Business owners say Hemp bill headed to governor’s desk could wipe out the industry

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – A bill that tightens restrictions on goods infused with hemp is expected to reach Governor Reynolds’ desk on Tuesday and become law.

It had bipartisan support in the House and was approved by the Senate 31 to 18. The bill caps the amount of THC at four milligrams per serving and ten milligrams per container. Additionally, only those who are 21 years of age or older may purchase these hemp items. Although they supported improvements, business owners claimed that the direction things are going in would hurt the sector.

Since the Federal Farm Bill was passed in 2018, Mike Thorson, the owner of “Don’t Worry, Be Hempy,” has been selling items infused with hemp. He claimed to have found it to offer medical assistance.

“We sell a variety of products from essential oils, candles, soaps, and lotions,” said Thorson.

The majority of the goods he sells would be prohibited by this bill, which is on its way to the governor’s desk.

“Since the cap is so low for Delta 9, 4 milligrams, and 10 milligrams, no one in the industry makes that whatsoever,” said Thorson.

The owner of HW CBD in West Des Moines, Rick Wagaman, said he was in a similar situation. Both owners stated that while they are in favor of age restrictions, THC content limitations, and fines for noncompliance, they believe this law goes too far.

“I’m concerned about customers, I’m concerned about the industry, I’m concerned about the livelihood of people who put their entire lives into this,” said Wagaman.

According to Wagaman, there are products marketed as “full spectrum” that do have higher THC concentrations, but they also have higher CBD concentrations, which he claims will prevent any potential high. He added that it would be unlawful to sell the majority of those nonpsychoactive products.

“A ten-milligram package won’t come close to the amount to cover the health benefits that come with a full spectrum product,” said Wagaman.

Both expressed concern about the bill’s potential effects on the sector as they awaited word on whether the governor would sign it into law.

“It would clear everything off my shelf,” said Thorson.

“Are we even going to be able to get back to helping these folks who have become accustomed to their consumable hemp products as it currently is, I don’t know what that looks like,” said Wagaman.