A bill restricting some consumable hemp products in Nebraska advanced to the final round of debate in the Legislature Tuesday afternoon.
Under a bill from Sen. Kathleen Kauth, LB316, some consumable hemp products would be reclassified as marijuana, which is currently illegal for recreational use in the state.
To remain legal, THC – the chemical responsible for making a user high – must make up less than 0.3% of the processed hemp product’s total weight with a limit of 10 total milligrams of THC per package.
Kauth said products exceeding those limits can be dangerous, particularly for kids.
“It’s like playing Russian roulette with what’s actually in the products,” she said. “LB316 addresses the sale of uncontrolled and untested substances that are derived from the hemp plant. These cannabinoids have been tied to significant health risks and are considered dangerous.”
Her legislation also includes an excise tax of 10% on consumable hemp products.
There is a “safe harbor” period for those who are in possession of consumable hemp exceeding the legal THC limits to dispose of the product without facing prosecution through the end of the year.
Opponents of the bill, like Sen. George Dungan, said it would hurt small businesses and create more opportunities to charge Nebraskans with felonies.
“A vote for LB316 is a vote against the small businesses in your district and it’s a vote for increasing the amount of felonies that everyday Nebraskans are going to be facing just because they bought a product that was legal and then we banned it,” he said.
Sen. John Cavanaugh brought an amendment that would replace Kauth’s bill with his LB16, which would require age verification notices and special business licenses to sell cannabis-derived products instead of banning them.
“It legitimizes the industry,” he said. “It makes sure that when you buy something, you know what you’re getting, and that it is what it says that it is, it is safe and that there is a regulatory process in place.”
Cavanaugh’s amendment failed, and Kauth’s underlying bill advanced to final reading with 32 votes for and 15 against.
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To remain legal, THC – the chemical responsible for making a user high – must make up less than 0.3% of the processed hemp product’s total weight with a limit of 10 total milligrams of THC per package. Read More
