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 detailed information on the quantity and dollar amount of industrial hemp sold by growers with land under 200 acres, as well as the estimated value of the industry reported by parish.

Key changes in the bill include redefining "adult-use consumable hemp product" to mean any product containing no THC per serving or package, and altering the definition of "consumable hemp product" to exclude THC while allowing for other cannabinoids. The bill also prohibits the sale of any hemp floral material and any beverages containing THC, while requiring that all labels clearly state that the consumable hemp product does not contain any THC. Additionally, the application for registration of consumable hemp products must include notarized verification of compliance with the new regulations, including a copy of the independent laboratory's license and certificate of accreditation. The bill is set to take effect on 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)