How To Ship Hemp-Derived THC Products

Shipping hemp might sound straightforward, but it involves following crucial rules and protocols. Due to federal legislation (like the 2018 Farm Bill) and constant changes in what’s considered legal, many companies find themselves in murky waters. If you’re wondering how to ship hemp, especially products with hemp-derived THC, then this post is for you!

Whether you sell cannabis beverages, hemp-derived CBD products, or industrial hemp for manufacturing, navigating logistics and legal requirements is vital. Brew Movers helps companies stay ahead of the curve with compliant, scalable shipping strategies tailored to this fast-growing, popular space. We’re here to break down key definitions, shipping dos and don’ts, and the best way to avoid delays, fines and product seizures.

What Is Hemp-Derived THC?

To understand what you can and can’t ship, let’s start with the basics. Hemp-derived THC refers to the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) extracted from legal hemp plants, cannabis sativa, that contain 0.3% or less delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. Cannabis plants containing anything above that limit are considered marijuana under federal law and may be classified as a controlled substance.

Hemp THC vs THC is a question of concentration and source. Delta-9 THC can exist in both hemp and marijuana, but only hemp-derived THC that stays below the legal threshold qualifies under the federal legal definition of hemp.

Since the 2018 Farm Bill (a.k.a. the Agriculture Improvement Act), hemp production and the sale of hemp-derived CBD products and intoxicating hemp products became legal at the federal level, but with caveats. The legality of hemp products still depends on FDA regulations, state law, shipping carrier rules, and adherence to such laws.

Is Hemp-Derived THC Federally Legal?

Technically, yes, hemp-derived THC is legal in the United States under the Farm Bill, but only if the THC concentration remains within the legal hemp THC level and the product meets all federal guidelines.

However, federal law is only part of the equation, and working with cannabis presents a few challenges. Applicable state and local laws may ban the sale or delivery of intoxicating hemp products or require additional compliance steps. These legal challenges make it crucial for businesses to stay up-to-date and ensure compliance across every state where they operate.

In other words, just because hemp-derived products are federally legal doesn’t mean they’re welcome in every zip code. Some states have cracked down on hemp-derived THC beverages and edibles, citing public safety concerns.

Source: Canva

How to Ship Hemp Without Breaking the Law

Whether you’re delivering CBD products, hemp-based products, or hemp THC beverages, you need a game plan that prioritizes both logistics and compliance!

1. Know the Legal Definition

Understand the difference between hemp and marijuana. Remember, hemp must have less than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. Anything more may be reclassified under marijuana products, even if unintentionally.

2. Provide Documentation

Maintain laboratory test results for every batch of hemp-derived products. These documents should confirm the THC content, absence of residual solvents, and full compliance with applicable laws.

Note: Some states may also require that products sold be labeled with the legal definition of hemp. Remember: hemp-derived products are banned or restricted in ~21 states.

3. Choose a Compliant Shipping Partner

When it comes to hemp and CBD, shipping can be strict. Carriers like UPS accept products containing hemp and CBD, but only under strict conditions. Read the fine print on what UPS states, reserves the right to reject, and what they consider pre-approved shippers. USPS and FedEx have similar rules. 

4. Monitor Labeling and Packaging

Packaging must meet both federal law and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act requirements, especially for food products or medical cannabis. Avoid mislabeled products that could trigger seizures or compliance violations.

Packaging and Labeling for Safe Hemp Delivery

Your packaging is about branding, but more importantly, it’s about the defence against accidental ingestion, regulatory violations, and legal challenges.

Here are some tips for packaging and labeling your hemp-derived products:

• Use child-resistant and tamper-proof containers for THC products.
• Ensure clear labeling with THC percentage, warnings, ingredients, and origin.
• Include batch numbers that correspond with COAs (Certificates of Analysis).
• Avoid cross-contamination with other cannabinoids or banned substances.

Poor labeling can result in significant issues, even when the THC concentration is within limits. Some states inspect packages upon arrival, and hemp products tendered incorrectly could be confiscated or destroyed.

Source: Canva

How to Handle State and Carrier Restrictions

Many brands are surprised to learn that federally legal doesn’t always mean shippable. Even if your hemp-derived product is under the legal limit, you must still consider:

• State Law: Some states restrict or ban specific hemp-derived THC formulations outright.
• Carrier Policies: As mentioned above, while UPS accepts products, they may decline any product containing delta-9 THC if proper documentation isn’t provided, as marijuana or pure THC shipping is prohibited.
• Additional Restrictions: For example, international shipments of hemp or cannabis products may be prohibited.

Carriers may also require contractual service agreements with pre-approved shippers. This ensures they’re covered legally in case of audits or seizures.

Hemp-Derived Product Shipping: Keep It Legal, Scalable, and Smart

If you’re looking to expand your hemp business, understanding how to ship hemp safely and legally is a must. Between federal law, state law, and carrier policies, shipping can go wrong in countless ways. But with the right partner and process, you can streamline operations while staying compliant.

At Brew Movers, our team develops custom logistics and shipping solutions tailored to the cannabis supply chain industry. With deep experience in transporting hemp-derived products, beer, craft beverages, and more, we help businesses:

• Navigate the legal complexities of shipping hemp
• Avoid fines and delays by ensuring all packaging and documents are in order
• Scale with confidence, knowing they can ship across states where allowed

Let’s move your business forward legally, efficiently, and with confidence! Get in touch with Brew Movers today.