If you’re a fan of full spectrum cannabis cannabinoids, there’s one line you don’t want to miss: the Super 7 line from the fan favorite brand Binoid.  For several years now, Binoid has been at the forefront of developing legal psychoactive cannabis products infused with the latest and greatest discoveries, from rare cannabinoids to powerful live resin extracts. This includes THC-P and THCA recently. 

With their Super 7 line, they’ve taken things to the next level, offering up a whopping 7 cannabinoids in one, in the form of either mouthwatering, vegan gummies, or potent, convenient tinctures. 

These Super 7 gummies have racked up over 700 five star reviews (that’s a lot!) from Binoid, who is one of the best brands in the THC game right now. Let’s take a closer look at what this line entails. And the best part, you can use the code HIGHTIMES25 for 25% off with fast and free shipping to try these insane Super 7 gummies for yourself. 

Binoid’s New Super 7 Line

Binoid’s Super 7 Line has brought us two standout formulas: the Super 7 Gummies and the Super 7 Tincture.  As always, Binoid has made sure to check all of the boxes when it comes to quality, with ultra-pure distillates extracted using the most advanced and cleanest methods.  Now, let’s get into the details.

Treat Yourself to 7 Top-Notch Cannabinoids at Once

As the name implies, the Super 7 products contain a combination of 7 cannabinoids:

• THCA: THCA is the raw form of delta 9 THC, naturally found in cannabis flower.  When heated through decarboxylation, it turns into delta 9 THC, but because it’s tested in its raw state, it’s completely legal under federal law.
• THC-H: THC-H is believed to be the second most intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis, after THC-P, being several times stronger than delta 9 THC, and particularly uplifting in its effects.
• THC-B: THC-B is slightly milder than THC-H, but still extremely powerful in its ability to intoxicate.  The high is said to be quite sativa-like.
• HHC: HHC is the analog of delta 9 THC found in the plant’s pollen and seeds, behaving just like delta 9 but having an additional hydrogen atom to distinguish it in terms of its chemical structure.
• Delta 8: Delta 8 THC is 30% milder than delta 9 THC, and its high is very indica-like, in that it can offer a soothing, mellow experience that can help you unwind.
• Delta 9P: Delta 9P is a relatively new member of the cannabinoid family, acting as a semi-synthesized hybrid of delta 9 THC and THC-P.  The result is a high that’s even stronger than THC-P, which can definitely get you high beyond your wildest imagination.
• THCV: Finally, there’s THCV, a very mildly intoxicating cannabinoid known for its gentle mood-lifting effects.

Now, as you can imagine, consuming 7 cannabinoids at once means that the high is going to be totally one of a kind.  Binoid has spent a lot of time developing this unique combo, and the result is a high that feels unbelievably balanced.  

It’s never too stimulating nor too sedating, and despite the exceptionally high potency of many of the cannabinoids, it feels grounded thanks to the presence of cannabinoids that can work together synergistically to keep you nice and calm for the duration of the experience.

7000MG Gummies and Tinctures to Explore

The Super 7 line comes in two product types: gummies and a tincture.  The gummies contain a staggering 350mg of this cannabinoid combo per piece, with 20 gummies total in every container.  The tincture contains 7000mg total, or 233.33mg per dropper.  Needless to say, both are phenomenally potent, so you’ll want to dose accordingly.  

At the same time, Binoid is known for their unbelievably pure cannabinoid distillates, which average around 99%, which means that you’ll get your money’s worth in more ways than one.  The gummies contain live resin, which is a really nice addition to the experience. And the tincture has just hemp extract and MCT Oil, so no bs fillers or other ingredients if you are sensitive.

Clean, Vegan Formulas

Binoid’s formulas have a reputation for being “clean,” meaning that they’re not loaded with additives and fillers that detract from the quality.  The gummies are 100% vegan, and use as many plant-based ingredients as possible.  Meanwhile, the tincture formula contains just cannabinoid distillates, full-spectrum hemp extract, and MCT oil – a derivative of coconut oil – to offer a minimal formula that you can totally trust.  

Full-Spectrum for the Win

Keep in mind that both products are full-spectrum.  This means that in addition to the 7 cannabinoids that they contain, they also have full-spectrum hemp extract, a pure extract that contains the full chemical composition of the hemp plant, complete with 100+ cannabinoids, terpenes, nutrients, and flavonoids.  

Not only does this give you a more well-balanced type of high, but it also offers the entourage effect, which is the synergistic benefit of consuming all of these beneficial compounds at the same time, as nature intended. And if you love them, you can get a Super 7 gummy bundle for an amazing deal. 

Lab-Tested and Organically Derived

Binoid doesn’t mess around when it comes to quality.  You’ll be pleased to find that both products come with comprehensive third-party lab reports, which are easy to access on their website.  These lab reports break down every chemical compound present in the product, as well as the purity of the distillates, their potency, the safety of the product, and whether or not it complies with federal law.  

Not only that, but Binoid’s products are known for containing hemp extracts derived from only organically grown hemp material, meaning that the formulas are pesticide-free – not to mention non-GMO, which is always something that’s important.  The hemp is sourced locally, which is important because it means it’s grown under the very strict standards of the USDA, and that because it doesn’t have to travel far, you can count on it being totally fresh. 

Give the Super 7 Line a Try!

Binoid’s Super 7 products are certain to be some of the most in-demand cannabinoid blend formulas of 2024.  Between the delectable Super 7 Gummies and the potent Super 7 Tincture, you’ll have no trouble finding the powerful high you crave, while feeling a sense of balanced bliss for hours on end.  

