Cannabinerd Newsletter - June 2025
0.3% Confusion, CBG may redefine taxonomy, and rejoining societies
The 2018 Farm Bill Under Fire
Federal reform is again on the table, with lawmakers pushing to ban intoxicating THC products derived from hemp — legalized under President Trump’s 2018 Farm Bill. Meanwhile in Texas, a proposed ban was vetoed, hemp-derived THC products continue to be sold in what is criticized as an operational free-for-all that undermines the heavily regulated marijuana industry. Protecting public health by regulating hemp seems to be favored over bans. The Brewer’s Association recently published a guidance document on the subject. Upping the ante Rand Paul file a bill, titled the Hemp Economic Mobilization Plan (HEMP) Act, which would triple the THC threshold to 1% from 0.3%. The 1% limit is considered by some experts to be “scientifically defensible.”
As hemp-derived products flood the market, law enforcement agencies find themselves entangled in a regulatory grey zone—tasked with distinguishing between two versions of cannabis using inconsistent and often outdated scientific methods. The result? Operators face what amounts to chemical double jeopardy, where the same product could be deemed compliant in one system and illegal in another.
Yet, if you're in the hemp space, don’t panic just yet. Enforcement gaps remain vast due to legal ambiguities and a lack of cannabinoid expertise at federal and state levels. Even if a federal ban is enacted, most government labs are unprepared to reliably distinguish between hemp and marijuana. In some criminal cases, analysis stops at identifying the species—Cannabis sativa—without conducting a quantitative analysis of THC levels.
Chemical double jeopardy: cannabis testing labs use liquid chromatography for precise quantification often with accredited methodology , while state crime labs often rely on gas chromatography and unaccredited qualitative methods—approaches that often lack the resolution to determine regulatory compliance. Without the ability to generate defensible data, prosecution and defense efforts will likely struggle in court.
Takeaway: If you’re in the hemp industry, protect yourself. Make sure your legal team works with court-qualified experts who understand the nuances of cannabinoid testing and regulatory science. In the world of chemical enforcement, science is your best defense.
Featured Articles
Rolling Stone: CBG as a Paracannabinoid
In my latest piece for Rolling Stone Culture Council, I introduce the term paracannabinoid—a nod to the elusive cannabinoids found in other plant species, such as Helichrysum, traditionally smoked for its calming effects. The article explores how CBG and its relatives may redefine regulatory categories and potentially ignite the next supply chain arms race. It’s time to rethink how we classify these compounds across the plant kingdom.
New Book Chapter: The Landscape of Cannabis Education
This newly published chapter explores the rapidly evolving ecosystem of cannabis education, shaped by global legalization and growing public demand for evidence-based instruction. It examines both formal and informal learning systems, from university programs to practitioner-led workshops. The footnotes are available online for public review. I’ll be presenting various insights from this research at several conferences this fall (see events section).
From the Blog-O-Sphere
Toothaches and Tinctures: Can CBD Ease Dental Pain?
In this blog supported by Valley Wellness, I investigate the scientific and clinical perspectives on using CBD for dental pain. The article features interviews with healthcare professionals and researchers. Coming up next for their science blog: an interview with Dr. Michelle Sexton on cannabinoids and neurological disorders.
Was it Something I Said?
“To stand out as the best in your field, become the person who doesn’t need a second screen to be convincing. If you can sit in the hot seat—no slides, no notes, no AI—and deliver clear, defensible insights under pressure, you’ll earn a reputation as the expert. You’ll know it’s working when people feel compelled to double-check what you said… and then say, “Oh my gosh, you’re right.”
— Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone Culture Council
Being great at your craft isn’t enough. What earns lasting credibility is the ability to clearly and confidently communicate what you believe—and why it matters. Whether through education, media, or just walking the walk, how you show up matters.
A Society to (Re)Join: ACS-CANN
The Cannabis Chemistry Subdivision (CANN) of the American Chemical Society once had over 600 members. While active membership seems to have declined, sponsorship is up! I see that as an opportunity—an opportunity to help shape the future of cannabis and cannabinoid chemistry.
Why I rejoined:
Affordable membership
Access to SME resources and networks
Fun and convenient locations for meetings (San Francisco, Atlanta, New Orleans, DC, Chicago, San Diego)
Predictable schedules and well-attended conferences and expos
Courses and symposiums on topics such as FDA method validation and the latest testing data, which are both rigorous and surprisingly fun topics
Join today. No PhD required—just curiosity and commitment.
Upcoming Events
August 5th, Noon EST , Journal Club (Virtual): What We Know, What We Presume: The Limits of Evidence in Modern Pain Management
August 18–22, Washington, DC, American Chemical Society National Meeting, The Landscape of Cannabis Education
September 15th, Charlottesville, VA, The Sixteenth National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics - Presentation on Product Safety
October 24th-25th, Denver, CO, The 3rd Annual Medical Cannabis Conference of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians
