Cannabinoid Hemp Consumers

The use of cannabinoid hemp or "CBD" products has been on the rise in recent years. Consumers are using these products for a range of purposes, but not all cannabinoid hemp products available on the market today are manufactured equally. Some products have been found to contain contaminants or harmful pesticides, while others may not even contain any cannabinoids. It is important that consumers are aware of the facts before they purchase cannabinoid hemp products and check for basic features which can help ensure the quality of the product. The list below can help to serve as a checklist. Does the product label or packaging contain the following information?

• The milligrams of cannabinoids or CBD per package and per serving;
• Nutritional or supplement fact panel, including other ingredients in the product;
• Evidence the product has been tested by a third-party laboratory;
• Manufacturer or distributor name;
• Suggested use, recommended dose or serving size;
• Information whether the product contains THC or tetrahydrocannabinol: and
• Batch or lot number.

Cannabinoid Hemp Product Packaging and Labeling Checklist.

Important Update:

The Office of Cannabis Management has become aware of the sale of high THC hemp derived products marketed as meeting the definition of hemp, having a delta-9 THC content below 0.3% THC.  These high THC products are a public health risk containing intoxicating quantities of THC, sold without regulatory measures or safeguards to protect consumers, prevent youth use or accidental intoxication. High THC products are regulated and sold solely through the Office’s Adult-Use Cannabis and Medical Cannabis Programs. 

Pursuant to Cannabis Law 104(4), the Office may take necessary measures to protect human health and safety, including having the authority to “(a) regulate and prohibit specific ingredients, excipients or methods used in processing cannabinoid hemp, hemp extract and products derived therefrom; and (b) prohibit, or expressly allow, certain products or product classes derived from cannabinoid hemp or hemp extract, to be processed”.

Neither the cannabis law nor applicable regulations allow for sale of high THC hemp derived products in the Cannabinoid Hemp Program. 

An emergency regulation package will be issued shortly identifying permissible milligram limits of THC in cannabinoid hemp products.

Hemp is the same genus and species of plant as adult-use or medical cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.), that contains low levels of delta-9 tetra-hydrocannabinol (THC) the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant which makes users feel “high”. Hemp is a versatile crop with uses across a variety of sectors including food, building materials, textiles, beauty products, dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals.

What are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are natural compounds found in the cannabis plant that have different effects. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most common, but there are more than 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. THC is known for its psychoactive effects (including a feeling of being high). CBD does not produce a feeling of being high and has anecdotally been found to have a variety of wellness benefits.

What is Cannabinoid Hemp?

Cannabinoid hemp is any product processed or derived from hemp, that is used for human consumption including for topical application for its cannabinoid content, that does not contain more than 0.3% THC. Cannabidiol or "CBD" products are an example of cannabinoid hemp products and can come in a variety of different forms including but not limited to tinctures (CBD oil), pills, capsules, balms, lotions and food or beverage products. Other hemp-derived products such as hemp seeds or hemp seed oil, which do not contain cannabinoids, are regulated as foods and not under the scope of this program.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid that produces psychoactive effects (feeling of being “high”) and is not permitted to be sold or manufactured in the New York State Cannabinoid Hemp Program.  Many Delta-8 THC products available on the market today are not regulated and can pose a serious risk to consumers.

Are cannabinoid hemp flower products allowed?

The regulations permit the sale of cannabinoid hemp flower; however, cannabinoid hemp flower products may not be labeled or advertised for the purposes of smoking or in the form of a joint, cigarette, cigar or pre-roll. Cannabinoid hemp flower products that are not marketed for smoking may be sold by any cannabinoid hemp retail licensee pursuant to the regulations.

Report an adverse health event, which includes any troublesome or undesired medical occurrence or symptom associated with the use of a cannabis product, by using the button below

REPORT AN ADVERSE EVENT

Seek immediate medical attention or advice if you are currently experiencing a serious or troublesome cannabis-related symptom(s). Call your health care provider or the Poison Center at (800) 222-1222.