The Farm Bill and Cannabinoids
The 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act (aka the “Farm Bill”) allowed for the production of any varietal of cannabis sativa L. plant as long as it the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was less than 0.3% by weight. Cannabis sativa L. as “hemp” or “industrial hemp” with less than 0.3% THC by weight was now called “hemp” or “industrial hemp” and was removed from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act.

Recognizing the opportunity to be found in the hemp plant, hundreds of companies started developing tinctures, lotions, foods and beverages with hemp-derived cannabinoids, specifically cannabidiol (CBD). Shortly thereafter, companies started developing products with low amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) derived from hemp.

Hemp-derived tetrahydrocannabinol remains in the same regulatory “gray area” as CBD, even as demand has skyrocketed for these products. To fill this void in regulatory oversight, hemp beverage manufacturers have banded together to form the Hemp Beverage Alliance, a consortium of companies dedicating to creating a hemp beverage marketplace that is safe, fair, transparent and sustainable.

Cannabinoid — Chemical substances found in cannabis and other plants. CBD and THC are the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis but there are hundreds of other "minor cannabinoids" as well. The human body makes its own cannabinoids. These are called endo-cannabinoids (compared to phytocannabinoids found in plants) Both are regulated by the body's endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS).

CBD — CBD is a common cannabinoid that has no psychoactive activity (doesn't get you "high"), According to the US National Institute of Health, "CBD has shown promise as an analgesic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic and has shown neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity, among other currently investigated uses."

THC — Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive cannabinoid extracted from the cannabis plant. Simply put, THC is what gets you high. Unlike cannabis sold in dispensaries, hemp-infused beverages commonly have a lower amount of THC in them. Nonetheless, consumers should be careful when consuming hemp-derived beverages.

Hemp-derived THC is often referred to as Delta-9, D9, or intoxicating hemp-derived cannabis (IHDC).

Delta-8 — Delta-8-tetrahydrocannbinol (D8) is a minor cannabinoid that has gained attention for its mild psychoactive effects. Although it is found naturally in the cannabis plant, Delta-8 products are created synthetically from CBD.