Cannabis Concentrate Trends

In an effort to thwart teenage use and over-consumption in general a new trend has hit the world of cannabis. That being, a rise in regulations targeting marijuana concentrates and compliance. Recently, Colorado’s governor made headlines for being one of the first states to sign legislation that limits the purchase amounts of concentrates. So, is this the beginning of new restrictions to come across the US? Furthermore, how will it affect cannabis business owners when it comes to compliance? Here, we’ll explore the subject in-depth with everything you need to know about the latest on regulating different types of cannabis concentrates from state to state.  

Considering Cannabis Concentrate Limits

Different types of cannabis concentrates are being highly scrutinized as legalization grows across the US. Due to the fact that concentrated forms of cannabis extracts can contain up to 90%+ THC in some cases. Usually, this potency is highly beneficial for medical consumers and frequent recreational users. But, for those who don’t consume on a regular basis the heightened potency can be too much. Of course, whenever there’s a perceived ‘threat’ to public safety, lawmakers tend to get involved with heightened regulations. 

Consequently, as more states propose legislation to limit quantities or restrict levels of THC – the more cannabis companies are put in jeopardy of majorly changing operations, and SOP’s in general. Which means many cannabis business owners like retail storefront owners, processors, and cultivators, should keep a close eye on where the movement for cannabis concentrate limits is heading for the future. 

For cannabis today, here’s a real-time look at the current states who have current concentrate bans. Or, are considering legislation for medical or recreational use  –

 

Arizona – 

• In 2020, legislation in regards to medical cannabis provisions set out to limit THC concentrations to no more than 2%. Ultimately, the provision limiting THC was removed by amendment, and did not pass.

Colorado – 

• In 2016, Colorado lawmakers reviewed a proposal to limit THC concentration in cannabis products to 16% THC. The proposal did not receive sufficient signatures to move forward. 
• In 2021, an amendment to current legislation proposed limiting THC concentration in cannabis products to 15% THC. Plus, the requirement of a warning label for any product with more than 10% THC. In the end, the amendment was voted down 5 to 6.

Florida – 

• Patients and caregivers may only purchase a 70-day supply of other cannabis forms, including concentrates and edibles, at a time. 
• A legislative committee created an amendment proposal that would limit THC in medical cannabis to 10% THC for those under 21. Eventually, legislators withdrew the amendment.

Iowa – 

• A new law revised the amount of THC allowed in products from 3% or less, to 4.5 grams total THC over a 90-day period.

New Jersey – 

• Consumers may only possess 17 grams or less of cannabis concentrates or ‘hashish’ without penalty.

North Dakota – 

• State law establishes a 6% THC limit for cannabis products sold to qualifying patients who are under age 19.

Ohio – 

• Rules establish a limit of 70% THC for all non-flower medical marijuana products.

Washington – 

• A 2020 proposal set forth to limit THC concentrations in marijuana concentrates to 10% THC. Nevertheless, the bill failed to advance out of the committee.

Vermont – 

• Solid concentrate cannabis products can only contain 60% THC for retail sale.

The Future of Cannabis Concentrates Regulations

As federal legalization is on the forefront, talks on THC limits have many industry players and consumers worried for the future. Especially considering US Senator Michael Crapo, the chair of the Senate Banking Committee was considering a 2% THC cap on all cannabis products for businesses to be eligible for financial services under the S.A.F.E Banking Act.  Medical and recreational cannabis advocates see the reform for current and future legislation as a new way of continuing prohibition, even with legalization. “There is clearly an agenda taking place with the same speaking points in multiple states,” says Todd Beckwith the director of corporate affairs at AltMed Florida, a medical marijuana dispensary with 18 storefronts in the state. Above all, there’s no better time for cannabis business owners to become involved in local, state and national cannabis advocacy groups. Therefore supporting lobbying efforts against further limitations, requirements, and additional compliance hoops to jump through.  In conclusion, staying ahead of news on cannabis compliance should be the norm for cannabis business owners. Which can be simplified with the automation of comprehensive software platforms like ProCanna. Equip your business with state-specific support, regulation blocks that translate complex requirements into plain-English and reporting tools that simplify compliance regulations. Learn more, or begin your ProCanna free trial today to begin optimizing operations and staying in-tune with state regulatory changes with ease.