With a state court judge refusing to temporarily halt a ban on THC-laced cannabis sold in stores, a nationwide advocacy group has recommended more police action.

The U.S. Hemp Authority announced Oct. 17 that it would expand its five-year program to self-regulate a fast-growing segment of the hemp industry (called “intoxicated hemp” with THC).

The certification program was first implemented for non-intoxicating cannabis in 2019.

The U.S. Hemp Authority, headquartered in Washington, D.C., announced that it will hire a certification body to provide independent, third-party oversight to ensure the integrity of its self-regulatory program. Audits will verify that product ingredients are consistent with labeling.

There are currently no national controls to ensure quality control, labeling and age restrictions for hemp products. Industry officials are stepping up self-regulatory initiatives to reassure consumers and lawmakers that intoxicating cannabis should be kept out of the hands of children.

“We have long sought to demonstrate good faith,” said Kerry Hinkle, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, adding that industry stakeholders are “excited” about expanding the program.

The Adult Use Certification Program conducts outreach to educate cannabis producers.

“We aim to ensure that the hemp industry self-regulates to increase safety and stability, and to demonstrate to legislators and regulators that the industry is primarily comprised of good actors seeking to deliver quality products to consumers,” U.S. Hemp Authority Chairman Chris Fontes said of the industry. The governing body was based in Kentucky.

Although the expansion of the program began in April, the gesture dovetails with actions in California’s executive branch and court.

Governor Gavin Newsom issued an emergency order on September 6, banning cannabis sold in stores due to safety concerns about children being exposed to the intoxicating strain of cannabis.

The Roundtable filed a legal complaint along with other advocates and companies such as Cheech and Chong Global Holdings in Nevada.

The collective insisted the ban would devastate the industry and, in addition to the lawsuit, filed a petition seeking at least a temporary halt to emergency regulations administered by the California Department of Public Health.

North Bay hemp suppliers like Sunmed CBD, which has retail stores in Petaluma, Lafayette and Concord, agree.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Stephen Goorvitch ruled that there was insufficient evidence to show irreparable harm to the industry. filing and ruled against the legal challenge on October 10.

“Petitioners fail to show that these regulations would cause widespread and catastrophic disruption to the hemp industry,” Goorvitch wrote in his 12-page memo. order Rejection of request for temporary restraining order. “First, the court notes that at least half of the (U.S. Hemp Roundtable) members operate outside California.”

The state of emergency regulations, which came into force on September 23, continue. These rules pause the sale of THC-infused cannabis until a permanent solution is provided. For now, this means that edibles and beverages containing hemp-derived THC are prohibited in California.

What remains a question mark across the country is what will happen next for manufacturers who ship products across state lines in the wake of the 2018 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill, stalled in the U.S. Congress, legalized hemp nationally containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.

Industry stakeholders insist they are not opposed to some form of regulation. The Roundtable joined U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., in an effort to prevent those under 21 from purchasing psychoactive products containing cannabis derivatives. Approved a bill submitted by.

California’s licensed and regulated marijuana industry allows edibles limited to 10 milligrams of THC per serving and 100 milligrams of THC per package.

Susan Wood covers agriculture, law, cannabis, manufacturing, transportation, as well as banking and finance. She can be reached at 530-545-8662 or [email protected].