What is hemp-derived THC, and why does it matter for convenience-store retailers?
Chris Fontes, founder and CEO of High Spirits and president of the U.S. Hemp Authority, addressed this question Monday at CSP’s first Cannabis Forum in Lombard, Illinois. The inaugural event ran through Wednesday.
Fontes explained the key difference between marijuana-derived THC and hemp-derived THC. Marijuana-derived THC is a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, while hemp-derived THC is not a controlled substance under the 2018 Farm Bill, he said. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the sale of products containing less than 0.3% THC by weight nationwide.
Having legal clarity is an important distinction that c-store buyers and legal teams need to understand, Fontes said.
Beverages are the fastest-growing segment in hemp-THC products, which also could include gummies, inhalables and topicals, Fontes said. C-stores are well positioned to sell this category.
“C-stores are positioned to win,” Fontes said. “Dispensaries can’t compete on convenience, price or location density.”
He added that with more than 150,000 convenience stores in the United States, the c-store channel has unmatched foot traffic and convenience.
“Consumer overlap is real: energy drink buyers, beer buyers and wellness buyers all index high for hemp-THC interest,” Fontes said.
When it comes to selling it responsibly, Fontes listed three non-negotiables when it comes to protecting a c-store chain.
- Age verification: Check state laws to see if ID scanning is required.
- Have third-party certificates of analysis for every product.
- Avoid carrying items that obscure the THC content.
“Customers need to see milligrams per serving clearly,” he said. “Vague labels are a red flag for bad actors and increase your liability.”
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