Louisiana THC CBD Regulations to Disrupt Hemp Industry 2025

Lower Potency Limits, Age Restrictions, and Sales Bans Expected to Impact Businesses and Consumers

Louisiana will implement new laws regulating THC and CBD products starting January 1, 2025. These changes are expected to have a significant impact on the state’s hemp industry, affecting businesses and consumers alike.

The upcoming regulations will lower the maximum amount of THC and CBD allowed in products sold in stores from 8mg to 5mg. Additionally, the minimum age for purchasing these products will increase to 21, and gas stations will no longer be permitted to sell them.

Supporters of the new law argue that it will enhance consumer safety by requiring higher potency products to undergo testing and regulation, with sales limited to licensed dispensaries. However, some store owners, like Jordan Younes of 420 Smoke and Liquor shop, believe the changes will have a detrimental effect on their businesses due to the actions of a few bad actors in the hemp industry.

Younes estimates that at least 40% of his inventory will need to be disposed of, forcing him to source lower-strength products and explain the changes to consumers. He fears this will hurt his store’s credibility, despite their compliance with existing regulations.

The new law is expected to result in lost business for retailers like Younes, as well as reduced tax revenue for the state, even though many of these businesses claim to sell legitimate and safe products. Younes predicts that consumers will likely seek out higher dosage products by purchasing them out of state or obtaining medical marijuana cards.

Dr. Randy J Mire, CEO of Capitol Wellness Solutions, believes the law addresses consumer complaints stemming from shops and gas stations that have exploited loopholes and harmed patients. However, his products in the Therapeutic Marijuana industry will not be affected by the changes.

Starting Wednesday, consumable hemp products, excluding drinks, must be kept behind sales counters. Furthermore, restaurants and bars that did not obtain a permit before June will no longer be allowed to sell hemp-derived THC products.

As Louisiana prepares to implement these new THC and CBD regulations, businesses in the hemp industry are bracing for the impact on their operations and customer relationships. Only time will tell how consumers will adapt to the changes and whether the intended goals of increased safety and regulation will be achieved.

News source:
https://www.wafb.com/2024/12/31/thc-cbd-regulations-coming-into-effect-2025-expected-disrupt-hemp-industry/

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Matthew Ma

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With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.