ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A federal funding law provision that caps THC at 0.4 mg per container in most hemp‑derived consumer products takes effect Dec. 11, threatening roughly half of the inventory at an Albany vapor shop. The restriction applies to vape, hemp, mushroom, wellness, Kratom and Kava items.
Good Life Vapor CEO Jeremy Dollar warns the cap could erase about 50% of the store’s product line, especially vape, hemp, mushroom, wellness, Kratom and Kava items. He says the change will force the shop to slash its selection dramatically.
Dollar says the shop serves many older customers who rely on these products for pain relief and smoking cessation. He notes they depend on these items for health reasons.
He estimates the restriction will cost his business roughly $600,000 per year and vows to keep fighting. He says the loss could jeopardize the store’s viability.
Dollar warns that without alternatives, customers may turn to illegal sources, increasing harm. He fears this could lead to unsafe products and greater public risk.
He emphasizes his store follows all regulations, including ID checks and non‑intoxicating products, while competitors continue to operate outside the law. He stresses compliance is a priority.
Another owner describes closing her business
Diane Nether, who ran Nether’s Hemp & CBD with her husband for two years, says the rule change forced her to pause operations. She says the pause reflects the unsustainable regulatory environment.
Nether argues that illicit sellers thrive while compliant small shops bear the financial burden. She says the disparity hurts small businesses the most.
Nether says rising compliance costs and dwindling legal inventory drove customers to seek alternatives elsewhere. She notes the financial strain made continuation impossible.
Nether maintains she would not sell products outside the law, even as her business halted. She says integrity outweighs profit.
Businesses have weeks to prepare
Dollar says he will continue to obey the law and sell only permitted items. He pledges to stay fully compliant.
He adds that all other product categories may disappear under the current law wording, with topicals being the sole exception. He warns only topicals are guaranteed to remain available.
The Dec. 11 deadline gives retailers only weeks to adjust. Retailers must act quickly to re‑configure inventory before enforcement.
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