Georgia is increasing its regulation on the burgeoning hemp industry with the Georgia Hemp Farming Act, effective as of October 1, just as the state continues to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp, the act introduces a series of new public safety measures and licensing requirements for consumable hemp products in the state.
The legislature approved the Georgia Hemp Farming Act back in March, which, starting tomorrow, will see the implementation of age restrictions for those under 21 when it comes to purchasing or possessing consumable hemp products. According to the statement released by Governor Kemp, in addition to the age restrictions, consumable hemp retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers will now need to obtain a license to operate within Georgia according to a recent press release.
"Here in Georgia, the safety of our residents is top priority, especially that of our children and young people," Governor Kemp said, emphasizing the threat consumable hemp products pose to minors and the risks associated with unregulated hemp. "All law enforcement officers in the State will be enforcing them starting October 1st," Governor Kemp warned while expressing his gratitude toward the General Assembly for the bill. This detail was highlighted and law compliance, which was strongly urged in the statements given by Georgia's public officials.
Backing up the Governor, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper pointed out the importance of establishing clear guidelines for consumable hemp products and announced that the Hemp Program Division and other state and local agencies will enforce the age restriction laws. "The laws regarding under 21 sales and the sale of raw flower products are very straightforward," he cited. Colonel William W. Hitchens, III of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) also reaffirmed the commitment to enforce these new restrictions as part of their dedicated traffic enforcement efforts across Georgia, thus emphasizing on patrol duties which will now include the observance of the new regulations set forth by the Act.
With the new law in place, Georgia aims to address a gap that has emerged since the legalization of hemp production by Congress in the 2018 Farm Bill. Despite the natural occurrence of THC in hemp and its potential medicinal uses, the lack of oversight thus far has led to concerns over product safety and quality. The Department of Agriculture also proposed comprehensive standards for hemp production and product testing, which the public and law enforcement officials are encouraged to review. More information on the Act and related rules is made available through links provided by the state's official website.
The Georgia Hemp Farming Act is distinct from the state's medical cannabis program, from which patients with qualifying conditions can still access low-THC oil. Information on Georgia’s Low-THC Oil registry remains available for those in need.
