I discovered another reason to hate Washington DC politicians. I’ve been binge drinking once a week for decades, but I recently decided I have a better time taking a THC edible with 1 or 2 glasses of wine. I realized it was more fun to be stoned and a little drunk than to be totally shit-faced. After THC wears off, I feel pleasant, unlike an alcohol-induced hangover. As soon as I made this decision, Congress voted to make hemp-derived THC products illegal again. The 2018 Farm bill had a loophole that allowed THC derived from industrial hemp to be manufactured and sold legally. That allowed the sale of products with THC (the intoxicating compound found in marijuana) online, in CBD stores, smoke shops, and even gas stations. Both industrial hemp and marijuana are the same species–Cannabis sativa. They are simply different varieties of the same species of plant. Industrial hemp is legal, but marijuana is still illegal in most states. Industrial hemp has very low amounts of THC and is used to manufacture many products including food, textiles, and construction materials. Marijuana is a variety of hemp bred to have a very high amount of THC. Andy Harris, a Republican Nazi douchebag from Maryland, added an amendment to close the loophole in the bill that re-opened the government after the latest shutdown. Harris is a stupid shmuck who believes marijuana is a gateway drug–a myth that was debunked a long time ago. But he is a Republican, and they believe in all kinds of stupid shit that isn’t true. He probably hates potheads because most of us are liberal.
Andy Harris, the MAGA shithead Congressman from Maryland who is waging a war against marijuana. He even thinks marijuana should still be classified as being as dangerous as heroin. I hate this fucking piece of shit.
Closing the loophole is going to destroy a $28.3 billion industry or send most of it underground. Incidentally, lobbyists representing marijuana farmers from states where marijuana is legal also supported closing the loophole, so they would have less competition. That doesn’t seem fair to people living in states where it is still illegal. It angers me because I won’t be able to go to the store or order it online. I don’t live anywhere close to a state with legalized marijuana. The entire southeast region of the U.S. is so backward.
There is a grace period. The ban on shipping hemp-derived THC products doesn’t take effect until November 12, 2026, and THC users have the time to stock up on a supply of edibles. However, there is a problem with long-term storage of THC. THC degrades over time and loses its potency. Scientists publish studies about THC potency degradation in forensic police science journals. 1 study found just a 2.6% loss in THC potency after a year kept in storage. Other studies determined THC potency was reduced by 16% after 1 year, 26% after 2 years, and 34% after 3 years. Manufacturers recommend consumption within 6-12 months of purchase for best quality. THC degrades into CBD and CBN. CBD does not cause a high, though it has a sedative effect. CBD levels increase over time as THC breaks down, so the product will eventually make a user less high but sleepier. CBN can get people high in high doses. Exposure to heat, light, and air accelerate the degradation of THC potency.
The best solution is to buy large quantities of hemp-derived THC and store them in airtight containers in the freezer. Under these conditions, the THC should stay potent for over 2 years, if these studies are valid. Gummies and candies will maintain best quality for longer than other edible products.
Making one’s own THC product from industrial hemp is not a realistic option. The manufacture of THC from industrial hemp requires specialized lab equipment, specialized lab know how, and the use of dangerous chemicals. A special permit is also required to receive industrial hemp in the mail.
References:
Graftson, K; K. Anderssen, N. Patterson, J. Dalgaard, S. Dunn
“Effects of Long Term Storage on Secondary Metabolite Profiles of Cannabis Resin”
Forensic Science International 301 Augusts 2019
Trafin, I; G. Dabija, D. Vaircanu, F. Laurentiu
“The Influence of Long Term Storage Conditions on the Stability of Cannabinoids derived from Cannabis Resin”
Revista de Chemie 63 (4) 422-427
GeorgiaBeforePeople 