North Carolina THC products remain in limbo
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State lawmakers are unlikely to move forward with new regulations on hemp this session, state House Speaker Destin Hall told reporters late Tuesday.
Why it matters: The bill House Republicans were considering — passed by the Senate in July — would topple the state's hemp industry, which has flourished in the past decade thanks to a federal loophole set to close in November.
- Yes, but: Not taking action lets gummies, THC-infused drinks, weed and vapes continue to be sold in retail stores. Though if the federal government doesn't change course, the industry could die anyway.
The latest: Hundreds of activists were in Raleigh on Tuesday protesting as Republicans mulled taking the legislation to a full House vote.
- After hours of debate behind closed doors, lawmakers declined to move forward with it, NC Newsline reported.
State of play: Hemp products have become widely available over the past decade in North Carolina gas stations, vape shops, breweries and restaurants.
- Anyone can purchase them, regardless of age.
- State lawmakers have for years debated age limits and testing requirements but never reached a compromise — largely because there's no real consensus around whether hemp-derived marijuana products should be legal at all.
What they're saying: "These are not harmless hemp products. They're intoxicating substances sold in brightly colored packages, often designed to look exactly like popular candy or snacks," said Randolph County District Attorney Andrew Gregson at a Tuesday morning press conference in the General Assembly.
- "It's clear what the intent is. They're targeting children," Gregson added.
Zoom in: A new window opened for state lawmakers this year. Federal standards are set to change in November, limiting THC content to 0.3%, or 0.4 mg per package.
- North Carolina's proposed legislation would conform the state's THC limits with those federal standards, while also instituting a 21+ age limit.
- "The entire industry is 100% on the same page about age restrictions," Adrian Larrea, co-founder of Raleigh's Haze Beverages, told WRAL. "We want to protect children, too."
Between the lines: Congress is debating delaying or rewriting November's federal policy changes.
- If the changes hold, retailers have warned they would stop selling most hemp products, leading North Carolina customers to return to black market weed dealers or shop in Virginia where recreational marijuana will become legal in July.
What's next: After this week, the General Assembly isn't expected to hold votes until after the November election.