Counties unite against controversial hemp regulation bill

In a recent government meeting, local supervisors voiced strong opposition to Assembly Bill 22 23, which seeks to regulate hemp products, particularly those high in THC. The bill has raised concerns among officials regarding its potential impact on the cannabis industry in California, where cannabis is subject to stringent regulations that hemp products currently evade.

Director John Ford highlighted that the bill's vague definitions around synthetic THC production could lead to unfair competition between hemp and cannabis products. He emphasized that while hemp is federally protected and can be shipped across state lines, it lacks the regulatory controls that cannabis must adhere to, creating a disparity that could undermine local cannabis cultivators.

The board's proposed opposition letter calls for three key amendments: a ban on incorporating hemp-derived THC into cannabis products, a maximum THC threshold for hemp products, and a clear definition of synthetically derived cannabinoids. This stance is supported by other counties, including Mendocino and Nevada, which have also expressed concerns about the bill's implications.

Public comments during the meeting echoed these sentiments, with local farmers stressing the importance of maintaining the integrity of California's cannabis regulations. They warned that allowing lightly regulated hemp products to compete in the same market as cannabis could jeopardize years of hard work in establishing a regulated cannabis industry.

The urgency of the matter was underscored by the approaching deadline for the bill's review in the appropriations committee, prompting the board to act swiftly. The motion to send the opposition letter was unanimously approved, reflecting a collective commitment to protect local agricultural interests and ensure fair competition in the cannabis market.