The hemp THC business has made many headlines as iterations of the new FarmBill make news and brands consider next steps. Many of these nationwide cannabis brands find their success in states yet to legalize adult-use, like Louisiana.
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Cannabis regulation in Louisiana
Louisiana lawmakers have sent a bill regulating hemp THC to the governor in hopes of taming the quickly growing space. The hemp industry in this state isn’t only operating under the guidelines of the 2018 Farm Bill; there are state bills regulating it. Louisiana became a spark point for hemp THC commerce following the passage of HB 758, which opened the door for restaurants and breweries to serve canned hemp drinks.
Since the passage of that bill, hemp brands have taken root in the state, claiming earnings of over a million dollars. Many feared that the bill would take out the space altogether, but HB 952 simply altered regulations to keep products from kids and reduce overconsumption.
Brand owners are thankful that the legislation, which now goes to the governor’s desk for a signature, spared the industry.
“We had to take some bruises, you know, there’s no doubt about it. There were a lot of compromises that took place for us to even be here. We don’t like a lot of them, but they’re not common-sense laws. They’re just bargaining points, if you will,” Paige Melancon, owner of Louisiana Hemp Extractors, said to KALB.
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Moving forward with hemp THC
HB 952 tackles public safety goals with the impending changes to the developing hemp THC space. These products can no longer be sold in gas stations or to those younger than 21, to start. The suggested serving has also been lowered from eight milligrams (mg) to 5 mg. In total, each package is now only permitted to contain a total of 40 mg of hemp THC. Drinks are considered single serving, and can only be sold in 4-packs or single cans.
Currently, some restaurants and bars also serve THC drinks. Those licensed to do so can continue, but the bill would bar any additional eateries from stocking weed refreshments in the drinks fridge. Those who get a license before June 17th will be grandfathered in.
The Louisiana state government isn’t the only one taking delta-8, hemp THC, and THCA into their own hands. According to the National Cannabis Industry Association, 17 states have outright bans on delta-8, and seven others have severe restrictions on all THC being under 0.3 percent.
As many await the new Farm Bill, others are lobbying at the state level for an advantageous hemp space. While regulators and policymakers grapple with dissected compounds and percentages, many old-school heads can’t help but remind everyone that it’s all the same plant.