We encourage you to check out both of these formulas, which are brand new to Binoid’s catalog, and know you’re in for something truly special, thanks to the incredible mastery that Binoid has demonstrated over the years.

Explore Binoid’s Super 7 Line today, and enjoy being treated to some of the best prices and quality around and don’t forget to use the code HIGHTIMES25 for 25% off while being treated to fast shipping so that you can take advantage of this Super 7 Line.

To buy Binoid’s Super 7 Line, Click Here

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A recent study published in Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology analyzed the possibilities of genetically engineering cannabis to ensure consistency and targeting specifical cannabinoids.

In “Using Advanced Biotechnological Techniques to Improve Cannabis Cultivars,” researchers from the University of Lethbridge’s Department of Biological Sciences in Alberta, Canada, explored the benefits of gene editing in cannabis. “Inherent breeding limitations, genetic instability, and psychoactive compounds have impeded utilization, however, application of biotechnology tools such as molecular breeding, tissue culture, and genetic engineering can advance cannabis research and applications,” the study authors wrote. “With recent advancements, cannabis micropropagation can substantially increase multiplication rates while preserving genetic lines.”

Examples of genome editing tools include zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), or clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas systems, which can be used to manipulate or precisely modify a gene. Researchers noted that these methods of gene editing in cannabis are “promising tools” “for editing biosynthetic pathways to increase enzyme efficiency and the development of novel cannabis traits.”

Traditional cannabis cultivation methods aren’t fully reliable when trying to create a strain with a specific cannabinoid in mind and is influenced greatly by the growing environment and various methods of cultivation. Also the hindrance of federal law that prohibits hemp growers from cultivating their crop by limiting the percentage of THC. If a grower’s crops are tested above the legal threshold of 0.3% THC, then the crops must be destroyed.

According to researchers, the CRISPR method of editing could be especially useful in targeting specific cannabinoids. “A recently emerged CRISPR-based technique known as base editing holds significant promise for customizing alleles and comprehensively characterizing genes, leading to the creation of gain-of-function mutations” researchers wrote. 

The authors surmised that utilizing the CRISPR method would allow for scientists to manipulate the amount of CBD or THC in a strain, which could also potentially save growers from losing money on crops that would otherwise be destroyed due to the THC limitation.

Ultimately, researchers stated that cannabis gene editing should be further explored for its potential. “In comparison to other profitable crops, cannabis stands out as exceptionally well-suited for bioenergy production, and it is attracting attention for its medicinal and economic prospects,” the study stated. “Biotechnology, with a primary focus on continually refining gene editing methods, presents the opportunity to unleash the complete potential of cannabis via genetic enhancements.”

However, even with the projected benefits of gene editing, researchers prefer a recommendation to study cannabis gene editing further. “As our understanding of cannabis genetics and biotechnological tools advances, we can anticipate more effective and sustainable approaches for producing cannabis with specific characteristics, all while navigating the complexities of the modern cannabis industry,” the researchers concluded.

In September 2023, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) gave approval to the cultivation of a strain that contains reduced percentages of THC and CBC. “APHIS found this modified hemp is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to other cultivated hemp,” the agency wrote in its review. “As a result, it is not subject to regulation under 7 CFR part 340. From a plant pest risk perspective, this hemp may be safely grown and bred in the United States.”

In March 2024, APHIS approved the hemp cultivators in Wisconsin growing a genetically modified hemp strain called Badger G. The modified strain was found to contain high percentages of CBG through the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technique, and lacks CBD and THC. 

Additionally on March 8, the USDA celebrated the second national “Biobased Products Day,” which is a day of awareness dedicated to showcasing biobased products that benefit the economy. “The Biden-Harris Administration supports and incentivizes biobased products because they are what consumers want — and what farmers, and our planet, need,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “American farmers, growers, biobased business owners and innovators are resilient and thriving. We are committed to celebrating them and the economic, environmental and health benefits of biobased products on National Biobased Products Day.”

In honor of the day, the USDA released two reports, including one called “An Economic Impact Analysis of the U.S. Biobased Products Industry: 2023 Update,” and another called “Hemp Research Needs Roadmap,” which details industry necessities through “Breeding and Genetics,” “Best Practices for Production,” “Biobased Products Manufacturing for End-uses” and “Transparency and Consistency.”

In the “Breeding and Genetics” section of the report, the USDA described the necessity of stable cannabis strains. “High-quality, consistent, and stable varieties are a necessity to establish value across the hemp industry,” the report stated. “Given the unique biological characteristics of hemp, both foundational and applied research will be required to unlock value, and it is critical that public-private partnerships are preserved to continually generate genetic gain.”

The announcement also included an investment of $10 million into Oregon State University’s Global Hemp Innovation Center. The Center will be working with Native American Tribes to increase economic development in hemp-based materials and products. 

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An Illinois bill to legalize hemp-derived cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC has stalled in the House of Representatives after lawmakers left the state capitol without passing the legislation that would have banned sales of the popular products. 

The measure was supported by many representatives of Illinois’ regulated marijuana industry who argue that unregulated hemp products give minors unfettered access to intoxicating substances and are a risk to consumers. Hemp advocates maintain, however, that the bill will destroy the fledgling industry and the small businesses it supports.

Jennifer Weiss, the owner of Chicago-based Cubbington’s Cabinet, a manufacturer and retailer of personal and pet CBD-infused products, said the bill jeopardizes the viability of the business.

“The bill is so restrictive it would outlaw almost everything in my store,” Weiss said, according to a report from local news.

