‘Poof, Gone;’ Wilmington hemp businesses brace for federal THC crackdown
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) – Wilmington hemp businesses and consumers are bracing for a federal crackdown on THC products.
“THC-A concentrate is gone, pre-roll is gone that’s also THC-A,” said Jared Drake, owner of Hempire Innovations. “THC-A flour gone, this is a blend of delta-9 and THC-P both of those gone.”
You can hear the frustration in Drake’s voice. He just opened Hempire Innovations off 16th Street in Wilmington.
For six years, he’s made locally grown hemp his passion but now his business faces an uncertain future.
“It would destroy a lot of the industry honestly it would be like just kind of be like, ‘poof gone.’” Drake said.
A bill that ended the federal government shutdown last month including a provision that would make many of these hemp-derived products illegal.
The ban targets THC products which are a psychoactive compound found in hemp.
“”It doesn’t make sense to get rid of a commodity and businesses that could be assets to boosting the economy and providing jobs because there’s thousands of people that could be affected,” Drake said.
These products were initially legalized after a 2018 federal law which defined hemp as any product with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, leaving what some saw as a loophole.
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined 38 other attorneys general in October asking lawmakers to clarify the current hemp laws.
The letter said in part:
“Many of these products—created by manufacturers by manipulating hemp to produce synthetic THC—are more intoxicating and psychoactive than marijuana a Schedule I controlled substance and are often marketed to minors.”
Drake said businesses like his would also appreciate more clarification on regulations to protect his business.
“Having a similar playbook its hard to get everyone on the same page even though I think everyone is eager to do so I think that’s part of the reason why it is like at this point,” Drake said.
The new band would redefine hemp as any product that contains 0.4 milligrams of any kinds of THC per package. Drake said over 90% of his sales are at stake.
“Let’s say it’s November 12th and I get rid of everything people would try would probably still be asking and the best I can do is try to redirect that traffic,” Drake said.
The ban is set to be enforced in November 2026.
