California’s total ban on products with any detectable level of hemp-derived THC is poised to continue until at least June.
That’s the latest timeline after the state Department of Public Health moved earlier this month to temporarily extend prohibitions first imposed in the fall, as SFGate reported.
Many states have moved to regulate or limit the availability of hemp-derived THC products since the alternatives to regulated cannabis appeared following the 2018 federal Farm Bill.
However, to date, no state with legal marijuana access has gone as far as California.
Concerns for youth, hemp THC product safety
Last fall, with the blessing of Gov. Gavin Newsom – whose advocacy helped legalize adult-use marijuana in the Golden State – state heath regulators imposed emergency regulations that
- Established a minimum age of 21 to purchase hemp products.
- Allowed no detectable levels of THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids per serving of hemp-derived food, beverage or dietary products intended for human consumption.
- Limited the number of servings of hemp products to five per package.
Policymakers expressed concerns over the products’ availability to youth.
If approved by the state Office of Administrative Law, the ban will be readopted on March 24 for another 90 days.
It can be extended once more before permanent regulations will be required.
Wider hemp-derived THC struggle
California’s hemp ban underscores the tension between the burgeoning hemp sector and the regulated cannabis industry, which is struggling under the burden of heavy taxation and illicit market competition.
In a September press conference, Newsom specifically called out the presence of gummies and hemp beverages at a local Total Wine & More.
The national retailer is partnering with Curaleaf Holdings after the major marijuana multistate operator diversified with hemp-derived THC offerings.
In California following the ban, regulators have seized products with hemp-derived THC, such as gummies and low-dose hemp beverages, from store shelves.
In Texas, considered the leading hemp-derived THC market in the country, lawmakers are considering following the Golden State’s lead and banning the products.
