Synthetic cannabinoids in hemp products

The Hemp Industry Unmasked: Synthetics, Safety Risks, and the Fight for Regulation

Introduction: The hemp industry is booming, but beneath the surface lies a world of synthetic cannabinoids, misleading marketing, and serious safety risks. A recent white paper from a California-based Labor Management Group, backed by rigorous lab testing, reveals shocking truths about what’s really in hemp products. From synthetic additives to illegal substances like kratom and hallucinogenic mushrooms, the industry is in a state of chaos. Let’s break it all down.

What Is Hemp, Really?

Legally, hemp is defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC. But in California, the rules are stricter. The state uses a total THC standard, which includes not just Delta-9 THC (the one everyone knows) but also Delta-8 THC. This makes things more complicated—and messy.

The Synthetic Problem

Lab tests on over 100 hemp products—vapes, gummies, and more—revealed that 95% contained synthetic cannabinoids. Despite California law banning synthetics in hemp products, manufacturers are cutting corners to boost profits. For example, extracting natural Delta-8 THC from hemp is incredibly inefficient—it takes 19 pounds of hemp to make one 2g vape cartridge. Synthetics are cheaper and easier, but they come with serious risks.

Potency: Stronger Than You Think

• 84% of hemp gummies exceeded California’s THC limit per serving, averaging 9 times the legal limit.
• Hemp vapes had a THC equivalency 268% higher than the legal limit for cannabis vapes.
• Synthetic cannabinoids like THCP, found in almost half of the vapes tested, can be 30 times more potent than regular THC.

This means consumers could unknowingly take far more than they intended, leading to potential health risks.

Safety Risks of Synthetics

Synthetic cannabinoids are unpredictable. They can be full agonists (fully activating certain receptors in your body) or partial agonists (only partially activating them). This unpredictability increases the risk of severe reactions, including:

• Heart issues
• Seizures
• Other adverse effects

Additionally, the production of synthetics creates unknown isomers—byproducts with no safety data. Consumers are essentially playing Russian roulette with their health.

Illegal Additives: Kratom and Mushrooms

Some hemp products are being spiked with kratom and hallucinogenic mushrooms to enhance their effects. For example:

• Don’t Trip Go Vapes contain mushrooms, THCA, and synthetics, marketed with kid-friendly flavors like “Mushy Marshmallow” and “Cosmic Donut.”
• Cheech and Chong’s Cosmic Chews combine THC and kratom for a “deeper high.”

California law prohibits adding anything to hemp products that increases potency, toxicity, or addiction potential. These additives not only break the law but also pose serious health risks due to unpredictable interactions.

The Tax Evasion Problem

The hemp industry is costing California millions in lost revenue. Lab tests found that 91% of hemp products were sold tax-free—no sales tax, no cannabis excise tax, nothing. This undercuts legal cannabis businesses that follow the rules and pay their fair share.

The Push for Deregulation

The hemp industry is pushing to overturn California’s emergency regulations banning THC and synthetics. They argue that deregulation will create jobs and boost the economy, but their track record raises red flags. Without strict rules, the market could become a free-for-all, putting consumers at even greater risk.

What Can Be Done?

• Clear Regulations: California needs consistent, enforceable rules to eliminate gray areas and loopholes.
• Consumer Awareness: Always check for third-party lab results, read reviews, and ask questions. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Support Legal Cannabis: Legal cannabis is safer, regulated, and supports businesses that play by the rules. Learn more at HempHoax.com

Conclusion

The hemp industry is at a crossroads. It can continue down the path of deregulation, risking consumer safety and fairness, or it can step up, embrace responsibility, and work with regulators to create a safer, more transparent market. As consumers, we have the power to demand better. Stay informed, ask questions, and support businesses that prioritize safety and honesty.

Final Takeaway

The hemp industry’s current state is a wild west of synthetics, misleading marketing, and safety risks. By staying informed and supporting regulated cannabis, we can help shape a safer, more responsible future for the industry.