INDUSTRY UPDATES

February 09, 2024

Bills in Five More States: Iowa, New York, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia

Check out the latest legislative updates across the states and take action today!

Iowa

In Iowa, HSB 665 and SSB 3159 would restrict consumable hemp products to persons 21 or older, prohibit alcoholic beverages from containing THC, and impose a registration requirement for consumable hemp product retailers. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services would be authorized to establish labeling and packaging rules, total THC potency limits, and other sale or distribution restrictions.

We encourage Hemp Supporters in Iowa to use our State Action Center to urge legislators to make amendments to the bills:

  1. The 21-or-older age restriction should not apply to non-intoxicating hemp products.
  2. The total THC potency limits should be set through a public process that relies on scientific data and allows input from hemp industry stakeholders.
  3. Alcoholic beverages should be able to contain CBD, which is technically an isomer of THC, because they are already restricted from minors and other under 21.
Help Fight Overly Restrictive Age Limits on Consumable Hemp Products

New York

In New York, companion bills A09047 and S8463 would remove delta-8, delta-10, and their optical isomers from the definition of “THC.” More importantly, the bill would require the Office of Cannabis Management to repeal the cannabinoid hemp emergency regulations adopted on July 27, 2023. And going forward, all rules, policies, or regulations that prohibit the selling of any form of cannabinoid hemp would “be null and void.” The bill seems aimed at re-legalizing delta-8 and similar substances.

We encourage New York Hemp Supporters to use our State Action Center to urge legislators to pass the bill. 

Help Support Fair Regulations for Delta-8

Virginia

Virginia HB 1509 would impose restrictions on hemp products intended for smoking, which, under current law, may only be sold to persons 21 or older. Such restrictions include retail signage and storage requirements, labeling and packaging requirements, and a limitation that only two hemp products intended for smoking may be sold in any one transaction to a consumer. These kinds of restrictions—in addition to the 21-or-older age limit—work undue burdens on hemp businesses and can lead to fewer economic opportunities.

We encourage Virginia Hemp Supporters to use our State Action Center to urge legislators to oppose HB 1509.

Help Stop an Effort to Impose Onerous Restrictions on Hemp Products

West Virginia

West Virginia SB 679would effectively eliminate most of the hemp-derived cannabinoid market in the state. Specifically, the bill limits delta-9, delta-8, delta-10, and similar cannabinoids to 0.3%. The change would be a huge departure from current state law and would operate as a ban on most products.

We encourage West Virginia Hemp Supporters to use our State Action Center to urge legislators to oppose the bill. 

Help Stop an Effort to Effectively Ban Most Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Products in West Virginia

Utah

And in Utah we’re not yet taking an official stance, but we’re keeping a watchful eye. Utah HB 52 would make extensive amendments to Utah’s laws for cannabinoid hemp products, including to allow the transportation of industrial hemp concentration that is intended to be processed into a cannabinoid product. Also, the bill would enact the Cannabinoid License and Tax Act for cannabinoid products, which creates State Tax Commission licensing requirements and sets tax rates for cannabinoid products sold in Utah.  

Mississippi

Finally, reports from Mississippi are that lawmakers are working on legislation that would prohibit delta-8 products. We expect a bill to be introduced soon, so stayed tuned.

Visit our State Action Center to see active campaigns across the country!

State Action Center

Check out the latest hemp and CBD updates from across the states!