The Californer - Sunmed | Your CBD Store Responds to Governor Newsom's Industry-Killing Hemp Regulation

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LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11, 2024 ~ In a move that has sparked controversy and concern among California's hemp industry, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced emergency regulations that could have devastating effects on the state's $250 million hemp market. The regulations, which bypassed the state legislature, impose strict restrictions on all hemp-derived products containing any trace of THC, including non-intoxicating CBD. They also limit serving sizes to just five servings, far below the industry standard of 30 days, effectively rendering 95% of the market's products illegal.

While Newsom claims that these regulations are necessary to protect children from potential harm, critics argue that they are an overreach and fail to address the root issue of inadequate enforcement. Current legislation already includes safeguards such as marketing prohibitions and warning labels to ensure child safety. However, these measures have been undermined by lax enforcement. Instead of addressing this issue or implementing stricter packaging requirements, such as child-proof packaging, Newsom's proposal imposes blanket bans that punish compliant businesses while allowing unregulated and potentially dangerous products to continue circulating.

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One business at risk of closure due to these regulations is Sunmed | Your CBD Store. As a leading provider of non-intoxicating hemp-derived wellness products, Sunmed prioritizes consumer safety with measures such as child-proof packaging, age restrictions, warning labels, and rigorous third-party lab testing. Despite these efforts, Newsom's regulations would deem 95% of Sunmed's inventory illegal – including their clinically proven formulas for better sleep, relief, and weight loss. This would deprive Californian consumers of essential wellness products for managing daily pain and maintaining their quality of life.

Since October 2021, Sunmed | Your CBD Store's 18 California locations have generated an estimated $11.5 million in sales and contributed approximately $410,000 in state taxes while creating hundreds of jobs statewide. "Every one of our California stores is expected to close if this overreaching regulation comes into effect. Meanwhile, illegal products sold at gas stations and headshops continue to get into the hands of children without enforced consequences," said Marcus Quinn, CEO of Sunmed | Your CBD Store.

These emergency regulations come after the failure of AB 2223, a bill that was shelved by the state legislature last month. While no official reason has been given for the bill's shelving, it is speculated that concerns over its significant fiscal impact played a role in its failure. The new emergency regulations fail to address these financial concerns, leaving small businesses and consumers vulnerable to the same challenges that AB 2223 posed.

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Sunmed | Your CBD Store is urging the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) to reconsider this emergency proposal and prioritize the enforcement of existing regulations over blanket bans. They argue that consumers deserve continued access to safe and well-regulated hemp-derived products, protected by strict measures such as age restrictions, THC warnings, child-proof packaging, and rigorous testing requirements. Punishing compliant businesses and farmers for the state's enforcement failures is not a viable solution.

The company is also calling on the community to oppose Newsom's industry-killing regulation through social media advocacy and direct engagement. To voice their concerns, individuals can use the Contact Form with the topic "Request - General" or call (916) 445-2841.

In conclusion, Governor Newsom's emergency regulations have sparked controversy within California's hemp industry. While he claims they are necessary for protecting children, critics argue that they are an overreach and fail to address underlying issues with enforcement. Sunmed | Your CBD Store is just one of many compliant businesses at risk of closure due to these regulations, which could have devastating effects on both consumers and small businesses in California. The company urges officials to reconsider this proposal and prioritize enforcing existing regulations rather than implementing blanket bans.

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