By Autumn Brummer
The ability to sell, grow, and consume THC, otherwise known as weed, has always been a hot topic in politics. But an off branch of this is Delta Products, which is now making headlines. In surrounding areas, raids conducted by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation under the direction of Attorney General Kris Kobach and KBI director Tony Mattivi have been targeting over 15 stores that allegedly were selling products that contained too much THC. These raids had people pulling their delta products off the shelf. Fearing they might be next. This has left owners of dispensaries in confusion and customers on edge. Though Kobach has stated that these raids were to focus more on suppliers rather than consumers.
Delta 8 is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that has traces of hemp and cannabis plants in it giving some of the effects that would make you high. This is like Delta 9, which offers a smoother, milder high. These would be considered hemp products. You must be the legal age of 21 or older to purchase these products in the state of Kansas. That is thanks to the Commercial Industrial Hemp Act which allows the growing and selling of hemp in the state of Kansas. While Mcpherson has no current ban on these products, police are on the look-out for any violations to the Kansas laws that enact the ability to sell hemp products. The legal requirements for hemp in the state of Kansas follow under the Statute 2-3901 which states “All parts and varieties of the plant Cannabis sativa L., whether growing or not, that contain a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.” This means that hemp products, so long as they contain 0.3% or less of THC, are legally allowed to be sold in the state of Kansas. This means that if products contain 0.3% or less of THC, they can legally be sold and cultivated.
As someone who uses delta to deal with sleep issues, mental health issues, and more, I think the need for these products is real. While there are many people who would say Delta should be illegal, why? Alcohol is legal; Tabacco is legal, and for many other states, marijuana is legal. If I made the decision, I would make marijuana legal in the state of Kansas for its economic impact, health benefits, and more. But allowing Delta products is a steppingstone for a better future. For a future that is more accepting and open to different possibilities.
