North Carolina Bill Seeks to Limit THC in Hemp‑Derived Products
North Carolina lawmakers are advancing legislation that would impose strict limits on the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) allowed in hemp‑based drinks and edibles, while also raising the purchase age to 21. The proposal, House Bill 328 – “Regulate Hemp‑Derived Consumables,” passed the state Senate with a bipartisan 37‑6 vote earlier this month and awaits a vote in the House of Representatives.
| ELSA OLOFSSON | UNSPLASH |
| House Bill 328 would limit THC levels to 0.4 milligrams in hemp‑derived drinks and edibles in North Carolina in addition to setting the age for buying such products to 21. The bill passed the Senate but has yet to be voted on by the House of Representatives. |
If enacted, the bill would cap THC concentration at 0.4 mg per serving – a fraction of the 5‑20 mg range currently found in many products marketed by companies such as Delta Beverages. Supporters argue the measure addresses growing public‑health concerns, while industry leaders warn it could effectively eliminate the market for hemp‑derived THC goods in the state.
Legislative Background and Key Provisions
Originally introduced to prohibit hemp products on school grounds, HB 328 was amended in the Senate to focus on two primary regulations:
- A THC limit of 0.4 milligrams per drink or edible.
- A minimum purchase age of 21 years.
The bill also reintroduces civil and criminal penalties for violations, exposing non‑compliant retailers and manufacturers to fines, possible criminal liability, and threats to business sustainability.
Industry Reaction
Jack Sherrie, CEO of Delta Beverages – a company that employs over 50 workers and supplies more than 80 distributors nationwide – expressed opposition but noted the firm is preparing contingency plans.
“We have over 50 employees that currently work at Delta… We have aggressively been coming up with a new plan to comply with these guidelines. It is tough because we built our business around THC and hemp THC has a lot of therapeutic benefits that people look for. But we have to look forward.”
Sherrie emphasized that the company’s expertise in cannabinoid formulation allows it to explore alternative products that retain therapeutic benefits without exceeding the proposed THC threshold. He cautioned, however, that if the bill becomes law, the current product line would be untenable, potentially jeopardizing hundreds of millions of dollars in state tax revenue and thousands of jobs.
Understanding THC and Its Effects
THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, altering mood and perception while also providing documented medical benefits such as pain and nausea relief. The compound’s potency varies widely across products, making precise regulation a complex task for legislators unfamiliar with the nuances of hemp‑derived extracts.
Sherrie added that many lawmakers lack sufficient education on the category, which contributes to perceptions that the bill is a straightforward safety measure rather than a near‑total ban on existing THC‑infused beverages.
Potential Economic Impact
According to industry analyses cited by Delta Beverages, the combined tax contribution from hemp‑derived THC sales in North Carolina runs into the hundreds of millions of dollars annually. A shutdown of the sector would not only erase this revenue stream but also affect ancillary businesses ranging from agriculture to retail distribution.
Senate Leader Phil Berger defended the urgency of the legislation, stating:
“The personal loss that has occurred across the state of North Carolina as a result of these products is such that we just could not and should not delay any further… We have gotten to such a point where doing nothing was not an option.”
Looking Ahead
As the House prepares to consider HB 328, stakeholders on both sides continue to engage in dialogue. Proponents stress the need to protect consumers, especially youth, from unintended intoxication, while industry advocates call for balanced regulation that preserves access to therapeutic cannabinoids without imposing prohibitive limits.
For further details on the bill’s progress and the ongoing debate, refer to the original reporting:
