As California moves forward with emergency cannabis regulations, concerns are growing about the potential impact on the cannabis industry. Governor Gavin Newsom's new regulations restricting the sale of hemp products are causing debate within the cannabis community.
These recently enacted changes leave many questions about how they will affect the broader regulatory environment for cannabis, not just in California, but across the United States.
Debra Borchardt, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Green Market Report, shared her thoughts on this issue in an interview before attending the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference. Borchardt, a veteran journalist with extensive experience in the financial reporting field, reflected on how these new rules could shape the cannabis market.
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The complexity of hemp regulation
When asked about California's new hemp regulations, Borchardt expressed concern about the unregulated sale of intoxicating hemp products, especially those sold to minors.
“The cannabis issue is very complex,” she says. “Personally, I would like to see intoxicating hemp products regulated. I don't like the idea of hemp products containing 1000 mg of THC being sold to minors.”
Borchardt's position is consistent with broader calls for stronger regulation of hemp-derived products, which often fall into a legal gray area. She noted that California's position as a trendsetter in cannabis and hemp regulation makes it difficult to predict whether other states will follow suit.
“California is often at the forefront of change on many issues, but it is difficult to see whether their approach will be replicated in other states,” Borchardt explained. “We have already seen some states, such as Florida, attempt to enact bans on these products but are met with backlash from deep-rooted hemp businesses.”
Impact on national regulations
Uncertainty about how California's rules will be received across the country is not unfounded. While some states may consider implementing similar regulations, Borchardt said states will likely continue to set their own rules, given the diverse regulatory landscape across the country. I'm thinking.
“I wonder if it will feel similar to regulated THC products,” she says. “Each state has different rules.”
California's new regulations could spark further debate at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference. Borchardt and other industry leaders explore how these regulatory changes could impact the future of cannabis and hemp nationwide.
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