Senate Bill 358, proposed by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development lawmakers, seeks to “prohibit the growth, processing, sale transfer or possession” of products derived from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), such as delta-8, 9 and 10.

THC is the component in marijuana responsible for its psychoactive effects.

A handful of UCA students and local Conway smoke shops shared their thoughts on delta-8 and a potential ban.

Only students’ first names were used to ensure privacy.

Adam, who is 22 years old, said he used delta-8 when he couldn’t purchase marijuana.

“I was told it has the same effects,” Adam said. “Which it did — pretty much just less of a high than normal THC.”

He said he experienced some negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and anxiety, after consuming delta-8.

“I think it should be banned,” Adam said. “They don’t regulate delta-8 enough, and they don’t test it well enough either.”

Adam said he smoked delta-8 for a year in 2021 and has since “not touched it.”

Elizabeth, who is also 22 years old, said she used delta-8 to help her as a recovering alcoholic and cigarette smoker. 

“I’m a recovering addict that’s trying to hit on diet weed,” she said. “Not tobacco.”

Elizabeth said a negative effect she experienced was the rise of her tolerance, meaning she had to buy and use more to feel the same effects.

“The ban of delta-8 is silly, and our government is having a power trip for no reason,” Elizabeth said.

Both students said they were ID’d by the smoke shops they bought them from, a common concern brought up by lawmakers and supporters of SB358, who believe delta-8 is easily accessible for children.

Technically, there are no age regulations on delta-8 because it “can be sold over the counter as a hemp product, not regulated by marijuana laws,” according to kark.com.

This has opened a loophole for gas stations and other shops to sell it. 

Tobacco stores Rayz and Cloud 9, both located on Prince St. in Conway, offered insight into how a potential ban on delta-8 could affect their businesses.

Rayz employee Sean Kazmi said it would affect its overall sales by three to five percent, and his store has a strict ID policy.

“We actually have it to where we can’t even run a transaction until you scan an ID,” Kazmi said.

Cloud 9 employee Ayla Atkins said, “I’m not really concerned about the sales.

 “I’m more concerned about the people that wouldn’t have access to the medicine they need.”

Atkins also noted that Cloud 9 IDs regardless of what the customer is purchasing.

“We ID for everybody,” she said. “It doesn’t matter. If you come into the store and you try to purchase anything, even like a charger, we ID.”

According to Atkins, a potential ban on delta-8 products could be detrimental to those without a medical marijuana card that depend on its therapeutic effects.

“It sells well,” Atkins said. “But I feel like it’s a cheaper, more accessible alternative to getting your Med card … It’s gonna affect a lot of people that are using it for pain, people that are using it for anxiety.”

The bill passed the senate with 33 yeses, one no and one abstention. The House Rules Committee will meet March 29 to review SB358.