THC products are everywhere from specialty shops to gas stations across the region, but a new Louisiana law taking effect on January 1st might change things. An earlier injunction filed in court to allow continued sales of higher potency products was denied and that has left many consumers in the region scrambling to stock up. Jared Thieler, co-owner of Fleur de Leaf in New Orleans, says the demand has been marked. “The past couple months, the high milligram THC products have been flying off the shelves,” Thieler notes. “We’ve had both retailers and customers calling trying to acquire entire pallets of these THC products,” he goes on to add.
The law puts several new restrictions on THC products sold in the state of Louisiana. The current potency limit of 8mg of THC per serving will be reduced to 5mg of THC per serving, with 12 fl. Oz being the serving limit per container of THC beverages. Ahead of the new potency restrictions that will be placed on THC products in the state, many consumers are trying to hoard the more potent products that are already stocking shelves in the region.
“Here at our business, we’re pushing between 6,000 to 10,000 beverages that are 100mg right now. That’s to over 200 different locations, so obviously there’s a demand there,” Thieler points out.
While the law takes effect on January 1st, Louisiana bars and restaurant that currently hold permits to sell consumable hemp will be able to continue selling hemp-derived THC beverages. However, no other new bars or restaurants will be allowed to secure such permits to carry those hemp-derived THC products themselves. Jared Thieler of Fleur de Leaf notes that many Louisiana companies are going to have to be nimble with their business plans and adjust accordingly. “All in all, all these local manufacturers will have to adjust and rebound. Many companies who claim to be local are based out of state and will be able to ship products elsewhere to sustain themselves. It’s important to highlight that it’s the local, Louisiana-based manufacturers who are in the thick of it right now,” Thieler emphasizes. “It’s to the point (when it comes to availability) where you have to be able to compete with the cost of your product. If you’re not already established, it’s going to hurt those lower end people for sure,” Thieler goes on to say. Producers of these THC products in Louisiana may have to stay nimble to keep up with the out-of-state competition this legislation will foster. It appears that local retailers are already planning to remain flexible to keep these products on the shelves for customers demanding them.