Senate Bill No. 237, introduced by Senator Pressly, aims to amend and reenact various provisions related to industrial and consumable hemp in Louisiana. The bill recognizes industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity specifically for industrial uses, such as home and building construction, while also emphasizing the intent to protect public health and safety by prohibiting the production and sale of recreational adult-use intoxicating substances derived from industrial hemp. The bill extends the reporting requirements for the state's industrial hemp program for an additional four years, requiring annual status reports that include detailed information on licenses issued to growers and the estimated value of the industrial hemp industry by parish.

Additionally, the bill revises definitions and regulations surrounding consumable hemp products. It establishes that "adult-use consumable hemp products" must contain no THC per serving or package, and it prohibits the sale of any consumable hemp products that contain THC. The bill also prohibits the sale of floral hemp material and any hemp product intended for inhalation. Furthermore, it mandates that product labels clearly state the absence of THC and requires a notarized verification of compliance with the new regulations. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
SB237 Original: 3:1464(9)
SB237 Engrossed: 3:1464(9), 3:1481(1), 3:1482(A), 3:1483(B)(6), 3:1482(E), 3:1483(D)