Over the weekend, the Illinois Senate voted 54-1 to approve a bill that would have limited sales of hemp products that contain THC to licensed marijuana dispensaries. Democratic Senator Kimberly Lightford, the sponsor of the bill, said the legislation was a bipartisan attempt to control unregulated sales of delta-8 THC and other intoxicating hemp cannabinoids. But on Wednesday, members of the House of Representatives adjourned for the summer without taking up Lightford’s bill.

“After months of negotiations, the Senate passed a bipartisan bill that all sides agreed upon, further ensuring our common goal to have a fair, just and safe industry,” Lightford said in a statement, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. “The bill we put forth showed the dire need to regulate the hemp industry before we lose yet another young life to these pervasive products. It’s unfortunate the House could not meet the urgency.”

Competing Bill Also Stalled

Democratic state Rep. La Shawn Ford agrees that sales of delta-8 and other intoxicating cannabinoids need to be regulated but says that the bill passed by the Senate is not an appropriate solution. Ford sponsored a competing bill favored by the hemp industry, but the House of Representatives failed to advance the legislation.

“We don’t want pop-up smoke shops opening on every corner,” said Democratic state Representative La Shawn Ford. “We need to make sure we have some licenses and limit how many we have, so we don’t turn Chicago into ‘Delta and Marijuana City.’”

Ford’s bill would allow existing hemp companies to continue doing business by obtaining a $500 license and completing required product testing. The bill would also levy a 10% tax on hemp businesses and restrict sales of hemp products to adults aged 21 and older.

“It’s not like we can get rid of it. You can’t ban something that’s grown like this,” Ford said. “Let’s not try to have an industry that directly competes with cannabis. Put this industry in its own lane, just like beer is in its own lane and rum and spirits are in their own lane.”

Tiffany Chappell Ingram, executive director of the Cannabis Business Association of Illinois that backed Lightford’s bill, said that members of the group “are disappointed the House failed to pass needed reforms to our state’s cannabis laws and will continue to allow synthetic hemp products that are sickening children and adults to be sold with no oversight.”

“Despite overwhelming bipartisan support for these measures in the Senate, there is clearly more work to do to educate legislators about these important matters,” Chappell said in a statement.

Adam Terry, CEO of cannabis-infused beverages manufacturer Cantrip, encouraged lawmakers to continue working to develop a plan to regulate hemp-derived cannabinoids.

“The Illinois legislature is trying to do what we all want – find a path to regulating the consumable hemp products market,” Terry wrote in an email to High Times. “But in the session, it didn’t get to a workable solution.”

“All good faith hemp operators are interested in affirmative regulation that lays out clear and workable guidelines,” he continued. “Any hemp operator simply clamoring to exist in a perpetually unregulated state of affairs is not serious about long-term business health or public safety.”

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The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture recently released a 942-page draft of the 2024 Farm Bill, also called the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, on May 17. Currently the bill is projected to cost $1.5 trillion over a 10-year period. During a Farm Bill hearing on May 23, the committee passed an group of amendments en bloc, one of which would essentially prohibit all hemp-derived products.

In its current form, the amendment would implement a ban on “all ingestible hemp products with any level of THC.” It would also redefine hemp to “only include naturally occurring, naturally derived, and non-intoxicating cannabinoids,” and remove cannabinoids “synthesized or manufactured outside of the plant” from the definition of legal hemp.

The amendment was proposed by Illinois Rep. Mary Miller. “My amendment will close the loophole created in the 2018 Farm Bill that allows intoxicating hemp products like delta-8 to be sold,” Miller said on May 23. “These products are being marketed to children and sending hundreds of them to the hospital. We must stop teenagers and young children from being exposed to addictive and harmful drugs.”

Some representatives expressed support for Miller’s amendment, but requested more information. Tennessee Rep. John Rose explained that more clarification is necessary to separate the “intentional and unintentional products” in the 2018 hemp definition. Virginia Rep. Abigail Spanberger added that she only seeks to make changes that would benefit farmers in her state. “Greater clarity is incredibly important, and particularly for fiber hemp producers, this amendment would make clear the valuable work that they do and make clear the viability of their product,” Spanberger added.

However, many more legislators opposed the amendment, such as Indiana Rep. Jim Baird. He argued that since the 2018 Farm Bill was passed, many farmers have invested everything they had into farm businesses. “American farmers deserve the certainty afforded with the current definition of hemp. The proposed amendment arbitrarily changes the current congressionally written definition of hemp,” Baird said.

While Miller’s amendment is an attempt to protect children, Rep. Derrick Van Orden argued that many Americans have embraced their hemp businesses as their livelihood in order to care for their families. “American farmers deserve the certainty afforded with the current definition of hemp,” said Van Orden. “The proposed amendment arbitrarily changes the current congressionally written definition of hemp.”

Indiana Rep Zach Nunn also echoed this opinion, stating that he wants to work with his colleagues to protect kids from drugs, but the amendment “goes too far” by banning hemp grain and fiber industries.

Many hemp organizations such as the independent nonprofit U.S. Hemp Roundtable immediately released statements regarding the  news. “We had been assured on several occasions by committee staff and the Chairman personally that they would not support any effort to kill the hemp industry,” the organization wrote about the en bloc amendment passage. “But unfortunately, the decision was made by the Chairman to use a procedural tactic to avoid a separate vote on the issue.  And that resulted in passage of a deeply flawed and deeply objectionable policy.”

