Mapping Hemp Products Legal Status Across US States [Video]

Hemp is a strain of the cannabis plant that is legally defined as having less than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by dry weight. Delta-9 THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for marijuana’s so-called high feeling. By requiring hemp to have a low concentration of delta-9 THC, lawmakers meant to ensure that the plant would not cause impairment.

The delta-9 THC threshold for hemp was effective — until it wasn’t. By passing the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress broadly legalized the production and sale of hemp, invigorating a vast market for hemp-derived products. Contrary to the expectations of some lawmakers, many popular hemp products do cause impairment. In jurisdictions with few regulations, it is not uncommon to find hemp products that are more potent than what is allowed in many recreational marijuana markets.

Hemp products with legal amounts of delta-9 THC are available in most states. Manufacturers also use hemp to …