The Risky Rise of Gas Station Weed and Why Ohio’s Division of Cannabis Control Regulations Matter More Than Ever
In cities across Ohio and the U.S., it’s becoming increasingly common to walk into a head shop, corner gas station, or vape store and see glass cases filled with colorful packages advertising “Delta-8,” “THCA,” “HHCP,” or “HHC.” Some look like candy. Others claim to offer euphoric effects “just like weed.” Many of them are cheap. Most of them are legal—at least on paper.
But the growing popularity of these lab-born cannabinoids has sparked concern among health experts, regulators, and consumers alike, who warn that what you’re buying at the gas station may be more of a science experiment than a safe cannabis product.
At the heart of the issue is a divide between regulated cannabis—sold only through licensed dispensaries like those overseen by Ohio’s Division of Cannabis Control (DCC)—and unregulated hemp-derived cannabinoids being sold under the legal gray zone of the 2018 federal Farm Bill.
From Lab Bench to Blunt Wrap: The Wild World of Lab-Made Cannabinoids
Delta-8 THC, HHC, HHCP, THCP, and THCA are all part of the growing alphabet soup of cannabinoids flooding the market. They’re chemically similar to Delta-9 THC, the compound most people associate with the “high” from marijuana. But these compounds often don’t come directly from the cannabis plant—they’re synthesized from CBD extracted from legal hemp, then chemically converted into psychoactive analogs.
The result is a booming market for products that feel like cannabis but don’t fall under the same laws.
Unlike regulated marijuana sold through Ohio dispensaries, these gas stations and head shop products are not required to go through state testing for purity, potency, pesticides, or residual solvents. There are no tracking systems, no childproof packaging requirements, no mandated warning labels. What’s in the product is largely up to the manufacturer, and consumers are left to trust what’s printed on the label—if anything is printed at all.
“It’s the wild west out there,” says a licensed cannabis operator in Columbus who requested anonymity. “You can buy a THCP cart at a head shop right now that’s more potent than what’s allowed in dispensaries—and it’s never been tested. That should scare people.”
Unregulated and Unchecked: What You’re Really Inhaling
Independent lab analyses of gas station cannabinoids have uncovered everything from illegal levels of Delta-9 THC to heavy metals, mold, and undisclosed synthetic additives. In 2023, a study by the Journal of Cannabis Research found that over 70% of Delta-8 products tested contained impurities or incorrect cannabinoid labeling.
And it’s not just about inaccurate potency—some products contain dangerous byproducts left over from the chemical conversion process. Many Delta-8, HHC, and THCP products are synthesized using acids, solvents, and metals. In regulated facilities, those are purged through industry-grade extraction methods and verified through lab testing. In unregulated products? There’s no guarantee.
Ohio State University toxicologist Dr. Dana York describes the lack of oversight as “a public health concern hiding in plain sight.” She adds, “We’re seeing more cases of adverse reactions, especially in younger consumers, because they assume these products are safe since they’re for sale.”
In one instance, a 19-year-old in Cleveland ended up in the ER after ingesting a Delta-8 edible from a head shop. Doctors found synthetic additives in his system and diagnosed cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. His parents, who were unaware he was purchasing anything they thought resembled cannabis, are now advocating for stronger labeling and oversight.
Chasing Cheap Highs: Why People Still Buy Them
If gas station cannabinoids are so risky, why are they flying off the shelves? The answer is equal parts access and affordability.
Legal cannabis in Ohio is still relatively new. While Ohio’s DCC has built a robust regulatory framework for product testing and consumer safety, it can take time for new stores to open, market—and for product variety to catch up with demand.
In contrast, head shops and vape stores can stock anything, anytime, without needing a license. They can undercut dispensaries on price and offer an illusion of legitimacy, complete with slick packaging and popular slang.
Some packages feature cartoon characters, retro fonts, or fruit flavors that directly appeal to younger audiences. With names like “Grape Stomper HHC” or “Mango Zkittlez THCP,” they mimic traditional cannabis branding but without the compliance burden. To the untrained eye, there’s no clear difference between these and state-tested products.
Then there are the “cannabis commuters”—Ohioans who cross into Michigan, where adult-use cannabis has been legal since 2018. But these trips, meant to bypass wait times or perceived cost barriers, often ignore the bigger issue: buying untested, unregulated, or improperly stored cannabis products from out-of-state risks your health—and your safety under Ohio law.
A Different Standard: How the DCC Is Safeguarding Ohio Consumers
Ohio’s Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) has taken a firm stance on ensuring cannabis products sold within state lines meet the highest standards for safety and transparency.