The Farm Bill and its amendments have been sent to the House floor for discussion, but the U.S. Hemp remains confident that it won’t pass. “Even if the House should pass the Farm Bill, the differences between House Republicans and Senate Democrats are considerable at this point,” the organization continued. “And even if the major issues dividing the parties are resolved, we continue to have many friends in both branches on both sides of the aisle who will work with us to defeat this hemp-killing language.”

Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association founder Rob Pero (also called Bad River) also published a statement expressing concern, especially for the unknown effects such an amendment would have on CBD products. “This would not only impact potentially impairing products like Delta-8 but would also extend to non-intoxicating CBD products with any quantifiable amount of THC” Pero stated. “Such a broad prohibition would effectively eliminate 90-95% of the hemp products market, jeopardizing the livelihoods of countless farmers, entrepreneurs, and Indigenous communities relying on the hemp industry for economic sustainability.”

The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) expressed its recommendations on how to best regulate intoxicating hemp products, as according to its paper, “Navigating the Future of Cannabinoid Regulation.” This includes regulating intoxicating THC hemp products in the same manner as cannabis or alcohol, increasing the THC percentage allowance in hemp products to 1% (up from 0.3%), and creating “reasonable” THC content limits per serving. “Congress has the opportunity to protect public health and support small businesses by enacting sensible regulations for cannabinoid products,” said NCIA CEO Aaron Smith.

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Researchers from Romania published the results of a study in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences exploring and analyzing the effects of various phytocannabinoids and terpenes working together.

Phytocannabinoids include any naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the plant, from the more commonly known THC, and CBD to less known CBC, CBG, CBN, and more. Researchers wrote that over 100 cannabinoids have been identified in the plant. “The complex interaction between phytocannabinoids and biological systems offers hope for novel treatment approaches and lays the groundwork for further developments in the field of cannabinoid-based medicine,” the study abstract explained. “This review summarizes the state of the field, points out information gaps, and emphasizes the need for more studies to fully realize the therapeutic potential of phytocannabinoids.”

Researchers explored the entourage effect, which is the combination of both cannabinoids and terpenes working together to create effects that “exceed the sum of their separate contributions.” While consuming a product with a single cannabinoid has its benefits, consuming more than one cannabinoid or terpene together can produce even stronger, more beneficial effects. “This synergy emphasizes how important it is to consider the entire plant when utilizing cannabis medicinally as opposed to just concentrating on individual cannabinoids,” researchers explained.

Researchers also briefly wrote about terpenes, which make up the aroma and flavor of various cannabis strains. “Standardizing the terpene profile helps maintain consistency in sensory attributes and may also impact the ‘entourage’ effect—the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes.”

The study primarily reviewed the known effects and properties of various cannabinoids, many of which offer varying levels of benefit for anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant effects, pain management, neurological disorders, psychiatric conditions, cancer treatment support, and more. “The exploration of novel phytocannabinoids is rapidly evolving, offering exciting prospects for future therapeutic applications,” researchers wrote. “Beyond well-established compounds like THC and CBD, the quest for novel cannabinoids widens the scope of potential treatments. Each cannabinoid, with its unique chemical structure, interacts differently with the ECS, suggesting tailored therapeutic effects for specific conditions. This exploration seeks to harness similar benefits while circumventing associated drawbacks.”

The study cited examples of THC having analgesic effects and has been found to help patients treat chronic pain, while CBD has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties and is an anxiolytic, which has potential to reduce anxiety and stress.

CBG interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (specifically the CB1 and CB2 receptors) in a way that suggests it can “modulate the effects of other cannabinoids by influencing CB1 receptor activity.” It has also been studied for its anticancer properties. Similar breakdowns were provided for CBC, CBN, and THCV as well.

This research is the combined presentation from 99 sources to exhibit the benefits of cannabinoids, but spotlights the complex challenges regarding the legal status of cannabis in the U.S. and the EU. However, researchers noted that these laws and regulations are subject to change as more evidence is presented.

Researchers also added that at least in the U.S., more evidence will lead to an expansion in FDA approved products. Currently, only two products—Sativex^® (which contains both CBD and THC) and Epidiolex^® (which contains only CBD)—have been approved so far. Sativex^® was approved in 2010, while Epidiolex^® was approved in 2018. “CBD and THC should be accessible to patients with special prescriptions due to their potential benefits, especially for individuals with epilepsy refractory to other medications.”

Not all countries in Europe have access to Sativex^® and/or Epidiolex^®, which has led to an increase in a reliance on obtaining cannabis products online, and also increases the risk of illegal products that are not being tested for impurities and other harmful contaminants. Due to this, researchers recommended that cannabis products should be made available as a prescription to “lower addiction risk.” “Prescription retention in pharmacies after each refill or release can aid in monitoring usage,” researchers wrote. “Additionally, THC products should adhere to state-specific rules, potentially requiring a special prescription to curb misuse.”

In their conclusion, researchers summarized the many beneficial properties of phytocannabinoids and the need for more research. “By leveraging the synergistic effects of combination therapies and targeting multiple disease pathways, phytocannabinoids hold immense potential to revolutionize the future of pharmacotherapy and improve human health outcomes,” researchers said. “However, further research, regulatory clarity, and standardized protocols are needed to fully unlock their therapeutic benefits and ensure safe and effective use in clinical practice.”

Other researchers have presented similar evidence as well, such as one study published in October 2023. A study conducted by Zentrela and PAX showed evidence of the entourage effect (in this case, the application of multiple cannabinoids and terpenes) led to two times the psychoactive effects in comparison to participants who consumed just products with high levels of delta-9 THC.

