California Governor Gavin Newsom proposed emergency regulations to halt the sale of hemp-derived THC products in the state. The new rules, introduced by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), would mandate that all hemp products sold in California contain “no detectable amount of total THC”—including popular compounds like delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and over two dozen other analogs.
In addition to restricting THC content, the regulations would limit hemp products to a five-serving maximum per package and restrict sales to adults 21 and older. State officials argue the regulations are necessary to protect children from unregulated and potentially dangerous products.
“We will not sit on our hands as drug peddlers target our children with dangerous and unregulated hemp products containing THC at our retail stores,” said Gov. Newsom in a press release. “We’re taking action to close loopholes and increase enforcement to prevent children from accessing these dangerous hemp and cannabis products.”
If approved by the Office of Administrative Law, the regulations would take effect immediately, potentially devastating California’s hemp industry. Many products could be banned for either THC content or packaging limitations.
Industry responses have been divided. The U.S. Hemp Roundtable criticized the governor’s decision, calling it a “betrayal” of hemp farmers and small businesses in California. In contrast, the California Cannabis Industry trade group supported the move, stating that it would “create a safer, more transparent marketplace” and align hemp products with the state’s stringent cannabis laws.
These proposed regulations follow Gov. Newsom’s May directive warning industrial hemp retailers that improperly labeled products could result in criminal charges and license revocation.
The industry now awaits the final approval of the proposed regulations and their potential impact on California’s hemp market.
For daily updates on cannabis business news, subscribe to our newsletter.
