The Legal Landscape of Hemp and Cannabinoids: From Prohibition to Market Growth

This program, led by David C. Holland, offers a deep dive into the history, legal implications, and current state of the hemp and cannabinoid markets in the United States. Following the 2018 Farm Bill's descheduling of hemp, the once-banned crop has rapidly gained prominence, but its legalization has led to a host of new legal challenges. In this session, attendees will explore the history of hemp's prohibition, the emergence of unregulated hemp-derived cannabinoids, and the complex interactions between state and federal laws. Topics such as the differences between CBD, THC, and CBN, as well as the rise of products like Delta 8, will be covered in detail. The session will also address legal efforts to control the hemp market and its growing impact on state-regulated cannabis industries.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore the historical context of hemp prohibition in the U.S. and its removal from the Controlled Substances Act in 2018

2. Distinguish between cannabinoids like CBD, THC, CBN, and emerging hemp-derived compounds such as Delta 8

3. Analyze the legal complexities resulting from the descheduling of hemp and the development of unregulated cannabinoid markets

4. Examine the legal conflicts between federal and state regulations regarding hemp and cannabis

5. Assess the ongoing efforts to regulate the growing hemp-derived cannabinoid market and its effects on state-regulated cannabis sectors