Consumers who rely on hemp-derived THC or CBD products for pain relief, sleep or wellness may soon see significant changes if proposed federal legislation becomes law.
Jacky McGee, a regional manager for a cannabis company, says the proposal would limit the amount of cannabinoids allowed in hemp-derived products and restrict certain synthetic cannabinoids used during manufacturing.
For consumers, this could mean familiar products are no longer available at the same strength.
"If you're looking for something that's going to help you sleep and you're used to a specific dosage, be prepared for that to pretty much be impacted," McGee said. "You won't be able to buy what you're used to buying at the same potency."
McGee says the legislation would also have ripple effects throughout the cannabis supply chain, particularly for businesses that manufacture hemp-derived products.
While she supports stronger oversight, McGee believes regulation, not prohibition, is the better path forward.
"There needs to be better regulation on what people are buying from unregulated places," she said. "You have no idea where that's made, what's in it, or whether it's been tested to be safe."
McGee says companies are already preparing for the possibility that more states could adopt similar standards if federal changes move ahead.
She notes that cannabis businesses have become accustomed to adjusting to new regulations but says this proposal could require another major pivot.
"The cannabis industry is ever-changing every single day," McGee said. "We're used to having to pivot based on new regulations."
She also expressed concern about restrictions on synthetic cannabinoids, noting that not every synthetic ingredient is inherently unsafe.
"There are a lot of things that we consume that are synthetic," McGee said. "We just need to do a little bit more research on how this is going to impact current supply chains."
For now, McGee encourages consumers to be cautious about information circulating online and to follow reputable sources as lawmakers continue debating the proposal.
"Don't believe everything you read," she said. "We should be figuring out a way to better regulate it."
