California Unifies Hemp and Marijuana Regulation With New Law
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a sweeping new law that brings hemp and marijuana products under one regulatory framework, a move state leaders say will enhance public safety, protect children, and strengthen oversight of the cannabis industry.
Governor Newsom Signs Assembly Bill 8 Into Law
On Thursday, Governor Newsom approved Assembly Bill 8, legislation authored by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, which directly addresses concerns over intoxicating hemp-derived products being sold without the same rules and oversight that govern marijuana.
The new law is intended to close loopholes that allowed unregulated hemp products to reach the market, sometimes ending up in the hands of minors. It follows emergency regulations issued by the Department of Public Health in 2024, which aimed to curb harmful or mislabeled hemp products that were widely available across the state.
“We are continuing to place the safety of every Californian first,” Newsom said in a statement. “For too long, nefarious hemp manufacturers have been exploiting loopholes to make their intoxicating products available to our most vulnerable communities – that stops today.”
A Unified Cannabis Framework
Assembly Bill 8 marks a significant shift for California’s cannabis policies by regulating intoxicating cannabinoid products, regardless of whether they are derived from hemp or marijuana, under a single oversight system.
Key provisions of the law include:
Clear entry guidelines: Hemp-derived products must now meet strict regulations before entering the licensed cannabis market.
Protection for minors: Intoxicating hemp products will only be sold through licensed dispensaries and restricted to adults aged 21 and older.
Consumer safety: The law bans synthetic cannabinoid products, prohibits inhalable hemp in certain forms, and limits the use of non-intoxicating hemp outside the legal cannabis system.
Enforcement powers: State and local authorities will receive new tools to target unlicensed operators and crack down on illegal cannabinoid sales.
Protecting Children and Communities
Aguiar-Curry emphasized the importance of protecting California’s youth and ensuring that the cannabis market operates responsibly.
The legislation comes at a time when unregulated hemp-derived intoxicants, such as delta-8 THC, have surged in popularity nationwide. These products, often marketed as legal alternatives to marijuana, have been criticized for inconsistent labeling, unverified safety standards, and easy availability online or at convenience stores.
A Boost for California’s Legal Cannabis Market
Industry advocates say Assembly Bill 8 could help stabilize California’s legal cannabis market, which has faced challenges from high taxes, widespread illicit sales, and competition from hemp-derived intoxicants that bypass cannabis regulations.
By consolidating oversight, the state aims to create a more level playing field for licensed cannabis operators who have long argued that unregulated hemp products undermine consumer confidence and cut into their businesses.
The Road Ahead
California is one of the first states to fully integrate hemp and marijuana regulation under one system. Supporters believe this unified approach could serve as a model for other states grappling with how to regulate emerging cannabinoid products.
With the signing of Assembly Bill 8, the state has sent a clear signal that the cannabis industry whether hemp or marijuana must operate under strict rules designed to prioritize public health, child safety, and consumer protection.