Similar evidence has been found on mushrooms as well. A study published in February in the journal Molecular Psychiatry explained how full-spectrum psilocybin extract offers superior benefits compared to synthetic psilocybin. “This research not only underscores the superiority of extracts with diverse compounds but also highlights the feasibility of incorporating them into Western medicine due to the controlled nature of mushroom cultivation,” researchers wrote in a press release.

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In the midst of blossoming cannabis and CBD reform throughout the West, hemp-derived cannabinoid products are increasingly taking center stage as legislators continue to raise red flags surrounding the lack of regulation and intoxicating potential of these products.

Just in the past several months, a number of states have moved to introduce new policies to limit or ban the sale of psychoactive hemp-derived cannabinoid products, like delta-8 THC. Similarly, many are calling out some of the issues surrounding the regulatory gaps surrounding hemp-derived products in the market.

Among them is CBD Oracle, a consumer research company aiming to improve safety and transparency surrounding cannabis products. 

Most recently, it turned its attention to CBD gummies and other hemp products available for purchase on Amazon.com. While the company notes that Amazon will “tell you confidently” that they do not allow CBD gummies on the platform, CBD Oracle’s new independent analysis on such products begs to differ.

A Look at Amazon’s Approach to Hemp and CBD Products

While Amazon doesn’t technically allow CBD products, CBD Oracle suggests that sellers on the site largely get around this obstacle by avoiding the term “CBD” and instead using “hemp” on packaging and in product descriptions. 

Neurogan CEO Jan Brandup said that Amazon’s “hemp products” are not related to actual hemp and rather use the term as a sales tactic.

“It’s alarming how easily consumers are deceived into trusting these products, just because they are sold on a reputable platform like Amazon,” Brandup said. “The best case is they may drain your wallet.”

Sunday Scaries CEO Mike Sill agreed, adding that many of the products on Amazon automatically lack credibility and ultimately quality due to the nature of the platform’s regulations.

“When you search for ‘CBD gummies’ on the platform, no reputable brands populate in your search results,” Sill said. “The reason for this is that credible brands like Sunday Scaries, Charlotte’s Web and cbdMD are not allowed to sell on Amazon without being banned.”

Rather, Sill said these companies engage in “brand burning,” meaning that once they are banned from Amazon, they essentially rebrand with a new name and packaging only to reupload the same products to the site and continue sales.

“Their business model doesn’t include a focus on building a reputable brand and providing the highest quality and safest products to consumers; they are just looking for a quick sale and will do whatever is necessary to stay ‘live’ on Amazon,” Sill said.

So what exactly do Amazon “hemp” products contain?

Investigating the Contents of Amazon’s ‘Hemp’ Products

In an effort to analyze the specific contents of CBD products on Amazon, the company purchased 56 of the most popular hemp products on the site and tested them through InfiniteCAL Labs. Most of the products (80%) were gummies, with eight tinctures, two topical creams and one pack of mints. A majority (89%) also made specific numerical claims regarding dosage.

Around 30% (17 of 56) of the products tested contained CBD, averaging 547 mg per package. However, there was a large variance in CBD quantity between products, with a minimum of 28 mg of CBD and a maximum of 1,582 mg. While CBD Oracle notes that this at least shows Amazon isn’t being totally dishonest about some of these products containing hemp and hemp compounds, it still violates Amazon’s policies and may not be legally compliant.

THC is also banned from Amazon sales, though six (11%) of the tested products contained the cannabinoid with the three containing the most comprised primarily of delta-8 THC. While all of the products were under the THC threshold set by the 2018 Farm Bill, the three delta-8 products “had very high quantities of THC” with 641, 2,507 and 3,028 mg per pack. The product with the highest amount of THC had 76 mg per gummy.

The majority of tested products (35 of 56 products, or 62.5%) contained no cannabinoids at all with more than a third (24 of 56 products, or 43%) containing no hemp.

InfiniteCAL Lab Manager Dr. Erik Paulson explains that hemp is typically infused into consumable products through hemp seeds, which contain no cannabinoids, or through extractable material pulled out of leaves, stems or buds — generally to create cannabinoid-infused products.

“Simply put, if you buy ‘hemp’ from Amazon it is likely that you will actually be buying an expensive jar of gummy bears. Gelatin and sugar, priced at a premium,” CBD Oracle notes in the report.

The report also confirmed that a whopping 96% of tested products did not advertise an accurate dosage.

“If we assume the dosage listing refers to cannabinoids (and not just the total mass of hempseed oil), just two products were confirmed by lab testing to have a dosage within 10% of that listed on their labels,” the report states. “They contained an average of just 25% of the advertised dosage. In most cases, this was less than advertised, but one product primarily containing delta-8 THC had twice the promised dosage.”

In addition, 52% of the products appeared to make an unapproved medical claim, and almost 95% of products did not provide Certificates of Analysis (COA), typically considered an essential for reputable companies selling hemp products.

A Growing Issue and Potential Solutions

While the report focused on Amazon products, CBD Oracle notes the prevalence of this trend, as other companies like eBay, Walmart and Alibaba carry similar products — sometimes the exact same options.

Authors note the potential ramifications of selling these products, beyond safety and health concerns, in that it could undermine the broader hemp and cannabis industries and the reform progress so many are actively pushing for.

“Amazon has demonstrated that they don’t understand the difference between hemp seed oil and hemp extract that contains cannabinoids,” said Forge Hemp’s Kelly Lombard. “As long as sellers are vague about a product’s contents, Amazon doesn’t seem to care. This is problematic because U.S. consumers need more information about hemp and CBD, not less. Amazon’s convenience and return policy may entice more consumers to try hemp products, but if their experience is negative, that hurts the industry.”

