Delaware Lawmaker Pulls Bill to Restrict Intoxicating Hemp Products

A Delaware lawmaker has pulled a bill that sought to restrict the sale of
intoxicating hemp products to state-licensed cannabis stores and only allow
sales of cannabis-infused beverages at liquor stores, WHYY News reports.
State Rep. Debra Heffernan (D) indicated she pulled the proposal after
pushback from CBD store owners, customers, and cannabis advocates, but that
she plans to create a new bill “in the coming months” for consideration
next session.

“While I still believe in the importance of increasing safety testing and
ensuring age verification for cannabinoid intoxicating products, I believe
that further and wider conversations need to be had with business owners in
this area and our new marijuana commissioner.” — Heffernan, in a statement
posted to Facebook

Joshua Sanderlin, Delaware’s Marijuana Commissioner, told WHYY News last
week that he believes cannabis-infused drinks should be sold at retail
dispensaries as long as they are produced in the state. He added that
“there are no regulations” on intoxicating hemp products produced outside
of Delaware and that “getting some” regulations and testing for the
products “is the most important thing” facing regulators.

Jena Murray, president of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable who works for a CBD
company and is a resident of Delaware, told WHYY that an email campaign by
her organization’s members and media stories led to Heffernan’s decision to
pull the bill. She said the hemp industry in the state is looking forward
to assisting in crafting “a bill that is really comprehensive and robust to
protect children and adults as well.”