California Introduces Emergency Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Products
California Governor Gavin Newsom has introduced an emergency ban on intoxicating hemp products, effective immediately. The ban prohibits the sale of consumable hemp products containing any detectable amount of THC, the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. The move comes after a temporary ban was proposed by Newsom on September 6, following the drafting of the ban by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
The emergency regulations, approved by the Office of Administrative Law on Monday, require retailers to remove hemp products with detectable levels of THC from store shelves and implement purchase restrictions to prevent sales to consumers under the age of 21. State regulators, including the CDPH, the Department of Cannabis Control, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and state and local law enforcement officials, will begin immediate enforcement action to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
The ban includes many CBD products used by Californians daily, despite the 2018 federal legislation legalizing hemp permitting products with no more than 0.3% THC. Critics of the ban argue that it will harm patients who rely on hemp CBD, while proponents claim it will address bad actors and ensure the regulated sale of hemp products.
California’s hemp industry has expressed concerns that the ban will kill the industry, while the regulated cannabis industry has supported the move, citing the need for regulation to ensure public safety and fair competition. The ban is set to expire in March 2025, with Newsom stating that it is an “interim” measure to address bad actors while lawmakers develop new regulatory legislation.
The ban has sparked controversy, with some arguing that it will harm patients who rely on hemp CBD, while others claim it will address regulatory gaps and ensure the safe sale of hemp products. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the ban will have a lasting impact on California’s hemp industry and the lives of those who rely on hemp products.
