Smoking hemp and CBD-infused foods and beverages finally legal in California

By Jelena Martinovic

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill late Wednesday that opens a formal path for the legal use of hemp-based CBD in beverages, food, and other products such as dietary supplements.

The bill now signed expands the hemp industry in California by legalizing the retail sale of consumer products made from hemp, according to a press release from the California Cannabis Industry Association (CCIA).

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The bill, AB 45, sponsored by Rep. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, provides a foundation for legal smokable hemp sales in California. However, lawmakers must approve a measure to introduce a tax regime on these products before they hit store shelves.

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“We cannot thank the author enough for her tireless and unparalleled work to enforce comprehensive cannabis regulations. Congregation member Aguiar-Curry is steadfast in her approach to level the playing field between cannabis and hemp while protecting the health and safety of all Californians, ”wrote the CCIA.

While a tax measure is expected to be passed at the following year’s meeting, hemp producers are allowed to begin growing and making smokable products for sale in other states.

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Aside from various requirements for testing and labeling hemp products, the bill laid down rules for the sale in California of products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids that are made in other states.

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“I knew there was a need and I knew we had to make sure that [hemp products were] safe and have been tested and had good labeling, ”Aguiar-Curry told the US Hemp Roundtable in a recent interview.

The California Department of Health is now expected to work on rules to implement laws that will also regulate the sale of cannabinoid-infused cosmetics and pet foods.

In addition, Newsom recently signed law requiring hospitals and other healthcare facilities to allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in the state.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and was republished with permission.