Virgin Islands Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea has joined a bipartisan coalition of 38 attorneys general urging Congress to close what they describe as a dangerous loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that allows intoxicating hemp-derived THC products to be sold without regulation, according to a Justice Department press release.
The coalition’s letter, addressed to congressional leaders, calls for an immediate clarification of the federal definition of “hemp” to prevent the continued sale of synthetic cannabinoids such as delta-8, delta-10, and THC-O. These substances — often stronger than marijuana — are widely available in gas stations, convenience stores, and online marketplaces, often packaged in ways that appeal to children and sold without age restrictions or labeling standards, the press release stated.
“The lack of clarity in the 2018 Farm Bill has created a serious public health and safety issue by allowing intoxicating hemp-derived products to be sold without regulation or oversight,” Rhea said. “These substances are often more potent than marijuana, marketed to children, and sold without proper safety standards. Congress must act swiftly to refine the federal definition of hemp to close this loophole and protect consumers, particularly our youth, from these dangerous and misleading products,” he added.
The coalition urged congressional committees overseeing agriculture and appropriations to act during the fiscal year 2026 budget process or through reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Alongside Rhea, attorneys general from states including California, Texas, New York, Georgia, and Puerto Rico also signed the letter, underscoring the national scope of concern over unregulated hemp-derived THC products, the release stated.
