An industry executive spanning both the licensed marijuana and unregulated hemp sectors has published an editorial calling on Congress to establish comprehensive federal regulations for all THC products. Dylan Raap, president of Upstate Elevator Supply Co., argues that the current strategy of attempting to eliminate competing hemp channels fails to achieve public safety goals.
Instead, responsible operators across the entire cannabinoid supply chain should advocate for structured rules that safeguard consumers and marginalize bad actors. The commentary arrives as lawmakers grapple with the complex intersection of farm bill provisions and state-level cannabis markets—a jurisdictional battleground that directly affects retail shelf space, product safety standards, and consumer trust. Rather than division between traditional marijuana licensees and alternative cannabinoid producers, Raap suggests industry maturity requires unified federal oversight.
For dispensary owners and smoke shop operators navigating a fragmented regulatory environment, federal standardization remains a critical missing piece for long-term operational stability. Without clear federal mandates, businesses will continue to face uneven playing fields, varying state compliance burdens, and persistent confusion regarding intoxicating hemp versus traditional cannabis derivatives.