Georgia Implements New Age Restrictions and Regulations on Hemp-Derived Products

NEW YORK- In a recent legislative development, Georgia is poised to enforce a new law restricting the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including CBD and intoxicating substances like delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC, to individuals under the age of 21. This initiative is part of a broader regulatory effort encapsulated in Senate Bill 494, also known as the Georgia Hemp Farming Act, which has been passed by the state General Assembly and is currently awaiting signature from Governor Brian Kemp.

The bill introduces several significant measures aimed at regulating the burgeoning hemp industry within the state. These include not only the new age restrictions for consumers but also the implementation of rigorous registration and testing protocols for hemp cultivators and producers. This regulatory push follows the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, which catalyzed a surge in the production and sale of unregulated hemp-derived products across the nation.

Georgia’s move to tighten regulations around hemp products comes in the wake of concerns regarding the unregulated market and the potential for products containing synthetically derived cannabinoids to be accessible to young consumers. While Georgia maintains a medical cannabis program, it is strictly limited to the provision of low-THC cannabis oil, highlighting the state’s cautious stance towards cannabis-related products.

Additionally, Senate Bill 494 seeks to address and close the “THCA loophole.” This loophole has allowed product-makers and merchants in some states to argue that their products fall under the category of hemp due to the presence of THCA, a biosynthetic precursor to THC that requires heating to convert into psychoactive THC. By redefining delta-9 THC, the bill aims to clarify and tighten the legal boundaries around hemp and cannabis products, ensuring a more regulated and safer market.

This legislative action by Georgia reflects a growing trend among states to establish clearer regulations and safeguards around the sale and production of hemp-derived products. As the law awaits Governor Kemp’s approval, stakeholders in the hemp industry, including cultivators, producers, and consumers, will need to prepare for the upcoming changes to the legal landscape surrounding cannabis-related products in Georgia.