The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced Friday that the state would move to make permanent its temporary ban on hemp-derived THC products, SF Gate reports.
Led by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), state lawmakers approved emergency rules containing the temporary ban last September. The six-month policy took effect immediately, and Newsom later extended the ban for another six months in March. The current policy is now set to expire in September.
The permanent ban proposed by CDPH now enters a 45-day public comment period and there will be a hearing sometime next month to hear input from the public.
Newsom advocated for the ban last year, arguing that hemp-derived THC products circumvent the state’s highly regulated cannabis industry, which in turn undercuts the state-licensed companies trying to operate in the legal cannabis space. Before the ban, individuals could purchase THC-infused gummies, beverages, and other products from ordinary retailers including gas stations and convenience stores — additionally, the products were largely untested for pesticides, additives, and other contaminants.
Last month, the governor’s office said the state boasted a 99.7% compliance rating with the hemp products ban among businesses visited by state officials.
Meanwhile, licensed California cannabis sales experienced an 11% sales drop during the first quarter of this year, compared to last year. It marked the largest decline in legal cannabis sales in the state to date.
