Virginia Cannabis Control Authority Highlights Risks and Proposes Regulations for Consumable Hemp Products

LOS ANGELES- The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) recently published a comprehensive report mandated by the General Assembly on the state of consumable hemp products. The report highlights the surging popularity of these products, attributing it to their easy accessibility and potential to produce intoxicating effects similar to those experienced from cannabis.

The CCA expressed significant concerns regarding public health risks associated with these products. The risks cited include the easy access of minors to these products, the possibility of unintentional consumption due to their resemblance to non-intoxicating goods, and the danger of contamination from residual solvents, microbials, and pesticides.

In response to these findings, the CCA has proposed several recommendations for lawmakers. These include the implementation of robust contaminant testing requirements for all consumable hemp products, setting ingredient limits, and establishing a pre-approval process for these products. Additionally, the authority suggests restricting minor’s access to consumable hemp products in retail and online settings and imposing further limits on their online sales.

The report acknowledges that while these products are legal under federal law, the issues associated with intoxicating hemp products could potentially be addressed in the 2023 Farm Bill. However, given competing legislative priorities, it is anticipated that action on the Farm Bill, including any changes affecting hemp, will more likely take place in 2024 rather than 2023.

Currently, no action on the Farm Bill has been taken. The CCA notes that without further action from Congress to address the loopholes created by the 2018 Farm Bill, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of hemp-derived products will likely continue to challenge state-level efforts to impose restrictions on these products.

The CCA’s report is a call to action for more stringent regulations on consumable hemp products to safeguard public health, particularly concerning minors, and to ensure responsible consumption and distribution within the legal framework.