The bill, HB 952, aims to enhance the regulation of consumable hemp products in Louisiana by introducing several key amendments. It raises the minimum age for purchasing these products from 18 to 21 and requires retailers to verify the age of purchasers using reliable identification. The bill prohibits the addition of consumable hemp products to alcoholic beverages and bans the sale, production, and distribution of floral hemp material. It also establishes new definitions for terms such as "THC component" and "total THC," while maintaining existing licensing requirements for processors and retailers. Additionally, the law mandates that consumable hemp products must be approved by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and sets a maximum THC concentration of 5 mg per serving, down from the previous limit of 8 mg.

Furthermore, the bill introduces stricter packaging requirements, including child-resistant packaging and warning labels regarding THC consumption and drug testing. It modifies the approval process for consumable hemp products, extending the review period from 15 to 60 days, while retaining the requirement for testing products for harmful substances and THC concentration. The law designates a preferred laboratory for testing and outlines qualifications for individuals seeking permits to sell consumable hemp products, emphasizing the need for a clean legal record. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2025, with certain provisions effective 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)