California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed new laws to control intoxicating hemp merchandise and strengthen efforts to forestall unlawful gross sales, significantly to youngsters.
Meeting Invoice 8 is a transfer towards regulating all intoxicating cannabinoid merchandise – whether or not derived from hemp or marijuana – below a single regulatory framework, in line with a information launch from Newsom’s workplace.
The laws builds on emergency laws the Division of Public Well being launched in 2024 to guard Californians from dangerous hemp cannabinoid merchandise.
“We’re persevering with to put the protection of each Californian first,” Newsom mentioned in an announcement.
“For too lengthy, nefarious hemp producers have been exploiting loopholes to make their intoxicating merchandise accessible to our should susceptible communities – that stops as we speak.”
Authored by Democratic Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Meeting Invoice 8:
- Establishes tips: The invoice units clear laws for the way hemp can enter the licensed hashish market.
- Protects youngsters: Intoxicating hemp merchandise might be restricted to licensed dispensaries and solely accessible to adults who’re no less than 21 years previous.
- Helps shoppers: The invoice bans gross sales of artificial cannabinoid merchandise and inhalable hemp in merchandise, whereas limiting the usage of non-intoxicating hemp exterior the licensed hashish market.
- Enhances public security: New enforcement instruments are offered to state and native authorities to crack down on unlawful hashish and cannabinoid merchandise.
“Unhealthy actors have abused state and federal legislation to promote intoxicating hemp merchandise in our state,” Aguiar-Curry mentioned.
“Our first job is to guard our youngsters and our communities. With this invoice, we’ll have accountable regulation, enhance enforcement and assist struggling authorized hashish companies towards prison competitors.”
