South Carolina’s bid to regulate intoxicating hemp products fails at the House

WPDE reports that last Thursday, the South Carolina House of Representatives voted down a proposal for establishing rules governing hemp-derived THC drinks. This compromise was approved by a resounding majority of senators.

The vote is the end of the legislative session for state legislators’ efforts to regulate hemp-based products.

Senate approved plan set an age restriction of 21 years and over for hemp intoxicants, limited sales to alcohol stores, created a potency cap, required lab testing, product labeling and restrictions on product sale.

Hemp industry strongly opposed the proposal, arguing that it would force thousands of small business out of the market.

At the moment, South Carolina has no laws governing hemp products. This is expected to change in November when the new federal rules to prohibit hemp THC-based products will take effect.

White House, the signatory to the rules of the spending bill passed in November 2011, urged Congress last week either to pass regulations protecting certain hemp-derived cannabis cannabinoids, or defer the hemp rules.

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