California Proposes Emergency Regulations on Hemp Products

The California Department of Public Health has proposed emergency regulations on hemp products sold in the state that officials say could cause adverse effects on children. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the emergency regulations weeks after a hemp regulation bill, Assembly Bill 2223, failed to pass the Senate Appropriations Committee in August. The legislation faced strong opposition from hemp industry advocates and lobbyists that called it a “bureaucratic power grab.” Officials said the restrictions are needed “to avoid serious harm to the public peace, health, safety, and general welfare of Californians.” State officials said intoxicating cannabinoids in unregulated hemp products sold at retail stores have led to a rise in hospitalizations and poisonings, increasing the risk of illness, injury, and death among children....