A study by Whitney Economics suggests that the Virginia bills to crack down on hemp products in the state could lead to more than 4,000 people out of a job, WTVR reports. The measures, passed by the General Assembly last month, include THC caps, a more robust permitting system, and stricter labeling rules for hemp products that contain intoxicating levels of THC, including delta-8 products. 

The Whitney study found about 4,200 people were employed by stores that sell CBD and hemp products in Virginia and that if the measure is signed into law by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) those jobs would be in jeopardy.

The bill was meant to target delta-8 products, but opponents say it is written so broadly that it could prevent businesses from selling CBD products.

Jason Blanchette, a business owner and president of the Virginia Cannabis Association, said the organization is “trying to implore the governor and his team right now,” while describing the situation as “a mess.”

“The pendulum has swung so far the other way that this bill is now going to throw out the baby with the bathwater,” he told WTVR. “We’re an agricultural state. We’re attempting to do whatever we can right now to keep that going.”

The bill originated with Youngkin’s office which almost guarantees that he will sign it into law.

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