Agriculture Chairman Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA), Reps. Mary Miller (R-IL), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) Lauded for Their Leadership on Critical Public Health and Safety Reforms
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former White House drug policy advisor to Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton, released the following statement today lauding the House Agriculture Committee for cracking down on dangerous THC products. Following the legalization of hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill, hazardous Delta-8 and Delta-10 derived THC drug products, including edibles, vapes and other substances, have flooded America’s gas stations, convenience stores, and malls, and the industry has become a booming online business that is preying on young people.
“Today’s vote by the House Agriculture Committee is a major victory for public health and safety. The addiction industry has created a massive market for unregulated drugs that exploits the legal gray areas to hook new users using dangerous THC edibles, vapes and other products. It’s been a recipe for disaster that’s left people across the nation hospitalized and fueled a rise in addiction and substance use disorders. Worst of all, it is fueling a dangerous perception among our nation’s young people that THC drugs and marijuana are safe and even ‘recreation.’
“High-potency marijuana products and Delta 8 THC products are virtually indistinguishable. It was never the intention of Congress to create this unfettered market with addictive drugs. We thank House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson, Representatives Miller and LaMalfa, and all the members of the committee who voted in favor of restoring sense and sanity. They have taken a tremendous stand that will reverberate in America’s communities for years to come.
“Because Delta-8 THC is virtually identical to Delta-9 THC, it carries similar risks including addiction, psychosis. The House has led on this issue and Senate Democrats must now support closing this dangerous loophole that has exacerbated the nation’s drug crisis.”
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