CBD Oracle also lists some potential solutions to remedy these issues, though they largely fall on Amazon to either adhere to more strict verification and COA guidelines, if not completely remove any products making false claims. They note that customers tend to have limited impact and that individual efforts to combat or report these products may ultimately result in frustration and wasted time. 

Authors also cite that the current model, a blanket ban on CBD encouraging companies to be dishonest and actively work around it, may not be the answer.

“Even establishing a bare minimum requirement for hemp sellers — showing an up-to-date lab report — would be enough to send the snake oil sellers running for the hills,” the report concludes. “Will you be able to pretend that CBD isn’t available on your platform? No. But customers who are buying CBD on your platform — who already exist, like it or not — would be much, much more likely to get safe products that offer what they say on the label.”

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The median reported potency of regulated weed in California has been steadily dropping over the past six months, according to a report from Bay Area news source SFGate. The drop in potency, which includes a decline of 7% in just the past three months, coincides with the recent implementation of new state regulations governing how the potency of cannabis flower is determined by testing labs in the state.

According to information from cannabis market data analytics firm Headset shared with SFGate, the median potency of cannabis flower tested in California was 30.7% in December. The data, which is based on more than 90,000 potency test results from the state, also shows that the median potency for cannabis flower had declined to about 28.5% by March 1, a decrease of about 7% in just three months.

Reported cannabis potency has long been a point of contention in California’s cannabis industry. Cannabis flower that shows higher levels of THC in lab testing results is more desirable to many consumers and thus more valuable. As a result, reported median cannabis potency levels have steadily risen in California, with some retail offerings listing THC potency exceeding 30% or even higher in some cases.

The drop in the median potency of California came as new regulations for a standardized cannabinoids test method and standardized operating procedures for the testing of dried cannabis flower and non-infused pre-rolls were implemented in the state in January. The rules were adopted by the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) in 2022 after legislation mandating the regulations was passed by state lawmakers the year before.

DCC officials noted that the legislature passed the law for the new testing regulations over concerns of cannabis potency inflation and reports of “lab shopping” by businesses in the industry attempting to show test results higher than what is actually contained in the cannabis flower or product.

“One of the challenges we face in regulating an industry that is not federally recognized, is the lack of standardized, and validated methods for testing,” DCC Director Nicole Elliott said at the time in a statement from the regulatory agency. “Individual, licensed laboratories use different methods which may produce inconsistent results and inaccurate data on cannabis cannabinoid content. DCC is working to change that so there is greater integrity in the market, accurate information for consumers, and confidence among stakeholders.”

When the new rules for testing cannabis flower potency went into effect at the beginning of the year, the DCC reported that only 18 labs had taken the steps to be compliant with the new regulations, leading to a shutdown of flower testing at the remaining labs. Since then, the number has increased by nearly half, with 26 labs now demonstrating compliance, according to the latest data from the department.

Zach Eisenberg, a vice president at San Francisco licensed testing lab Anresco Laboratories, said that the drop in the median reported potency of cannabis flower in California appears to be a sign that the new rules are beginning to have an effect.

“We certainly heard from customers and potential customers that they’re seeing potency values dropping at other laboratories,” Eisenberg told SFGate. “Some labs were even proactively saying, ‘Be prepared for our results to be lower after this change.’”

Eisenberg added that the drop in median potency is likely not caused by any change in the products. Instead, he believes that test results are now a more accurate indication of the reality of cannabis potency in California.

“I highly doubt anything has changed in terms of the actual composition of the cannabis products,” Eisenberg said.

Andrea Golan, an attorney at the Los Angeles office of cannabis law practice Vicente LLP and a member of the firm’s Regulatory Compliance and Hemp and Cannabinoids Departments, agrees, saying that it is “unlikely California cannabis is ‘suddenly getting weaker’ as the SFGate headline implies.”

“For years, the efficacy of cannabis lab test results has been widely discussed across the California cannabis industry due to inflated potency test results and inconsistencies in results due to labs using different methodologies for testing cannabis,” Golan writes in an email to High Times about the regulations that went into effect on January 1. 

“The change in law ends the practice of shopping for labs with less strict testing methods in order to inflate THC content,” Golan added. “Therefore, rather than cannabis getting weaker, recent changes may now provide a more accurate reflection of true potency.”

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Proposed rules to regulate hemp in Tennessee could put a limit on the total amount of all forms of THC allowed in products, potentially closing what some see as a legal loophole that has led to the marketing of hemp flower high in THCA. When smoked, THCA converts to delta-9 THC, the cannabinoid primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of weed.

In April 2023, Tennessee lawmakers passed legislation to regulate and tax hemp products grown, manufactured and sold in the state. Under the bill, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture was tasked with developing rules to govern the industry, including regulations for product testing, compliance and enforcement. In December, the department released a draft proposal of the new rules mandated by the legislation.

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp at the federal level, defining hemp as cannabis that contains no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC. Using this definition, many hemp growers have begun producing cannabis that is high in THCA, a cannabinoid that is converted to delta-9 THC when subjected to heat through a process known as decarboxylation. 

Federal regulations require hemp to be tested for THC content within 30 days of harvest, using a test that combines the amounts of delta-9 THC and THCA using a specific formula to determine total THC. Cannabis with more than 0.3% total THC at testing time is considered marijuana under federal law and is still illegal.

Some hemp growers, however, have developed agricultural processes and strains of cannabis that do not express high levels of THCA until late in the 30-day testing window. By testing early in the window, growers can produce hemp flower that complies with regulations at testing time but has high levels of THCA after harvesting and packaging. As a result, THCA hemp flower is available in many states that have not legalized cannabis, despite the fact that it is psychoactive when smoked or vaped.

