The bill, HB 952, aims to enhance the regulation of consumable hemp products in Louisiana by introducing several key amendments and new provisions. It raises the minimum age for purchasing these products from 18 to 21, mandates age verification for purchasers, and prohibits the addition of consumable hemp products to alcoholic beverages. The bill also bans the sale, production, and distribution of floral hemp material, modifies the maximum THC concentration allowed per serving from 8 mg to 5 mg, and establishes new definitions for terms such as "THC component" and "total THC." Additionally, it requires child-resistant packaging and warnings about potential drug test failures for consumable hemp products.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the approval process for consumable hemp products by requiring the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to approve products before they can be sold, extending the response timeline from 15 to 60 days. It mandates that testing laboratories be accredited and prohibits those with conflicts of interest from being approved. Stricter penalties for permit violations are introduced, including permit revocation after three offenses within two years, and specific character and legal history requirements for permit applicants are outlined. The changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2025, with certain provisions effective immediately upon the governor's signature.

Statutes affected:
HB952 Original: 3:1481(4), 3:1482(A), 3:1483(C), 3:1484(A), 3:1493(B)(9), 3:1481(1), 3:1482(E), 3:1483(B)(6)
HB952 Engrossed: 3:1481(4), 3:1482(A), 3:1483(C), 3:1484(A), 3:1493(B)(9), 3:1481(1), 3:1482(E), 3:1483(B)(6)
HB952 Reengrossed: 3:1481(4), 3:1482(A), 3:1483(C), 3:1484(A), 3:1493(B)(9), 3:1481(1), 3:1482(E), 3:1483(B)(6)
HB952 Enrolled: 3:1482(A), 3:1483(A), 3:1493(B)(9), 3:1483(B)(7)
HB952 Act 752: 3:1482(A), 3:1483(A), 3:1493(B)(9), 3:1483(B)(7)
Conference Committee Report, #5386, House Adopted, Senate Adopted: 3:1483(B)(7)