The Georgia Senate has advanced two significant bills aimed at tightening regulations on hemp-based products. The proposed measures include a total ban on THC-infused drinks and new limits on intoxicating compounds such as Delta-8 THC. These Georgia hemp product restrictions, still pending House approval, could shake up the market for many items currently found in smoke and convenience stores.

The proposed Georgia THC regulations cap Delta-8 THC levels at 0.3 percent, aligning them with existing rules for other THC variants. State Senator Bill Cowsert, who sponsored the THC drink ban, likened these products to “loaded guns” and emphasised the need to protect consumers, particularly children. Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, co-sponsoring the product ingredient limits, described the legislation as a “consumer protection bill” that targets improper labelling and testing practices among manufacturers.

However, the move has sparked pushback within the hemp industry. Tom Church, representing shop owners whose items were confiscated in previous police raids, has argued that these products are not equivalent to illegal drugs. By significantly reducing allowable THC levels, Church claims the bills could inadvertently outlaw a swathe of currently legal products and harm a booming industry critical to Georgia’s economy.

The US Georgia hemp product restrictions follow growing concerns over improper sales and labelling of hemp goods in the state. Senate members have expressed their intent to create safer, strictly-regulated markets, a goal which could soon become a reality if the bills receive House approval.

Source: Fox 5 Atlanta