INDUSTRY UPDATES
March 03, 2023
Veto in VA, Update in MN, and New Bills in Five States
Check out the latest legislative updates across the states and take action today!
Virginia
The situation continues to worsen in Virginia. This week, the legislature passed SB 903 and HB 2294—the bills that would criminalize non-intoxicating hemp by limiting hemp products to 2 mg of THC per package, as well as restricting consumable hemp extract products with any amount of THC to persons 21 or older. We’ve been urging the fight against the bills for weeks, but a coalition of marijuana monopolists and hemp prohibitionists have succeeded to date. It’s especially upsetting to see that Virginia NORML, a group purportedly established to reverse cannabis prohibition, supported the bills and worked to enact criminal restrictions for non-intoxicating hemp products.
It’s not too late, however. Governor Glenn Youngkin has broad powers to veto or amend these dangerous bills. Please use our State Action Center to ask the Governor to veto or amend the conference version. This is vitally important to protect Virginia’s hemp and hemp products industries.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, HF 100—the omnibus cannabis bill—is on its sixth version. The latest version limits “lower potency edible products” to 5 mg of delta-9 THC, 25 mg of CBD, and 0.5 mg of all other cannabinoids per serving; requires a retail license to sell the products; requires that the products be stored behind a counter; and restricts the products and other food-type cannabinoid products to persons 21 or older. The bill and companion SB 73 are bouncing around committees, and we will keep you updated as it progresses.
Texas
In Texas, SB 264 would prohibit the manufacture, purchase, or sale of a consumable hemp product to which more than 0.3% of any THC other than delta-9 has been applied. The bill effectively criminalizes delta-8 and similar products. Please use our State Action Center to urge Texas legislators to oppose SB 264.
Washington
In Washington, two bills would set overly restrictive THC limits for hemp products, banning non-intoxicating hemp from retail markets. SB 5367 imposes limits of 0.5 mg of THC per unit and 1.5 mg per package, while HB 1612 would set limits of 1 mg and 3 mg, respectively. Please use our State Action Center to urge lawmakers in Washington to oppose restrictive THC limits for hemp products.
Kansas + South Dakota
It’s not all bad, though. Bills in two states are worth your support. In Kansas, SB 276 would repeal prohibitions against certain smokable hemp products, liquids and gels for vaping, and teas containing hemp. In South Dakota, HB 1226 directs the Department of Health to promulgate labeling, packaging, testing, and marketing regulations for delta-8 and delta-10. Please use our State Action Center to urge lawmakers in Kansas to pass SB 276 and legislators in South Dakota to pass HB 1226.
Oklahoma
Finally, we need your feedback. Oklahoma SB 635 creates registration, labeling, and packaging requirements for hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Requirements include child-resistant packaging, resealable packaging for products with more than one serving, and approved sources for obtaining hemp-derived cannabinoids. If the requirements pose problems for your business or customers, please let us know by sending an email.
