Senate passes bill tightening state rules on intoxicating hemp products; AG, health officials and industry testify

Senators voted to pass Senate Bill 5 33 as amended on a voice vote after extended testimony from the attorney general's office, the Department of Health and industry representatives about how to regulate intoxicating hemp products while federal litigation proceeds.

The bill, sponsor Senator Chris Deese said, updates and clarifies language the Legislature adopted in Act 6 29 of 2023 and adds "trigger" provisions so parts of the measure would take effect only if related federal litigation or federal changes allow it. "This action is in association with what we did last session," Deese told the committee. "It brings clarity to'what's intoxicating, what is not."

Nut graf: Lawmakers said the goal is to keep intoxicating hemp-derived THC products off retail shelves and out of the hands of minors while avoiding a repeat of the two-year federal court fight over the…