California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Wednesday signed a bill that stands to dramatically expand the state’s hemp industry by legalizing retail sales of a wide range of consumable products derived from the plant. Until now, the lack of explicit regulations has inhibited the hemp market, stakeholders say. The governor’s signing of AB 45 means that non-intoxicating cannabinoids, including CBD, can be sold as dietary supplements and as ingredients in food and beverages. The bill lays the groundwork for the sale of smokable hemp in California, but lawmakers must first pass a measure to establish a tax scheme for those products before they can be marketed. Stakeholders say they will be working closely with the legislature to advance a tax measure during next year’s session. In the meantime, hemp producers can immediately begin growing and manufacturing smokable products to be sold in other states.
Marijuana Moment, 10/07/ 2021