View this email in your browser ([link removed])
[link removed]
[link removed]

Your source for the latest news in drug policy. Visit our website ([link removed]) for more news.

A recent study ([link removed]) in Drug Testing and Analysis highlighted the emergence of semi-synthetic cannabinoids (SSC). While Delta-9 THC is known as the “high”-inducing cannabinoid, hundreds of others are also present in the cannabis plant, including CBD. Now, synthetic cannabinoids are being developed, which presents additional health-related risks to marijuana users.

The study, which analyzed 79 SSC-containing samples from 20 seizures of marijuana in Germany, found that these products often contained derivatives like HHC, H4CBD, HHC-O, HHCP, THC-O, and THCP-O. HHC was found in 100% of samples, while H4CBD was in 52.5%. Many of these derivatives were found in a range of products, including marijuana flower, resins, gummies, and vape liquids.

The researchers noted that Delta-8 THC, which is derived from hemp, and HHC were the first two SSCs to appear in the United States. It is reasonable to expect many of these other derivatives to make their way to the United States.

The authors concluded that “the unawareness of constituents in SSC-containing products due to mislabeling in combination with strongly fluctuating HHC contents or so-called ‘blends’ containing SSC-mixtures can pose a risk to consumers.”

In the United States, the loophole in the Farm Bill has permitted the development, sale, and use of semi-synthetic cannabinoids. Until this issue is resolved, new variants will continue to be produced and promoted by profit-driven entities. Recognizing that “these extremely dynamic developments led to the first national bans on HHC and its derivatives in some EU countries beginning in 2023,” the United States should take a similar step and ban these products and their derivatives.
Received this email from a friend? Sign up here! ([link removed])
[link removed]

[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]

Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) ([link removed]) is an alliance of organizations and individuals dedicated to a health-first approach to marijuana policy. We are professionals working in mental health and public health. We are bipartisan. We are medical doctors, lawmakers, treatment providers, preventionists, teachers, law enforcement officers and others who seek a middle road between incarceration and legalization. Our commonsense, third-way approach to marijuana policy is based on reputable science and sound principles of public health and safety.

Copyright (C) 2025 The Drug Report. All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website, gooddrugpolicy.org or through the Smart Approaches to Marijuana website, learnaboutsam.org.
Our mailing address is:
The Drug Report 107 S West St Ste. 757 Alexandria, VA 22314 USA

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences ([link removed][UNIQID]&c=65f7be511c) or unsubscribe ([link removed][UNIQID]&c=65f7be511c)

This email was sent to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
why did I get this? ([link removed]) unsubscribe from this list ([link removed]) update subscription preferences ([link removed])
Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) . 107 S West St. Ste. 757 . Alexandria, VA 22314 . USA