Newsom, a Democrat, faces a recall election on Sept. 14. The most recent polling data has given him a comfortable margin for victory.
Bill’s provisions
Among other things the new bill would:
- Allow CBD and hemp extracts to be used in foods (including supplement-like products), beverages and cosmetics.
- Put forward new rules for hemp farmers and businesses including lab testing standards, similar to what is already in place for the recreational and medical cannabis industries.
- Mandate that all products, including those imported from out of state, meet the new standards.
- Ban sale of THC isomers, including delta-8 THC, outside of regulated dispensaries.
Wide support, but some reservations, too
The bill has enjoyed wide industry support. According the publication Marijuana Business Daily, which covers the recreational and medical markets, cannabis businesses are supportive because it means CBD/hemp companies will have to incur the same regulatory compliance costs as do the marijuana firms, thus leveling the cost playing field.
Within the CBD/hemp space the bill reportedly had the support of the US Hemp Roundtable, California Cannabis Industry Association, California Hemp Council, Cannabis Beverage Association and a few marijuana companies such as Canadian producer Canopy Growth.