Louisiana Law Adds CBD & THC Restrictions
The Louisiana State Legislature passed a law with new restrictions on CBD and THC products that became effective January 1, 2025. The Governor signed Act No. 752 into law in June 2024. The new law addresses several issues, like the amount of THC allowed in beverages, where CBD and THC products can be sold and the type of packaging allowed for gummies containing THC. These restrictions are aimed at ensuring public safety.
The new regulations implemented include the following.
- Consumable hemp products cannot be sold at any store selling gasoline.
- Alcoholic beverages containing a consumable hemp product cannot be sold.
- Consumable hemp products for inhalation cannot be sold.
- Consumable hemp products cannot contain any THC derivatives that are not natural cannabinoids.
- Each serving of a hemp product, except for beverages and tinctures, is now subject to specific regulations on THC content. A serving may not exceed five milligrams of THC, and each package cannot contain more than 40 milligrams of total THC. A beverage package cannot have more than four individual containers.
- A single serving of a hemp beverage cannot contain more than five milligrams of THC and shall not be less than 12 ounces.
- One tincture serving cannot contain more than one milligram of total THC per service.
- Packages for non-beverage products must be child-resistant.
- Packaging must not make the product more appealing to children by using a product name, logo or mascot similar to those used on other products that children may recognize, i.e., packaging for CBD gummies.
- Packaging must have a scannable QR code, bar code or web address linked to a website or document containing a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
- Restaurants and bars that did not have a state permit before June 2024 cannot sell hemp-derived THC seltzers.
Ernest Legier, commissioner of Louisiana Tobacco and Alcohol Control, said,
“What you see with respect to this act is an obvious attempt by the legislature and ultimately signed by the governor (is) to kind of bring this other regulated product in line with what we’re doing with alcohol.”
The Louisiana hemp industry has been growing and expanding, and most producers and retailers are unhappy with the new restrictions. Some have indicated they must close a location because so many products are impacted. The state already has one of the lowest number of retail licenses available. That fact, combined with the impact of the new regulations, may lead to the state’s hemp (Cannabis sativa L) industry stagnating or even contracting, potentially leading to job losses and a decrease in consumer choice of CBD products.
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