NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL STRATEGY 2026
[…] on Page 173 is:
Psychoactive Derivatives of Hemp Products
“Psychoactive derivatives of hemp are a growing concern. Although the hemp plant naturally contains small amounts of cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, THC-O-acetate, THCP, and other THC analogues, they are often produced in laboratories; and since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, products containing them have proliferated.211
Any final hemp-derived cannabinoid product containing these chemicals will be considered a Schedule I controlled substance under the Hemp Restriction regulations that are scheduled to take effect in November 2026.212
These products are often sold in smoke shops and gas stations, are not regulated, and can contain dangerous chemicals or psychoactive substances. When found in marketed products, these compounds are synthetic, not naturally occurring, have not been evaluated for safety in animals or humans213, and have been linked to cases of psychosis and suicide attempts.214,215,216
In many cases, cannabinoids are considered to be Schedule I drugs under the international conventions, and some states have already banned these potentially dangerous products.”
Citations above:
210 McHardy, I., Romanelli, A., Harris, L.J., Opp, G., Gaudino, R., Torres, A., et al. (2018). Infectious Risks Associated With Medicinal Cannabis: Potential Implications For Immunocompromised Patients? The Journal of Infection. 76:500–1. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/6/19-1570_article#r1.
211 Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. Pub. L. No. 115-334. (2018). https://www.congress.gov/bill/115thcongress/house-bill/2?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22Pub.+L.+No.+115-334%22%7D&s=1&r=1.
212 Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026. Pub. L. No. 119-37. (2025). https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5371.
213 Harlow, A. F., Leventhal, A. M., & Barrington-Trimis, J. L. (2022). Closing the Loophole on Hemp-Derived Cannabis Products: A Public Health Priority. JAMA, 328(20), 2007–2008. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.20620.
214 Greer, D., Atherton, J., & Girgis, J. (2025). Psychosis And Suicide Attempt Following A Single Use Of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabiphorol: A Case Report. PCN Rep: Psychiatric and Clinical Neurosciences . 4(1):e70060. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39906186/.
215 Ralston, M. J., & Osman, A. (2025). Evaluating Delta-8-THC-Induced Psychosis: A Systematic Review. Clinical Neuropharmacology. 48(1), 20–23. https://doi.org/10.1097/WNF.0000000000000619.
216 Shamabadi, A., Ahmadzade, A., Pirahesh, K., Hasanzadeh, A., & Asadigandomani, H. (2023). Suicidality Risk After Using Cannabis And Cannabinoids: An Umbrella Review. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. 25(1), 50–63. https://doi.org/10.1080/19585969.2023.2231466.
Click here for the document on the White House site.
