California Gov. Gavin Newsom's move to outlaw hemp THC products has led to a wave of "panic buying" among residents who rely on these products for medical purposes.
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Newsom's administration filed an emergency ban that could take effect as early as Thursday, which would make it illegal to sell any product containing a "detectable amount of total THC" outside of licensed cannabis dispensaries. Currently, these products are sold widely through online retailers and convenience stores.
The ban has sparked concerns among Californians, particularly those using hemp-derived products to treat conditions such as epilepsy. Paige Figi, a prominent hemp advocate, shared that families, including veterans, first responders, and parents of children with severe medical needs, are rushing to stockpile products before the ban. Some are reportedly spending thousands of dollars, fearing they will no longer have access to affordable treatments.
Newsom's decision comes amid the rapid growth of the hemp industry in California and nationwide. Hemp THC products, which can include items such as infused drinks and vape pens, have been widely available but are largely unregulated. Public health officials have expressed concerns about the potential contamination of these products and their easy accessibility to underage users.
California lawmakers have previously tried to regulate the hemp industry more strictly, but efforts to pass legislation banning hemp THC products outside of licensed cannabis stores failed due to fears it would negatively impact medical patients dependent on nonintoxicating CBD products with small amounts of THC.
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