Assemblymember introduces bill to regulate intoxicating hemp products in California

The Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee of the California State Senate convened on July 9, 2025, to discuss significant legislative updates regarding the regulation of hemp products. The meeting focused on the evolving hemp market and the need for stricter enforcement measures to protect consumers, particularly minors.

The discussion was initiated by a lawmaker who highlighted the challenges posed by the 2018 Farm Bill, which led to an unregulated hemp industry. The legislator referenced their previous work, AB 45, which established stringent regulations for hemp products, particularly non-intoxicating items like CBD. The current legislative proposal aims to enhance enforcement and interpretation of existing laws as the market for intoxicating hemp products expands.

Three primary issues were addressed in the proposed bill:

1. **Enhanced Enforcement**: The bill seeks to empower state agencies and local governments with the necessary tools to control the sale and distribution of illegal hemp products, thereby protecting minors from accessing synthetic products.

2. **Closing Loopholes**: It aims to eliminate loopholes that currently allow the sale of intoxicating hemp products. The legislation will clarify that all synthetic THC is banned, reinforcing the prohibition against such items.

3. **Integration into the Cannabis Supply Chain**: The proposal intends to integrate hemp products into the legal cannabis supply chain, ensuring that all products containing any level of THC are subject to the same regulations as cannabis. This includes full registration, regulation, and taxation, which is expected to maintain tax revenue from these products.

The lawmaker emphasized the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, state agencies, and committees to effectively implement these changes. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing concerns related to the regulation of hemp products as the industry evolves.