Delta-8 Lawsuit Hearing Scheduled for Wednesday in Little Rock

Marijuana,

The federal courthouse in Little Rock will hold a hearing this Wednesday in the lawsuit over Arkansas’ ban on Delta-8 THC.

Delta-8 THC is a mind-altering substance made from cannabis, and health experts increasingly warn the drug poses serious risks.

Earlier this year the Arkansas Legislature passed Act 629 of 2023 by Sen. Tyler Dees (R – Siloam Springs) and Rep. Jimmy Gazaway (R – Paragould). This good law prevents Delta-8 THC from being manufactured via industrial hemp — or cannabis — in Arkansas.

The law also places Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta-10 THC, and other psychoactive drugs made from industrial hemp on the list of controlled substances in state law, and it contains language enacting drug restrictions that would take effect if a state or federal court someday blocked Arkansas from prohibiting Delta-8 altogether.

Apart from Act 629, Arkansas has virtually no meaningful restrictions on Delta-8 THC. However, a group of companies that profit from Delta-8 THC are suing to block Act 629 in federal court.

Act 629 of 2023 is a good law that protects Arkansans from dangerous drugs. We believe courts will recognize that fact and ultimately let the state enforce it.

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CA Authorities Seized Nearly $162M Worth of Illegal Marijuana in First Half of 2023

Marijuana

Despite legalization in California, the state’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce seized nearly $162 million worth of illegal marijuana during the first half of 2023, according to a recent statement from California’s Department of Cannabis Control.

Across the board, drug cartels and other criminal elements have been emboldened in states that have chosen to legalize marijuana.

In New Mexico, a loophole in state law has allowed criminals to operate marijuana businesses without a proper background check.

In Oregon, authorities with the Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) seized nearly 11,500 illegal marijuana plants in four different locations from July to August.

Stories like these underscore that Arkansans were right to reject the proposed marijuana amendment last November. Marijuana is a multibillion dollar industry backed by very powerful entities. Despite that, voters in Arkansas chose not to legalize marijuana. That’s a good thing, to say the least.

Photo Credit: Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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