This bill amends existing laws regarding the sale and possession of consumable hemp products in Louisiana, specifically targeting minors and establishing penalties for violations. It introduces new sections, R.S. 14:93.16 and R.S. 14:93.17, which make it unlawful for anyone to sell consumable hemp products to individuals under the age of twenty-one, with penalties including fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 and possible imprisonment. Additionally, it prohibits minors from purchasing or possessing consumable hemp products, imposing a fine of up to $100 for violations, with citations not affecting their criminal history.

The bill also amends R.S. 40:961.1 and R.S. 40:966 to clarify the legal status of industrial hemp and consumable hemp products, ensuring that they are not subject to the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law when handled by licensed individuals. It establishes that violations related to the production or distribution of consumable hemp products will not be considered offenses if the involved parties were in the process of renewing their permits or if the products were previously approved by the Louisiana Department of Health. The bill further outlines penalties for violations, including imprisonment for up to ten years or fines up to $50,000 for serious offenses related to consumable hemp products.

Statutes affected:
HB12 Original: 40:966(A)(3)
HB12 Engrossed: 40:966(A)(3)
HB12 Reengrossed: 40:966(A)(3)
HB12 Enrolled: 40:966(A)(3)
HB12 Act : 40:966(A)(3)