Puerto Rico regulators clarify legal status of THCA and delta-9 THC products

A pivotal discussion on cannabis regulation took place during the recent meeting of the Camara de Representantes in Puerto Rico, focusing on the legal status of hemp-derived products. The key takeaway: products containing less than 0.3% THC are legal, but the presence of THCA complicates the landscape.

Representatives clarified that while hemp is defined as cannabis sativa with a THC content of no more than 0.3%, the total THC calculation includes both delta-9 THC and THCA. This distinction is crucial because THCA, in its natural state, is non-psychoactive. However, when heated, it converts to delta-9 THC, which is psychoactive and regulated under federal law.

The conversation highlighted the ongoing challenges in regulating these products, especially as states like Colorado and New York adopt stricter definitions that include total THC. The representatives emphasized the importance of understanding these regulations to avoid legal pitfalls, particularly as the market for hemp products continues to grow.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that while hemp products can legally contain high levels of THCA, the potential for conversion to psychoactive THC raises significant regulatory concerns. The representatives committed to further discussions on how to effectively monitor and regulate these substances moving forward.