California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a proposal for an emergency regulation on THC-containing hemp products.
KNX News' Nataly Tavidian reports that the focus is said to be on protecting children from the intoxicating weed-infused drinks and gummies that are on many store shelves.
The hemp industry has grown in popularity in recent years with loose regulations, and Governor Newsom said, "None of us expected the kind of exploitation that we've experienced in the hemp industry."
He said the emergency regulations are needed because of the exploitation and greed pervasive in the industry.
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He references a list of products found on gas stations and grocery store shelves, many of which look enticing to children, like gummies containing THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient of cannabis.
"We don't want to kill the hemp industry. We want the hemp industry to be regulated. It was not intended for intoxicating purposes, but they've advanced a loophole, and that's exactly what they're doing. They have exploited that loophole," said Newsom.
The emergency regulations will bring the sale of hemp products in line with current California law by limiting serving and package size and establishing a minimum age of 21 to buy industrial hemp food or beverages legally.
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