ATACH Statement on California Governor’s Action on Hemp Regulation

On September 6, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom announced sweeping new regulations aimed at closing loopholes surrounding unregulated synthetic THC products that have proliferated in California. These new rules, which will prohibit hemp-derived THC in food, beverages, and dietary products, represent California’s effort to rein in an unregulated synthetic THC market that has flooded gas stations and online retailers. Such products, often sold under the guise of being “hemp,” pose serious health risks, particularly to minors.

Governor Newsom framed the move as a necessary step to protect children and consumers from unregulated and misleading products. This follows failed legislative attempts in California and a growing concern nationwide over the gray area in synthetic THC regulation.

“Governor Gavin Newsom takes a back seat to no one when it comes to cannabis legalization advocacy, and today’s announcement is a necessary wake-up call over the need for proper regulation that protects the health and safety of consumers. In face of inaction by both California lawmakers and Congress to create a sensible regulatory system, the entire experiment of state-legal cannabis and hemp-based products is at risk when synthetic THC products go unregulated, are widely available, and often mislabeled as ‘hemp,’ endangering the health of kids.” 

– Michael Bronstein, President of ATACH