North Carolina House Delays Vote on Hemp Ban Amid Industry Advocacy
The North Carolina House of Representatives has postponed a vote on a bill that would ban intoxicating hemp products until November. This decision follows significant advocacy from the hemp industry, which argues that the proposed legislation could severely impact the state's $4 billion hemp industry. The bill, House Bill 328, aims to ban the sale of hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC, as well as restrict sales of certain hemp products to individuals under 21. Law enforcement leaders support the bill, citing concerns over the accessibility of these products to minors. However, hemp business owners and advocates argue that the bill's low THC threshold would effectively ban most hemp products, threatening jobs and businesses. House Speaker Destin Hall stated that the delay is intended to allow further examination of the issue to avoid unintended consequences.