Edibles containing THC, like gummies, could soon be illegal in Louisiana. Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressley said his legislation does not impact the highly regulated medical marijuana industry; he’s going after the recreational hemp industry that he said misled lawmakers.
“And we were told that you could not get high on these products. That is flat out lie and I’m concerned about the availability of THC getting in the hands of children,” said Pressley.
Pressley said there are more than 2,200 locations in the state selling THC products and he’s gravely concerned about the ATC’s lack of regulatory ability to inspect them.
Senate Bill 237 removes a loophole that allows hemp products to contain up to half a milligram of THC per serving or package. Pressley used the example of THC gummies.
“Nor is there any ability to regulate the amount of servings per bite which I think is running afoul of what we should be doing in the state which is assuring health and safety,” said Pressley.
Even with an age requirement to purchase hemp products in Louisiana, Pressley said they are easily getting into the hands of minors. He said there have been reported cases of psychosis in children.
“There are countless stories of these products being taken to school. I’ve got real concerns over the availability of the products. I don’t believe, again, that we would have passed this legislation a couple of years ago if we’d realized the effects,” said Pressley.
The bill passed in the Senate on a 27 to 9 vote and was assigned to the House Criminal Justice Committee.
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