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Panel splits on who should regulate hemp‑derived consumables as committee hears hours of testimony
Summary
Lawmakers heard competing proposals for regulating hemp‑derived consumable products and beverages: industry groups urged ABC/title 33 oversight and excise taxation for beverages, hemp farmers and Department of Agriculture advocates sought an agricultural‑centric licensing structure, and cannabis trade groups warned of regulatory conflicts and risks to public safety.
Assembly Bill 5 0 6 8 drew a long panel of witnesses representing wholesalers, brewers, liquor retailers, hemp farmers, licensed manufacturers and cannabis industry groups as the Assembly Commerce Committee began consideration of a licensing framework for hemp‑derived consumables and beverages.
Jeff Warsh of the wine and spirits wholesalers testified that hemp beverages should be integrated into Title 33 and regulated by the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control so existing distribution infrastructure, enforcement investigators and reporting systems can be used. "This is what we do," Warsh said, arguing ABC’s enforcement regime provides stronger leverage than the current cannabis framework and…
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