The public health committee is tasked with studying delta-8, delta-9, and other THC products regarding potential health benefits, consequences and decriminalization.
Delta-8 is a legal THC derivative that comes from hemp plants. A loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill opened the door for the substance when its language only mentioned delta-9 THC. Delta-9 is the chemical in cannabis that gets users "high."
Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) said the topic was added so lawmakers could get a better understanding of those products.
“I know that most of the General Assembly isn’t familiar – intimately familiar at least – with the pros and cons or health benefits or the negatives involved in delta-8, delta-9, and THC products generally,” Bray said.
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Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) said he hopes this opens the door for Republicans to approach decriminalization.
“I felt like it was in the wrong committee,” Taylor said. “But if they’re going to discuss it, I’ll be here to provide my input on what we should do.”
Lawmakers studied cannabis for medical use in 2018, but pushes for any form of legalization have been unsuccessful.
Contact Lauren at lchapman@wfyi.org or follow her on Twitter at @laurenechapman_.