Harrisburg Hearing Highlights Regulatory Vacuum in Pennsylvania as Congress Acts on Intoxicating Hemp
On Jan. 15, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania convened a public hearing titled “Public Hearing on 2018 Farm Bill: An Update on the Hemp Industry,” bringing together regulators, law enforcement, industry experts and policy advocates to examine the rapidly expanding intoxicating hemp market and the lack of state safeguards protecting consumers.
The hearing comes on the heels of congressional action and presidential approval of federal changes that prohibit many unregulated intoxicating hemp products. This action places Pennsylvania at risk of being left behind as one of only a handful of states without a clear regulatory framework, but with a cannabis control board bill (PA SB49) lingering in committee.
“Intoxicating hemp products were never intended to exist outside of regulation,” said Chris Lindsey, vice president of Policy and State Advocacy at the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp (ATACH). “Pennsylvania needs clarity that protects consumers and responsible businesses.”
“Cannabis and hemp are the same plant, and once cannabinoids are extracted and packaged for consumption, artificial legal distinctions no longer protect public health,” said Meredith Buettner Schneider, executive director of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition. “Intoxicating products, regardless of source, should be regulated under one clear framework with consistent standards for safety, labeling and age restrictions.”
Under current Pennsylvania law, intoxicating hemp-derived products, including gummies, vapes and beverages with marijuana-like effects, are widely sold in gas stations and convenience stores without age verification, product testing, labeling standards or enforcement mechanisms. A Villanova University report found that 87% of consumers mistakenly believe these products are regulated, despite the absence of any statewide oversight.