The companies marketing these products argue that they comply with the Farm Bill and thus are legal. Others, however, see this interpretation as a loophole that is likely to be closed. Already, several states have taken steps to regulate hemp cannabinoids.

“There is a very cat’s-out-of-the-bag mentality around it. Some people view this as the actual legalization of cannabis in America,” Madeline Scanlon, cannabis insights manager at market data analyst firm Brightfield Group, told MJBizDaily.

“Other people view this as a loophole to be squashed and are advocating for it. But no matter, it’s out there,” Scanlon added. “People can buy it just like they would normal cannabis.”

New Rules Tighten Legal Definition Of Hemp

The new rules proposed by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture would redefine hemp by requiring finished products to have no more than 0.3% total THC. Hemp advocates say the rule would make many THCA, delta-8 THC and CBD products that are available now illegal, with devasting effects on the state’s hemp growers and retailers.

“Unfortunately, they are regulating it out of business,” Kelley Hess, executive director of the Tennessee Growers Coalition, told the Chattanooga Times Free Press in January. “They are creating law in the rules and are exceeding their authority in creating a new definition of hemp in the rules outside of the law.”

The Department of Agriculture’s proposed rules would also allow it to conduct random inspections and test products being sold by retailers. Hemp advocates argue that by the time the products have been manufactured and received by retailers, some THCA may have decarboxylated, making them contain more than 0.3% delta-9. Hess says that the rule would “wipe out” the industry for THCA and CBD flower in Tennessee.

“There is practically no way that a farmer or grower could meet all the rigorous standards on the growing side in addition to all of the standards they have put on for their products to be put on the shelf,” Hess said.

Hemp Advocates Sound Off About Proposed Rules

The Department of Agriculture held a public hearing on the proposed rules in February. According to the Tennessee Growers Coalition, between 200 and 300 hemp industry supporters attended the hearing to express their views on the draft rules. Andy Chesney, owner of the Hemp House in West Knoxville, testified before regulators at the hearing.

“By eliminating THC, you’re not really gaining the full effects of the plant, or the full benefits of it,” Chesney said. “And so from a consumer perspective, the frustrating part is that what seems to be considered by the powers that be in Tennessee, is this getting high and regulating people who are attempting to get high.”

Kim Doddridge, public information officer for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, said after the hearing that the agency is currently reviewing the public comments and developing the final rules. She also noted that the law requires the department to finalize the new rules by July 1.

“The record, responses, and final rule coming from the February 6 hearing will be submitted to the TN Attorney General’s Office,” Doddridge said, according to a report from local media. “Their office will review the final rule for legality and constitutionality, and if approved, the final rule will be filed with the Secretary of State’s Office and will be effective 90 days later.”

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More than one in 10 high school seniors reported recent use of products with delta 8 THC, according to the results of a study published this week. The study found that approximately 11% of 12th-grade students said that they had used delta 8 during the past year, reflecting the widespread availability of the hemp-derived cannabinoid that is sometimes referred to as “diet weed” or “light THC.”

The new research analyzed data from the Monitoring the Future survey, an ongoing study of the behaviors, attitudes and values of adolescents and young adults funded by the National Institutes of Health. The analysis showed that 11.4% of high school seniors had used delta 8 THC products in the last year. Of the 295 teens who reported using the compound, more than two-thirds (68.1%) said they had used it at least three times, while 35.4% had used it at least 10 times and nearly 17% used it at least 40 times. Nine out of 10 (91%) of delta 8 users also said that they used marijuana.

“Eleven percent is a lot of people — that’s at least one or two students in every average-sized high school class who may be using delta-8. We don’t know enough about these drugs, but we see that they are already extremely accessible to teens,” Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, said in a statement about the research from the agency. “Cannabis use in general has been associated with negative impacts on the adolescent brain, so we must pay attention to the kinds of cannabis products teens are using, educate young people about potential risks, and ensure that treatment for cannabis use disorder and adequate mental health care is provided to those who need it.”

Delta 8 And The 2018 Farm Bill

The popularity of delta 8 THC skyrocketed after the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp at the federal level. Unregulated Delta 8 products were soon available at retailers including convenience stores, gas stations and smoke shops. Delta 8 products are particularly popular in states that have not legalized marijuana for recreational use, a trend that was reflected in data from the new study. About 14% of those in states without cannabis legalization reported delta 8 use, compared to 8% in states with legalization.

Dr. Adam Leventhal, executive director of the USC Institute for Addiction Science and one of the authors of the study, said that the new research illustrates how widely available delta 8 products are to young people.

“What we hadn’t known prior to this study was to what extent are these products reaching teens, which was a concern because they weren’t being comprehensively regulated,” Leventhal told CNN.

The researchers expressed concern that the widespread use of delta 8 by teenagers could lead to developmental issues or other negative effects. The long-term effects of delta 8 THC on teens are not known, although some cannabis research has shown that the drug can negatively impact memory, attention and the ability to learn in young people.

“Some of the concerns based on the underlying biology would be, of course, addiction, like what we see with marijuana, some of the neurodevelopmental changes that can happen because the adolescent brain is still forming and exposure to intoxicating substances can interfere with proper development of the brain pathways that support cognition and emotion regulation,” Leventhal said.

Jonathan Miller, the general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, a trade group representing businesses in the hemp industry, said the results of the study were “shocking, but it’s not surprising.”

