A newly released report from the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) reveals many hemp products sold in Oregon exceed legal THC limits, often lack proper labeling, and are being sold without adequate age verification. These findings echo concerns heard by OLCC from consumers regarding the marketing of intoxicating hemp products and the dangers they present to children.
The Preliminary Technical Report, produced in conjunction with staff from the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), outlines the results of an extensive investigation into hemp and marijuana products. Testing of 151 samples of cannabis products uncovered widespread mislabeling and non-compliance in the hemp market.
Key findings presented included:
- Excessive THC Levels: Every hemp flower sample tested by the OLCC exceeded 0.3% total THC, making them illegal for sale to consumers under Oregon law. Some samples contained up to 30.5% total THC—comparable to marijuana.
- Lack of Age Verification: 91% of online hemp edible purchases and 87% of hemp flower purchases were completed without adequate age verification, raising concerns about youth access to high-potency products.
- Misleading Labeling: Only 10% of hemp edibles had clear potency labeling linked to verifiable test results, making it difficult for consumers to know what they are purchasing.
- Product Packaging Concerns: 72% of hemp edibles tested contained prohibited THC levels, and many were marketed in a manner appealing to minors.
In response to these past concerns, the Oregon Legislature passed new regulations in 2024 to strengthen oversight of hemp products. Beginning in January 2026, the OLCC will implement a Hemp Product Registry, ensuring stricter compliance with testing, labeling, and safety requirements. This preliminary technical report provides further evidence of the need for the product registry. Key measures include:
- Honest labeling requirements: Companies must accurately represent their products, ensuring transparency about THC content and its effects.
- Product testing: Registrations must be accompanied by certificates of analysis, showing the products were tested and meet Oregon’s testing requirements.
- Enforcement and penalties: The OLCC will impose fines on companies—many of which operate out of state—that fail to comply with registration requirements.
“This report highlights the urgent need for stronger oversight of intoxicating hemp products,” said OLCC Commission Chair Dennis Doherty. “The new legislative measures will help protect consumers, particularly minors, and ensure the industry operates responsibly.”
The findings in this report are the first fruits born from the OLCC’s collaboration with the Department of Agriculture’s Cannabis Reference Testing Laboratory. The lab, which was funded through HB 2931 in the 2023 Oregon legislative session, is co-located with ODA’s other regulatory labs and provides a neutral third-party for method development, quality assurance review of other labs, and unbiased compliance testing. “Consumers should be confident in trusting the information on product labels,” said OLCC’s Executive Director Craig Prins. “OLCC’s reference lab provides that necessary check to ensure consumer health and safety”
The OLCC will continue working with regulatory partners to ensure compliance with the new requirements and maintain consumer safety. The final version of the technical report is expected to be completed in the coming months.
