California Judge Upholds Emergency Regulations Banning THC in Hemp Products

LOS ANGELES- A California judge has recently upheld emergency regulations that restrict the sale of hemp products containing any detectable levels of THC. The decision came after hemp companies challenged the state’s new rules, arguing that the regulations would devastate their industry. However, the court sided with Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration, which argued that the restrictions are necessary to protect public health, particularly children, from intoxicating hemp products.

The regulations, which took effect in September 2024, prohibit the sale of hemp-derived food, beverages, and dietary supplements if they contain any THC, including non-intoxicating cannabinoids like delta-8 and delta-9 THC. Hemp businesses argued that this would eliminate the majority of their products from the market, but the court ruled that the plaintiffs did not sufficiently demonstrate that the industry would face catastrophic harm. The ruling does allow hemp products to be sold through California’s adult-use cannabis system, subject to the same restrictions as cannabis products.

Industry groups, including the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, expressed disappointment and are considering further legal options. They argue that the regulations go beyond protecting public safety and could severely limit access to both intoxicating and non-intoxicating hemp products for adults​