A bill to restrict the sale and possession of consumable hemp products in Louisiana has been unanimously approved by both chambers of the state legislature, and now awaits a final vote of concurrence in the House before heading to Governor Jeff Landry’s desk.
Hemp gummies.
House Bill 12, filed in April by State Representative Lauri Schlegel (R), establishes criminal penalties for the sale of consumable hemp to anyone under 21. The measure also makes it illegal for minors to possess or purchase such products and sets out felony penalties for unlicensed manufacturing and distribution.
Under the bill, violators who sell or distribute consumable hemp to individuals under 21 would face a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. Minors caught in possession would be subject to a citation and a fine of up to $100, without a criminal record being created.
HB 12 also amends state law to impose harsher penalties for those who manufacture or distribute consumable hemp products outside the bounds of current licensing regulations. Violators could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. However, retailers, wholesalers, and processors operating with valid permits and acting in good faith would be exempt from these penalties.
The measure includes a clear exemption for industrial hemp activities conducted in accordance with state and federal law, including the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill. Transporting federally compliant hemp through the state would also remain legal.
Although both the House and Senate passed the legislation without opposition, the Senate adopted minor amendments requiring a final concurrence vote in the House. That vote is expected as soon as this week.
