INDUSTRY UPDATES

March 15, 2024

Updates in Ten States: TN, IA, KY, GA, MA, MN, MS, MO, WV, WY

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

Tennessee

Tennessee SB 2427 is a new bill that would allow licensed liquor retailers to sell hemp-based products.

We encourage Hemp Supporters in Tennessee to use our State Action Center to urge legislators to support the bill.

Urge Lawmakers in TN to Support SB 2427

Iowa

In Iowa, a bad bill has been made worse. The latest amendment to HF 2605 sets total THC limits of 4mg per serving/10mg per package. Such package limits would cripple the full-spectrum hemp product industry. And as we reported previously, the bill prohibits raw or dried flower hemp for inhalation, prohibits synthetic consumable hemp products, and imposes criminal penalties.

Furthermore, this concerning letter from the bill sponsor, Rep. Holt, was distributed earlier this week outlining his misguided reasoning for the bill. 

We encourage Iowa Hemp Supporters to urge lawmakers to oppose the THC limits in HF 2605.

Urge Legislators in IA to Oppose THC Limits

Kentucky

In the Commonwealth of Kentucky, HB 829 would give priority consideration to existing Kentucky hemp businesses that seek a cannabis business license. We applaud lawmakers’ appreciation for hemp businesses, as they have been critical to the development of Kentucky’s hemp products industry. HB 829 passed the House this week and is headed to the Senate.

Georgia

In Georgia, SB 494, which would require consumable hemp product manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to have a license and sets license fees, passed the Senate and is on its way to the House. The fees for obtaining the required licenses are on the higher side of what we’ve seen in other states.

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, we are hearing reports that regulatory officials will issue guidance next month targeting THC-infused consumable hemp products that are sold in liquor store and smoke shops. We will continue to monitor developments.

Minnesota

Under Minnesota HF 4251, an inhalable product could not be approved if it contains any flavoring, presents a descriptor or depiction of flavor, imparts a distinguishable taste or smell (other than cannabis), or imparts a cooling, burning, numbing, or other distinguishable sensation. Similarly, HF 4871 and SF 4957 would prohibit a product intended to be consumed by combustion or vaporization and​ the inhalation of smoke, aerosol, or vapor, or that imparts a distinguishable taste or smell (other than cannabis). These companion bills would also require total THC limits to be established for hemp-derived consumer products.

Mississippi

Mississippi HB 1676, which would set 0.5mg/2.5mg total THC limits for consumable hemp products, passed the House and is on its way to the Senate.

As previously encouraged, Mississippi Hemp Supporters should continue urging lawmakers to oppose the bill.

Contact Lawmakers in Mississippi

Missouri

Missouri SB 984 would treat intoxicating cannabinoid products as marijuana. We previously shared an update on this bill. Although hemp-derived CBD would be excluded, all intoxicating hemp derived cannabinoids, including THC beverages and similar substances, would be criminalized. We are anticipating a favorable amendment that may be introduced as soon as next week.

But until then, we encourage Hemp Supporters in Missouri to use our State Action Center to urge legislators to oppose the bill as currently drafted.

Urge Legislators in MO to Oppose SB 984

West Virginia

West Virginia SB 679, which addresses permitting, labeling, and other administrative requirements for hemp cannabinoid product manufacturers, processors, distributors, and sellers, passed the legislature and was sent to the Governor.

Wyoming

Lastly, a new law in Wyoming—SF 0032—prohibits the manufacture or sale of hemp products that synthetic cannabinoids or any other drug or psychoactive substance, and adds delta-8 to the definition of THC. The bill moved quickly through the legislature. The portions of the law addressing synthetic cannabinoids take effect July 1, 2024, while all other parts are effective immediately.

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!