This bill permits the production and sale of CBD derived from hemp in the state if it meets certain testing and regulatory criteria.
In an announcement made by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), Governor Newsom has signed her comprehensive legislation legalizing and regulating hemp cannabinoids (or CBD) in California
With the passing of Assembly 45, It authorizes the production and sale of CBD derived from hemp in the state if it meets the bill’s stringent testing and regulatory standards.
This law also emphasizes that Hemp is not the same as marijuana. While hemp and marijuana both belong to the cannabis family, they are quite different plants. CBD produced from hemp does not create a “high” since it contains only minimal quantities of THC (less than 0.3%), the psychoactive component found in marijuana products. AB 45 limits the THC content of any hemp product to that 0.3 percent threshold, ensuring that the product is not psychoactive.
This is a helpful move as California consumers have been searching out hemp-derived CBD for its potential to alleviate pain, inflammation, anxiety, and sleeplessness, among other ailments. For some years, many individuals have been buying hemp-derived CBD products online and in their local natural foods stores, fitness centers, and health stores, unaware that these products are unlawful and unregulated. Indeed, seniors account for a significant part of those opting for hemp CBD, since they do not want to attend a marijuana dispensary. Through this law, many promising hemp-derived CBD products are a step closer to reaching the Californians who really need them.
“This is an opportunity for California to make it easier for its people to access a non-intoxicating alternative product they want, and for farmers to establish themselves in a fast-growing industry,” Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry said. “As a farmer myself, I’m excited we can provide this opportunity for California farmers, manufacturers, and retailers to benefit from a booming global market for food and topical CBD products. It’s a victory on so many levels, three years in the making.”