Stores have been popping up across Virginia selling unregulated, intoxicating cannabis and hemp-derived products. Record numbers of children are going to the emergency room after ingesting these products. Lawmakers established common-sense laws on these products during the 2023 General Assembly, and the new law took effect on July 1. Virginians for Cannabis Safety was established to promote public health and safety, advocate for common-sense policies and encourage enforcement of these new laws.
VCS is committed to educating the public and lawmakers on the importance of the new laws passed this year and the dangers of selling products that do not meet the new consumer safety protections. Improved public awareness will help parents, teachers and individuals learn about the dangers of products not meeting these requirements.
We believe basic consumer safety laws should apply to cannabis-related products the same way they apply to any other food or drink product sold in stores. These requirements are no threat to responsible businesses. VCS will defend and promote these important protections.
With the July 1, 2023 enactment of the new legislation, Virginia law establishes a clear process for holding accountable those businesses that jeopardize public health by selling illicit cannabis or hemp products. VCS supports the broad enforcement of existing law to protect consumers.
Provisions in the 2018 federal Farm Act were intended to promote the use of hemp for commercial purposes such as rope and fiber by no longer making hemp a regulated substance. Some entities exploited a loophole in the language and started selling hemp-derived products infused with intoxicating levels of THC. A massive number of retail establishments and pop-up stores selling these products soon began opening across Virginia.
As a result, thousands of unsuspecting children, teens and adults across Virginia have consumed intoxicating cannabis and hemp-derived products and suffered serious health issues. Data from the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association show Virginia on pace in 2023 for a record number of cannabis-related pediatric visits to hospital emergency rooms. Action was needed to bring clear guidelines and laws to this market.
To be clear, not all products sold at these stores are illegal under the new laws, and the rights of storeowners to sell lawful products should be protected. But those products that are poorly or deceptively labeled or contain intoxicating levels of THC under the statute are creating health issues for too many children and adults.
Bipartisan legislation signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin tightened regulation of the sale of hemp-derived products containing intoxicating levels of THC. This common-sense law is vital to ensuring the health and safety of our citizens and:
Limits the amount of THC in a hemp product to no more than 0.3% THC and 2 milligrams THC or no less than a 25:1 ratio of cannabidiol (CBD) to THC.
Requires a certificate of analysis for hemp-derived consumable products from an accredited laboratory.
Establishes basic packaging and labeling standards.
Requires hemp-derived product retailers to register with the state.
Empowers the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to enforce the laws through inspections and fines for noncompliance.
News outlets across the commonwealth have published or broadcast stories highlighting the risks of unregulated cannabis and hemp products on Virginia store shelves and the importance of the 2023 legislation.
Regulation needed for intoxicating hemp products
Bill Carrico, executive director of the Virginia State Police Association, Roanoke Times
Bipartisan effort will end illicit THC sales in Virginia
Sheriffs Steven Creasy and Ron Montgomery, The Virginian Pilot
Virginia must roll back synthetic cannabinoids
Dr. Michelle Peace, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Keeping dangerous products off store shelves is a matter of public safety. We need to protect these common-sense measures and make sure they continue to keep Virginians safe. Sign up to receive updates on the issue and how you can help.