Louisiana Senate puts restrictions on intoxicating hemp products

Louisiana lawmakers are implementing new restrictions on intoxicating hemp products in the state but will not ban them outright.

The state Senate approved a regulatory framework proposed by Democratic Rep. Dustin Miller that includes age restrictions and portion limits on hemp-derived THC products, according to The Times-Picayune.

The updated version of House Bill 952 now goes to the House for approval.

The measure contains several new amendments, including a restriction of sales of THC-infused beverages in bars and restaurants and lowering the potency from 8 milligrams to 5 milligrams of THC per serving.

While many states responded to the delta-8 THC phenomenon by banning the cannabinoid, Louisiana in 2022 started to regulate D-8 products, mandating testing and enforcing compliance standards.

In August of that year, the Louisiana health department opened applications for licenses to make foods containing cannabinoids such as CBD and delta-8 THC.