HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Dave Sunday has joined a bipartisan coalition of 39 attorneys general calling on Congress to close what they describe as a dangerous loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that allows intoxicating, hemp-derived THC products — some disguised as candy or soda — to be sold without regulation across the country.
In a letter to congressional leaders, the coalition urged lawmakers to immediately clarify the federal definition of “hemp,” warning that bad actors have twisted the law’s intent to flood gas stations, convenience stores, and online marketplaces with synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8 and Delta-10 — products that often contain high concentrations of THC but escape marijuana restrictions.
“For too long, bad actors have used the loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill to profit from super-potent, hemp-derived THC products by placing them in gas stations, convenience stores, and online marketplaces,” Sunday said. “This unregulated market allows children to buy these extremely potent products, oftentimes without any knowledge that the products are intoxicating, addictive, and not safe.”
Since hemp was legalized federally in 2018, manufacturers have exploited vague language in the law to market chemically modified THC compounds under the guise of legality. Many of these products — gummies, sodas, candies, and vapes — mimic popular snacks and drinks, drawing the attention of children. Some poison control centers have reported sharp increases in accidental THC exposure among minors.
Sunday’s office said the problem has become widespread in Pennsylvania, where these unregulated products can be found on store shelves and sold without age verification, testing standards, or safety labeling.
The coalition, which includes attorneys general from 38 other states and territories, is urging Congress to use the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process or the reauthorization of the Farm Bill to fix the definition of hemp and rein in the unregulated market.
Joining Pennsylvania in the effort are states including California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Virginia — marking one of the broadest bipartisan law enforcement coalitions yet to take aim at synthetic THC products.
Officials say the move is aimed at protecting consumers — especially children — from a rapidly expanding industry that has so far evaded oversight. “This is about restoring common sense and closing a loophole that never should have existed,” Sunday said.
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