California proposes stricter drug laws than Florida under Newsom

In a significant move, California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed emergency regulations that ban all forms of THC in hemp products, citing the need to protect children from harmful intoxicating substances. This decision comes amid a growing industry that has seen the rise of products containing delta-8, a hemp-derived substance. Newsom's regulations define THC to encompass both delta-8 and delta-9, which diverges from federal standards that permit up to 0.3 percent delta-9 in hemp products. The proposed rules require manufacturers to submit documentation, including a certificate of analysis from an independent lab, to ensure compliance with the zero percent THC limit. This approach has sparked controversy, as it appears to criminalize an entire industry without legislative input, especially since a bill aimed at limiting THC levels in hemp products recently failed in the state Legislature. The tension between Newsom and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has intensified, with Florida adopting more lenient hemp standards and preparing for a vote on recreational marijuana. DeSantis has previously vetoed legislation that would restrict delta-9 while allowing delta-8, advocating for sensible regulations that support both businesses and consumers. Critics of Newsom's regulations argue that they are not genuinely aimed at protecting children but rather serve as a means to eliminate competition for California's cannabis industry. This situation raises questions about the balance between necessary regulation and the preservation of individual freedoms in the context of drug laws.