Fact check
“Colorado law prohibits the chemical conversion of hemp into THC using methylene chloride.”
Reasoning
The provided ProPublica articles describe Colorado's legislative and regulatory actions that forbid chemically converting hemp to THC and specifically bar the use of methylene chloride, a solvent used in such conversions. These statements directly support the claim.
On confidence: Multiple primary sources explicitly state that Colorado law bans the chemical conversion of hemp into THC and prohibits the use of methylene chloride by marijuana manufacturers.
Important context
The ban is part of Colorado's efforts to prevent illegally converted hemp products from entering the marijuana market and to protect public safety.
Evidence
Supporting (8)
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceStayCon Marijuana Company Recalls Dozens of Contaminated Products — ProPublica
nonintoxicating compound CBD can help with seizures, pain and sleep. Jan. 1, 2014 Colorado became the first state to allow retail sales of marijuana for recreational use. Methylene chloride can be used to cheaply synthesize hemp into THC,…
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceStayCon Marijuana Company Recalls Dozens of Contaminated Products — ProPublica
publications also reported on the dangers of methylene chloride as part of an investigation into Colorado’s failure to adopt many regulations used by other states to keep intoxicating hemp products off marijuana shelves. Methylene chloride…
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceStayCon Marijuana Company Recalls Dozens of Contaminated Products — ProPublica
hemp has seeped into Colorado’s marijuana market because the state had failed to adopt safety measures. Tests found signs of hemp in vapes sold at marijuana dispensaries. May 14, 2021 After hemp companies figured out how to convert CBD…
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceColorado Can Take Months to Warn Consumers of Risky Cannabis Products — ProPublica
publicly disclosed . April 13, 2026 State regulators announced a plan to crack down on companies that illegally sell cheaper and potentially hazardous hemp products as marijuana, citing potential tax avoidance and “serious risks to public…
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceHow Colorado Failed to Regulate and Keep Intoxicating Hemp Off the Shelves — ProPublica
permitted solvents, depending on the product, to extract and concentrate the psychoactive compound. Hemp can be processed using similar methods to extract CBD. To convert CBD into THC, processors sometimes use highly toxic chemicals, such…
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceColorado Can Take Months to Warn Consumers of Risky Cannabis Products — ProPublica
market because the state had failed to adopt safety measures. Tests found signs of hemp in vapes sold at marijuana dispensaries. May 14, 2021 After hemp companies figured out how to convert CBD into the high-inducing compound THC, Colorado…
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceHow Colorado Failed to Regulate and Keep Intoxicating Hemp Off the Shelves — ProPublica
marijuana, which is heated, dried, pressurized or treated with permitted solvents, depending on the product, to extract and concentrate the psychoactive compound. Hemp can be processed using similar methods to extract CBD. To convert CBD…
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceHow Colorado Failed to Regulate and Keep Intoxicating Hemp Off the Shelves — ProPublica
contain other forms of THC PROCESSING Marijuana Hemp Hemp can be processed using similar methods to extract CBD. To convert CBD into THC, processors sometimes use highly toxic chemicals, such as methylene chloride and hexane. THC exists…
Limitations
All evidence comes from a single news outlet (ProPublica). While the articles cite state law and regulatory actions, the actual statutory text is not quoted, so verification relies on journalistic reporting.
- Last verified:
- Sep 27, 2026, 4:21 AM CDT
- Pipeline:
- 2.1.0
- Claim type:
- Factual
Where this claim appeared
Colorado Marijuana Company Voluntarily Recalls Dozens of Contaminated Products Amid State Regulatory DelaysProPublica · Christopher Osher