A pivotal discussion on regulating the hemp industry took center stage during the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee meeting on July 1, 2025. Lawmakers emphasized the urgent need to address the illicit cannabis market while ensuring that legitimate hemp products are not adversely affected.

Assembly Bill 8 (AB 8) was a focal point, with committee members expressing strong support for its intent to eliminate bad actors in the hemp sector. "I love the intent of this bill," stated a committee member, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between safe hemp products and those that could pose risks, particularly to minors. The bill aims to tackle the loopholes created by the 2018 federal farm bill, which allowed for the sale of hemp products that may contain high levels of THC, often without proper regulation.

Concerns were raised about the potency of some hemp products available online, with reports indicating that 88% of these items failed to meet California's hemp standards. "We want to make sure that the hemp that is strong and does not meet state standards is not sold online where anyone, including kids, can buy it," a committee member noted.

The discussion also touched on the need for clear definitions and regulations to protect both consumers and legitimate businesses. "We want to get rid of the illicit cannabis industry, but we also need to ensure that good actors in the hemp space are accommodated," another member remarked. The committee acknowledged that while AB 8 aims to set foundational rules, it must also work in conjunction with other legislation to effectively regulate the industry.

As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus on the importance of ongoing dialogue among stakeholders to refine the bill and address outstanding concerns. The committee voted to advance AB 8, with expectations for further collaboration to ensure that both consumer safety and industry integrity are upheld.