Pennsylvania Lawmakers Push for Regulation of Intoxicating Hemp Products

[#item_full_content] Federal lawmakers are reconsidering a ban on intoxicating hemp-derived products that is scheduled to take effect in November, as debate continues over whether the products should be banned outright or more tightly regulated.The U.S. Senate is seeking more time to develop regulations rather than immediately banning the products. In Pennsylvania, State Senator Dan Laughlin and Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz say clear regulations are urgently needed.The products include hemp-derived beverages, vapes and flower, which some sellers maintain are legal under the federal Farm Bill. However, Laughlin and Hirz are concerned that what they describe as a loophole in the law allows intoxicating products to be sold without consistent testing, labeling or age restrictions.As federal lawmakers debate the issue, Laughlin said he plans to continue pushing for regulation in Pennsylvania.“I think some of these hemp places are concerned about my bill, that it would put them out of business, but it won’t,” Laughlin said. “It will simply regulate it and give clear guidelines to them on what’s legal to sell.”Laughlin and Hirz described the current situation as out of control, saying a lack of regulation is making it difficult for law enforcement to determine what products are legal and how they should be handled.“They’re seeing individuals who are under the influence, traffic stops, impaired driving, some situations with juveniles and their behavior and things in school,” Hirz said. “But then they’re being told, ‘This product is Farm Bill compliant, so there’s nothing you can do.’”The issue drew attention in Erie this summer after a business called Hemptations LLP sold hemp-based slushies that reportedly made some people sick. Business owner Leroy Hall previously told Erie News Now that his beverage mix is legal under the Farm Bill.Meanwhile, a grand jury investigation conducted by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office found that some hemp products being sold in Pennsylvania — including vapes, flower and beverages — claimed to contain no more than the 0.3% THC threshold that distinguishes hemp from marijuana, but testing found otherwise.Hirz said the lack of clear regulation can put consumers, particularly young people, at risk, because of colorful candy-like packaging and a lack of age restrictions for purchasers or warning labels. The grand jury report said sales are common at vape shops, gas stations and convenience stores.Hirz said according to Montgomery County DA Kevin Steele’s report there have been — “kids having to go to the hospital because of the hallucinations, breathing issues they should never have to deal with, but they are, because they don’t know what they’re putting into their body.”Hirz and Laughlin say parents should be aware of the products and talk with their children about the potential risks. And also, they should keep an eye on their children for any changes in behavior, including a drop in their performance at school.“A lot of the warning signs that used to be for alcohol are similar to if your kid is using cannabis,” Laughlin said. “And I think we need to keep these products out of their hands.”Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said there is an active investigation into reports of illnesses connected to Hemptations LLP slushies sold at an event this summer.Laughlin said if lawmakers in Washington ultimately pass new federal hemp legislation, it could supersede the regulations he has been working to establish in Pennsylvania.You can read the full report from the Montgomery County Investigative Grand Jury by clicking here.  Read More