U.S. Hemp Roundtable petitions for temporary restraining order against California’s emergency hemp regulations

Photo © iStockphoto.com/ Kuzma

The U.S. Hemp Roundtable and group of California hemp farmers and businesses that include Cheech and Chong’s, Juicetiva Inc., Blaze Life LLC, Boldt Runners Corporation, Lucky To Be Beverage Co., and Sunflora Inc. are petitioning the Superior Court of the State of California for a temporary restraining order (TRO). Group has previously filed a lawsuit against the state for imposing emergency regulations for the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. These regulations prohibit any traces of THC in hemp-derived products, limits servings per package, and imposes age limits of 21 years for the purchase of these products. The TRO would prevent the enforcement of these regulations while the lawsuit is being litigated.

“We are hopeful that the Court will temporarily block – and then ultimately, permanently enjoin – Governor Newsom’s misguided efforts to devastate hemp farmers, business and product consumers in California,” said Jonathan Miller, the U.S. Hemp Roundtable’s general counsel, in a statement. “It’s high time that the Governor abandon this punitive effort and sit down with all stakeholders to appropriately address his stated mission: to develop a robust regulatory regime that promotes health and safety and keeps hemp products out of the hands of minors.”

According to the Hemp Roundtable, the hearing for the TRO is scheduled for October 10, 2024 at 9:30 AM PDT/12:30 PM EDT. Nolan Jackson, the U.S. Hemp Roundtable’s regulatory counsel will argue the motion on behalf of the plaintiffs.