Virginia Budget Proposal Would Regulate Delta-8 Sales; Restrict Purchasing Age to 21

The Virginia General Assembly passed a two-year state budget proposal June 1, which includes regulations on hemp-derived THC products, like delta-8.

Senate members passed their version of the budget bill in a 32-4 vote, while the House voted 88-7 on theirs, WHSV reported. 

The proposal, which now awaits Gov. Glenn Youngkin's approval, includes language that would implement regulations for hemp-derived THC products.

The budget would restrict the sales of such products to individuals 21 years and older and would place restrictions on product packaging, which lawmakers claim is appealing to children, ABC 13News reported. 

The proposal would require packaging to state that the product "cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 21, and [the label must] include a list of ingredients and the amount of THC," ABC 13News reported.

Del. Sam Rasoul (D) told the news outlet that while these restrictions are a good first step, he thinks there needs to be further regulations on the actual products inside the packaging.

Sen. Mark Peake (R) told ABC 13News that he favored the measure, adding that even though these products contain delta-8, "they still have psychoactive side effects and could be a problem, especially for youth. And especially with the packaging, the way it was directed at younger, younger people."