“Our hemp industry is filled with actors who provide good manufacturing practices and truth in labeling and make good efforts to keep intoxicating products out of the hands of minors, but there are unfortunately a lot of bad actors out there,” Miller said in a phone interview on Wednesday. “But the worst actor of all in this is the FDA. The FDA said when the farm bill passed in 2018 that it would take steps to start regulating hemp products and they’ve done nothing. And as a result, we’ve got a wild west.”

Miller noted that several states are taking action to regulate delta 8 THC, citing Kentucky as a state taking strong measures to keep intoxicating hemp cannabinoids out of the hands of young people. Until the FDA takes action, it will be up to states to pass rules governing hemp cannabinoids, leaving conscientious businesses with a murky regulatory environment to operate in.

Shawn Hauser, a partner at the cannabis and psychedelics law firm Vicente LLP and co-chair of the practice’s Hemp and Cannabinoids Department, said the study’s findings “illustrate the urgent need to federally legalize all cannabis (marijuana and hemp-derived products) with fundamental product safety standards governing product manufacturing, testing, labeling, marketing, etc.”

“The hemp market, which is particularly robust in states without marijuana programs, has inflamed the need for federal legalization of all cannabis products that equip state and federal regulators to appropriately protect consumer safety through regulation, enforcement, and consumer education,” Hauser wrote in an email to High Times. “Regulation is more effective than prohibition in keeping cannabis out of the hands of children.”

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The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (VDFS) recently released a report regarding its federal funded study to research reliable testing methods for detecting THC in blood.

DFS was originally granted $290,353 in 2020 by the Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice. “The goal of this research project is to develop and validate an automated sample preparation technique for the quantitative evaluation of an expanded cannabinoid panel (CBD, CBN, THC, THC-A, CBC) in biological matrices…” stated the award description.

More than $1,188,390 million was available in total, and the sum was divided between a total of five projects. “The ever-changing climate of cannabis decriminalization and/or legalization has significantly impacted forensic laboratories and is anticipated to increase the caseload in forensic toxicology,” the description added. “In addition, products claiming to contain other cannabinoids, including cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, have become widely available.”

Four years later, VDFS has released a 107-page report in February about its findings. The report shows the detailed process of separating THC metabolites, experimenting using different types of blood (bank blood, antemortem blood, postmortem blood, and also urine).

Ultimately, researchers developed a process to identify different cannabinoids. “Within the research project, a method was developed for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of cannabinoids in biological matrices using supported liquid extraction,” the report stated. “The methodology employed LCMSMS [liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry] with two analytical columns of different stationary phases to enhance the confirmation of cannabinoids.”

LCMSMS was used to help determine the slight differences between cannabinoids. “To enhance the selectivity of LCMSMS, a two-column chromatographic method was developed to enable additional confirmation regarding the identity of a compound,” researchers wrote. “Within the validations, the evaluation of interferences from other cannabinoids was critical in the assessment of the method and its validity.” 

VDFS was also awarded grant funds of $441,886 in 2023 with the intention of developing methods and tools to study other psychedelic compounds. “The detection of psychedelic compounds including psilocybin and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) poses an analytical challenge in biological specimens due to their rapid metabolism and known structural instability,” the award description stated. “An analytical workflow for the identification and quantitation of these compounds and their main metabolites needs to consider appropriate long term storage conditions and sample preparation parameters to minimize the implications associated with their inherent instability.”

This research effort was also one of five studies chosen to receive a portion $1,928,846, all with the intent of “identification of the most efficient, accurate, reliable, and cost-effective methods for the identification, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence for criminal justice purposes.”

The discussions surrounding cannabis testing and how to accurately measure impairment have long been contested. One published in 2022 in Scientific Reports found evidence that neither THC detected in breath or in blood is a reliable way to indicate impairment. “Our findings are consistent with others who have shown that delta-9-THC can be detected in breath up to several days since last use,” researchers wrote. “Because the leading technologies for breath-based testing for recent cannabis use rely solely on the detection of delta-9-THC, this could potentially result in false positive test outcomes due to the presence of delta-9-THC in breath outside of the impairment window.”

President Joe Biden signed an infrastructure bill in November 2021, which included a provision that required the Department of Transportation to complete a report that includes recommendations on providing researchers with cannabis in order to study drivers under the influence of cannabis. That report was supposed to be completed by November 2023, but has not yet been delivered. 

Sen. John Hickenlooper reached out to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in November 2022 to receive an update on the report. “Preventing distracted or impaired driving is a key step towards the goal of reducing traffic fatalities and improving roadway safety. In 2021, nearly 43,000 fatalities occurred from motor vehicle crashes, which is among the highest annual totals in decade[s],” Hickenlooper wrote. “While the IIJA includes many laudable provisions to establish performance standards for crash avoidance technologies, evaluate monitoring systems to reduce distracted driving, and issue rules to detect a driver’s impaired status, many ambiguities around defining marijuana-impaired driving underscore the importance of clarifying this policy uncertainty.”

In October 2023, a study conducted by the University of Colorado Anshutz Medical Campus analyzed how to more accurately detect cannabis. “Since THC accumulates and lingers in fat tissue, daily cannabis users may maintain constant elevations of THC in the blood even long after the psychoactive effects abate,” said Michael Kosnett, MD, MPH. “There has been a lot of concern about whether the use of cannabis has been associated with an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes or accidents in the workplace.”

The research team measured whole blood THC and its metabolites, and calculated two blood cannabinoid molar metabolite ratios. Researchers determined a 98% specificity rate when examining if a person had consumed cannabis within 30 minutes.

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