Sacramento Bee: PHI’s Dr. Lynn Silver Comments on the Importance of Regulating Hemp Products

In this opinion editorial piece written by the Sacramento Bee, PHI’s Dr. Lynn Silver discusses the importance of regulating THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychoactive ingredient found in hemp products. Dr. Silver is an expert in cannabis research and provides technical assistance around policies that help to protect the public’s health. 

“California’s leading Democrats are letting the state’s hemp industry go to pot, killing legislation that would have banned hemp products available in stores that can leave buyers just as stoned as cannabis-based offerings at certified dispensaries.

While hemp and cannabis are botanical cousins, California regulates them quite differently. While they both can pack an intoxicating punch, only cannabis products are restricted to dispensaries and taxed.

“I think we saw, once more, the power of money and the lobbying strength that money can buy in politics,” said Dr. Lynn Silver, an opponent of intoxicating hemp products who is senior advisor to the Berkeley-based Public Health Institute.

Unlike intoxicating cannabis, hemp products are available at vape shops and other retailers, with no age requirements under existing state law.”

Click on the link below to read the full article. Registration or subscription may be required to access this full story. 

Originally published by The Sacramento Bee