California Moves to Permanently Ban Hemp THC Products

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced Friday that the
state would move to make permanent its temporary ban on hemp-derived THC
products, SF Gate reports.

Led by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), state lawmakers approved emergency rules
containing the temporary ban last September. The six-month policy took
effect immediately, and Newsom later extended the ban for another six
months in March. The current policy is now set to expire in September.

The permanent ban proposed by CDPH now enters a 45-day public comment
period and there will be a hearing sometime next month to hear input from
the public.

Newsom advocated for the ban last year, arguing that hemp-derived THC
products circumvent the state’s highly regulated cannabis industry, which
in turn undercuts the state-licensed companies trying to operate in the
legal cannabis space. Before the ban, individuals could purchase
THC-infused gummies, beverages, and other products from ordinary retailers
including gas stations and convenience stores — additionally, the products
were largely untested for pesticides, additives, and other contaminants.

Last month, the governor’s office said the state boasted a 99.7% compliance
rating with the hemp products ban among businesses visited by state
officials.

Meanwhile, licensed California cannabis sales experienced an 11% sales drop
during the first quarter of this year, compared to last year. It marked the
largest decline in legal cannabis sales in the state to date.