GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – A new provision in the national funding bill, which was crucial for the government to reopen, is causing concern in Colorado. This provision bans the sale of certain hemp products; a move lawmakers say closes a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that set limits on THC in hemp.
A Grand Junction dispensary owner who had previously worked in the hemp and CBD space prior to getting into recreational cannabis, shared his thoughts on the ban’s impact.
“When you grow hemp, there is a small, small, small amount of THC in that flower and that is where the loophole came in. Some people were extracting that out and then selling it as hemp, non-intoxicating, but it was intoxicating,” explained Joey Coleman, owner of KAI Diapensary. He added, “But again, that’s a real shame because it’s kind of putting a black label over the plant as a whole. It’s used for rope; it’s used for all sorts of things. Even in those instances, it’s going to be blackballed, it’s not going to be able to be available.”
Coleman suggests that this new ban could significantly alter where consumers can purchase CBD, particularly in states where hemp products are commonly sold outside of licensed dispensaries.
“In states like Colorado, it’s not going to be hard. We have legalized not just hemp and CBD, but marijuana. So, there’ll be plenty of places you can find it, but it might mean you have to go to a dispensary now. Whereas before, you could buy CBD in coffee shops; you could buy it all over the place. It’s going to affect the consumer massively in that way,” said Coleman.
The impact extends beyond consumers to businesses that ship hemp or CBD products nationwide, which could face severe operational challenges.
“From a business standpoint, prior to this, you could be sending CBD all over the country, you’re not going to be able to now. It’s going to hit the business hugely. We’re talking massive layoffs, massive cutbacks, if not just liquidating some businesses,” said Coleman.
Coleman expressed a desire for authorities and the government to focus on regulating those who fail to adhere to the guidelines, rather than imposing measures that negatively affect the entire industry.
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