Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with 20 other attorneys general, has taken a firm stance against intoxicating hemp products, urging Congress to revise the language of the 2018 Farm Bill to protect Californians. In a collective effort, they have sent a letter highlighting the need for updated regulations to address the proliferation of these harmful products and the associated health and safety risks.

“Our children deserve better,” emphasized Attorney General Bonta. He expressed concerns about the loophole created by the 2018 Farm Bill, which has allowed the spread of products containing synthesized cannabinoids that are more potent than legally regulated cannabis items. Particularly worrying is the appeal of these products to young individuals, often taking the form of candy, and posing significant risks to children.

Intoxicating hemp products, such as those containing Delta-8 THC, are a focal point of the debate. These products, including various cannabinoids, are extracted from hemp and frequently synthesized, leading to their illegal status as per the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Food and Drug Administration. The ambiguity in the 2018 Farm Bill has enabled the production of excessively potent items, contributing to a $28 billion gray market and raising concerns about poisoning incidents, misleading labels, and inadvertent consumption by minors and individuals under the age of twenty-one.

California's proactive approach includes a strict prohibition on intoxicating cannabinoids in hemp products, whether derived naturally or synthetically. Attorney General Bonta reaffirmed the state's commitment to safeguarding responsible businesses operating in this sector while advocating for stronger regulatory measures at the federal level to protect the well-being of California's youth.

The joint effort by Attorney General Bonta and his counterparts underscores the urgent need for legislative action to address the growing crisis associated with intoxicating hemp products. The letter sent to Congress serves as a call to action to prevent further harm and ensure the safety of communities across the nation.