US Ban on Cannabis Seeds Threatens to Drive Industry Underground
The recent spending bill that ended the government shutdown has introduced a provision that restricts the sale of cannabis seeds in the US. This move has raised concerns among industry experts, who warn that it could kill the market and drive the industry underground.
Cannabis seed companies have operated under relatively relaxed regulatory standards in recent years, as seeds contain a negligible amount of THC, the compound that makes cannabis federally illegal. However, the new provision defines hemp as any product containing less than 0.3% delta 9 THC, and restricts the sale of seeds that could potentially produce plants with higher levels of THC.
Industry experts argue that this approach is flawed, as it is impossible to determine the THC levels of a seed until the plant is grown. This could lead to a situation where seeds are banned based on the potential of the plant they might produce, rather than the seed itself.
The ban is expected to have a significant impact on individual consumers who grow their own cannabis, particularly those who use it for medical purposes. The legal seed market has allowed companies to cultivate strains that are specifically designed for medical use, and the ban could eliminate these options.
Jamie Pearson, president and founder of the New Holland Group, an international cannabis consultancy, is particularly concerned about the impact on medical consumers. “That work for epilepsy or that work for pain or that work for chemotherapy nausea. What these consumers are relying on is going to be gone,” she said.
The ban could also have a significant impact on the environment, as homegrown cannabis eliminates the need for transportation and packaging. Additionally, homegrown cannabis can help consumers avoid contaminants like pesticides, mold, and heavy metals.
It is unclear how seed companies will be expected to prove that their products can only grow plants with low levels of THC, but industry experts believe that only a handful of the most well-resourced companies will be able to comply with the ban.
The ban has been criticized for its potential to drive the industry underground, where it could be more difficult to regulate and ensure the quality of the products. This could have negative consequences for consumers and the environment.
In summary, the recent ban on cannabis seeds in the US has raised concerns among industry experts, who warn that it could kill the market and drive the industry underground. The ban is expected to have a significant impact on individual consumers who grow their own cannabis, particularly those who use it for medical purposes, and could also have negative consequences for the environment.