Licensed dispensaries are required to source their flower, edibles, concentrates, and vapes only from state-approved cultivators and processors. Every product is tested by an independent lab for:
● Potency (THC/CBD content)
● Pesticides and herbicides
● Mold, mildew, and microbiological contamination
● Heavy metals and residual solvents
● Mycotoxins and foreign materials
Each product is labeled with test results and tracked via Ohio’s seed-to-sale system, providing a complete history from cultivation to sale.
The DCC also regulates packaging and advertising, ensuring that nothing is attractive to children or misleading. It’s a system designed to protect consumers, build trust, and legitimize the industry.
“It’s not just about regulation—it’s about responsibility,” says the CEO of a cannabis dispensary. “We’ve invested in transparency because we believe people deserve to know what they’re putting in their bodies. That’s something gas stations can’t offer.”
Behind the Curtain: How Head Shop Weed Is Really Made
What many consumers don’t realize is that gas station cannabinoids aren’t grown in greenhouses or cared for by cultivators—they’re usually made in labs, often overseas or in states with looser enforcement.
Cannabinoids like HHCP and THCP don’t exist naturally in significant quantities. They’re synthesized using chemical catalysts to manipulate molecular structures—think CBD being turned into Delta-8 via acid conversion and heat. This is why you’ll rarely see full COAs
(Certificates of Analysis) for gas station products. Most are produced in bulk, cut with fillers or thinning agents, and repackaged in generic vape carts or infused gummies.
In 2022, the FDA issued a warning about the dangers of synthetic cannabinoids, noting that they often “pose unpredictable and sometimes life-threatening effects.” While some U.S. manufacturers follow voluntary GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), many do not—and they’re not required to.
According to a lab tech in Toledo, whose lab services several Ohio dispensaries, “We routinely see non-compliant products from out-of-state clients who are shocked by the level of testing we require. Most of the head shop stuff wouldn’t pass a single panel.”
The Legal Gray Zone: Loopholes and Legislative Lag
At the core of this issue is the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp (defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC). What lawmakers didn’t anticipate was the rise of hemp-derived cannabinoids that are psychoactive but still technically fall within the 0.3% Delta-9 limit.
That loophole has given rise to a massive unregulated market for Delta-8, HHC, and THCA flower, all of which look and feel like traditional marijuana but sidestep the law.
Ohio lawmakers have begun to respond. Senate Bill 86 (SB86), introduced in 2024, aims to ban the sale of intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids—like Delta-8 and THCP—outside of the regulated cannabis system. If passed, SB86 would close the legal gray area by reclassifying these compounds as controlled substances, aligning them more closely with marijuana in terms of production, sale, and oversight. Supporters of the bill argue it’s a necessary step to protect consumers and ensure that intoxicating products are only available through licensed, tested, and traceable channels.
Ohio has begun taking steps to tighten oversight. In 2023, the state passed regulations banning certain synthetic cannabinoids and reinforcing that dispensaries are the only legal source for THC products. But enforcement remains difficult.
Industry advocates are pushing for further consumer education and increased penalties for retailers selling mislabeled or dangerous products. “We can’t rely solely on enforcement,” said one compliance officer. “We need public understanding that these aren’t the same as what you get at a dispensary.”
The Path Forward: Toward Safer Consumption
Looking ahead, there’s a growing push to reform the 2018 Farm Bill and more clearly define the limits of hemp-derived psychoactive cannabinoids. Until then, states like Ohio will need to lead the way in setting the gold standard for consumer protection.
Cannabis operators across the Buckeye State hope to see expanded education efforts, retailer inspections, and partnerships with local health departments. Dispensaries are also doing their part—offering educational events, product consultations, and transparency into their sourcing and testing.
At some dispensaries, staff members utilize menus, product COAs, and one-on-one guidance to walk customers through their options. It’s part of a larger commitment to safety and empowerment.
The Bottom Line: Know What You’re Consuming
As more consumers turn to cannabis for wellness, recreation, or relief, the need for transparency and regulation has never been greater.
Ohio’s DCC deserves credit for building a cannabis program that prioritizes safety, trust, and accountability. But the work isn’t done. Gas station weed continues to exploit gaps in the system—and until federal laws catch up, consumers will have to navigate a marketplace full of smoke and mirrors.
So here’s the truth: If it’s being sold in a place that also sells lottery tickets and energy drinks, chances are it’s not cannabis—it’s chemistry.
And when it comes to what you put in your body, that’s a distinction that matters.
About this article:
Editorial submitted anonymously by a member of the Ohio cannabis industry. This message was approved by DCC.
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