Georgia hemp law brings big changes for Savannah cannabis businesses

Georgia's Hemp Industry Faces New Challenges Under Stricter Laws

The Georgia Hemp Farming Act, signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp in March 2024, has introduced tighter regulations aimed at addressing loopholes in the state's hemp industry.

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These changes, effective since October, have brought significant adjustments for businesses, consumers, and regulators across the state.

Key Provisions of the Act

1. Stricter THC Limits:

   • The law enforces the federal THC limit of 0.3% for hemp products.

   • Products exceeding this threshold, previously found with THC levels as high as 20-30%, are now prohibited.

2. Age Restrictions:

   • The sale or possession of hemp products is now banned for individuals under 21.

3. Licensing and Compliance:

   • The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) oversees licensing, inspections, and enforcement of the new rules.

Impact on Businesses and Consumers

• Decline in Local Sales:

  • Businesses like Hempire Hut in Savannah have reported fewer customers since the law took effect.

  • Owner Mike Johnson predicts that customers will increasingly turn to online platforms with fewer restrictions.

• Uncertainty for Retailers:

  • Some business owners have expressed concerns about vague guidelines on compliance and partnerships within the industry.

  • Johnson stated, "There’s not anything in stone as to who you can work with, who you can’t."

Regulatory Goals and Enforcement

• The GDA emphasized that stricter regulations aim to protect consumers from unregulated or mislabeled products and ensure compliance with federal law.

• Bruce Standford, deputy director of law enforcement and emergency management for the GDA, noted widespread violations, stating, "We were finding products whose THC level was well above the 0.3% range."

Shifting the Public Perspective

Despite the challenges, Johnson remains hopeful about changing the public narrative around hemp. He advocates for moving the focus from recreational use to medicinal benefits, saying, "If they could change the stigma from high to healing, that would be awesome."

As Georgia's hemp market adapts to the new legislation, businesses and regulators are navigating the complexities of compliance while trying to preserve the industry's growth potential.

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