Georgia Chron - Georgia Hemp Farming Act Takes Effect October 1

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Atlanta, GA ~ Atlanta, GA - As the state of Georgia continues to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Governor Brian Kemp, Commissioner Tyler Harper, and Colonel Billy Hitchens have issued a statement reminding relevant parties that the Georgia Hemp Farming Act will go into effect on October 1st.

The General Assembly passed the Georgia Hemp Farming Act in March, with the majority of the bill set to take effect on October 1st. This law aims to regulate and restrict the sale and possession of consumable hemp products in Georgia. It includes age restrictions for possession and purchase, as well as licensing requirements for retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers.

Governor Kemp emphasized that the safety of Georgia's residents is a top priority, especially when it comes to children and young people. He stated that consumable hemp products can be dangerous for minors and unregulated products pose a threat to all Georgians. With these new laws in place, he wants consumers to be aware and understand that law enforcement will be strictly enforcing them starting October 1st.

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Commissioner Tyler Harper of the Georgia Department of Agriculture expressed pride in working with Governor Kemp, the General Assembly, and other law enforcement agencies to establish necessary regulations for consumable hemp products in the state. He stressed that these laws are straightforward and will be strictly enforced by their Law Enforcement and Hemp Program Divisions as well as other state and local agencies.

Colonel William W. Hitchens III of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) also reiterated their commitment to enforcing these new laws set by the General Assembly. He stated that they take the safety of residents and visitors seriously and will carry out their duties by enforcing restrictions set by the Georgia Hemp Farming Act.

The new law was implemented due to Congress legalizing hemp production in the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp is a cannabis plant that contains small amounts of THC along with other natural cannabinoids that may have medicinal purposes. In recent years, consumable hemp products such as oils, gummies, and beverages have been sold throughout the state with little oversight and quality control.

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State law enforcement agencies are encouraging all citizens and public safety officers to review these new restrictions, as well as the proposed rules by Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper that provide comprehensive standards for hemp production and product testing.

The Georgia Hemp Farming Act is separate from Georgia's medical cannabis program and does not impact it. For patients with qualifying medical conditions, information on Georgia's Low-THC Oil registry can be found on their website.

A copy of the Georgia Hemp Farming Act can be found on the state's website, along with a link to the proposed Department of Agriculture rules regarding hemp. With these new regulations in place, Georgia aims to ensure the safety of its residents while also allowing for the growth of the hemp industry in the state.

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