Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency to Now Regulate Delta-8

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) on Tuesday signed a bill moving the regulation of the hemp-derived cannabinoid Delta-8 THC to the Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA), Law360 reports. The MRA will begin its oversight of Delta-8 on October 11.

In a statement, Whitmer said the bill packaged updated definitions of other cannabis and hemp-derived products “so that all intoxicating substances will be safety-tested through the MRA’s statewide monitoring system and will be tracked through the state’s seed-to-sale tracking system.”

“I am glad to see Michigan continuing to lead on the implementation and regulation of a safe, secure marijuana industry, which has already brought tens of millions of dollars in new tax revenue to the state, as well as thousands of well-paying jobs.”—Whitmer in a statement

The new Michigan law requires cannabis regulators to place limits on the total THC consumable products can contain and creates rules to exclude certain THC-containing products from the definition of THC if they find the compound does not have the potential for abuse.

Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, described the new law as a “sound, common-sense approach” to regulating cannabinoids.

“House Bill 4517 ensures that intoxicating products are not sold at retail stores, under the guise of hemp,” Miller said in a statement. Rather that they are regulated akin to adult-use cannabis, restricted to adults, and monitored for safety and potency. This is a win-win for Michigan farmers and consumers; we hope other states follow Michigan’s lead.”

MRA Executive Director Andrew Brisbo also applauded the law, saying it “proactively” addresses the issue.

Whitmer also signed a bill allowing medical cannabis patients to use telemedicine services.