In a pivotal meeting held on July 1, 2025, the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee convened to discuss Senate Bill 378, a legislative effort aimed at curbing the illicit online sale of cannabis and hemp products. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as lawmakers and industry representatives voiced their concerns over the growing threat posed by unregulated products that not only undermine the legal cannabis market but also endanger public health.

As the meeting unfolded, a key speaker highlighted the stark reality of the current cannabis landscape in California. “We set up a legal cannabis market and industry subject to many regulations,” they noted, emphasizing the importance of these regulations in ensuring product safety and generating tax revenue. However, the speaker lamented that the illicit market continues to thrive, often delivering potent cannabis products directly to consumers without any age verification. This situation, they argued, is detrimental not only to the legal industry but also to the health and safety of Californians.

Support for SB 378 was robust, with advocates like Kristen Heidelbach from the UFCW Western States Council stressing the bill's role in protecting jobs and tax revenues tied to the legal cannabis sector. Heidelbach pointed out that despite existing regulations, bad actors persist in selling untested and illegal products online, often targeting minors. “These unregulated products are not only a public health threat, they're also undercutting legal businesses,” she stated, calling for strict liability for online platforms that facilitate such sales.

Tiffany Devitt, a co-author of a recent study titled "The Great Hemp Hoax," echoed these sentiments, revealing alarming findings about the nature of many so-called hemp products. “Most of them had nothing to do with hemp,” she explained, highlighting how these products often mimic candy and are easily accessible to minors. Devitt emphasized that the current regulatory framework fails to address the rampant online sales, which thrive in a “regulatory blind spot.”

The committee heard from various supporters of the bill, including representatives from the California Cannabis Operators Association and the League of California Cities, all advocating for stronger measures to protect the integrity of the legal cannabis market.

As the meeting progressed, the urgency of the situation became clear. SB 378 aims to close the gaps in regulation, holding online platforms accountable for the sale of illicit products and reinforcing California's commitment to a safe and fair cannabis industry. The discussions underscored a collective resolve to combat the illicit market, ensuring that the legal cannabis industry can thrive while safeguarding public health and safety. The outcome of this bill could significantly reshape the landscape of cannabis regulation in California, marking a critical step in the ongoing battle against illegal sales.