Delta-8 THC has skirted the licensing and testing required by Michigan’s regulated cannabis market by being sold at gas stations, online vendors, and retailers outside of Michigan’s reach. But recently, new legislation was brought forth to regulate the still under-researched form of tetrahydrocannabinol, which was announced by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) earlier this month.

According to Cannabis Business Times, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation over the summer to regulate delta-8 THC. Per the new law, all cannabis-derived THC products will be covered by state law and regulated by Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency. The products, whether they’re flower for rolling papers or oils for dropper bottles, will only be sold through state-licensed cannabis retailer businesses after proper testing and approval procedures, which is intended to improve overall safety throughout the legal state market.

“I am glad to see Michigan continuing to lead on the implementation and regulation of a safe, secure marijuana industry, which has already brought tens of millions of dollars in new tax revenue to the state, as well as thousands of well-paying jobs,” Whitmer said.

Under the new law, regulators will review and analyze all “intoxicating substances,” including delta-8 THC and THC-O-acetate, to determine whether they need to be safety tested through the Marijuana Regulatory Agency’s statewide monitoring system and tracked through Michigan’s seed-to-sale tracking system. “Moving forward, these intoxicating products will be removed from the unregulated marketplace and placed in a well-regulated and licensed system, restricted to adults, and monitored for safety,” said Andrew Brisbo, Executive Director of Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency, in Cannabis Business Times.

The new legislation drew approval from cannabis industry insiders. “Regulating delta-8 rather than banning the product is a smart and progressive move that is in the best interest of public health and safety,” said Robin Schneider, executive director of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association.