly to reconsider this aspect of the legislation. It's crucial to strike a balance between regulation and the needs of small businesses like ours that are dedicated to providing high-quality, compliant products to customers seeking relief from a range of health challenges.
In the meantime, we at PhenomWell will continue to offer our full range of products, including CBD, CBG, Delta 8 THC, Delta 9, and other cannabinoids, as well as our commitment to excellent customer service. We hope that the powers-that-be in North Carolina will ultimately recognize the importance of this thriving industry and make the necessary adjustments to S. B. 521.
This is not the only bill introduced this year. Last week we discussed Senate Bills 346 and 3. You can check at out here: NC Nears Medical Cannabis with SB3: Enter SB346.