Fifty-one organizations, including anti-drug, education, law enforcement and health groups, have urged Congress to ban intoxicating hemp substances as concerns about these compounds grow. These groups support the Miller Amendment, a proposed update to the 2018 farm bill introduced by Illinois Representative Mary Miller. The amendment seeks to redefine hemp to distinguish between industrial hemp used for food and fiber and crops grown for flowering that are used to produce psychoactive substances. The amendment also proposes to redefine the 0.3% THC limit to include delta-9 THC and THCA, effectively banning laboratory-produced synthetic cannabinoids.
The groups argue that these intoxicating products, which are often sold in unregulated outlets such as petrol stations and online, pose a significant health risk, especially for young people. A 2023 survey found that 11.4% of 12th graders reported using delta-8 THC, one of many semi-synthetic cannabinoids currently available. These products, sometimes called “diet weed” or “marijuana light”, have been linked to acute psychiatric disorders, severe psychosis and other health problems, with more than 30% of poison centre calls involving children under five.
The letter, led by the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), argues that the legislation is insufficient and calls for a complete ban on these substances. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the safe use of these products, stressing their potential dangers. While federal action is pending, several states have already banned or introduced strict regulations on these compounds. The organizations stress the urgent need to close the federal loophole that has allowed these products to proliferate, protecting public health and safety.
