As California moves forward with emergency regulations on hemp, concerns are growing about the potential consequences for the cannabis industry. Governor Gavin Newsom‘s new restrictions, which limit the sale of hemp products, have sparked debate within the cannabis community.

These changes, which went into effect recently, have left many questioning how they might affect not only California but also the broader regulatory environment for cannabis across the U.S.

Debra Borchardt, the executive editor and co-founder of Green Market Report, shared her perspective on the issue during an interview before her appearance at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference. Borchardt, a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in the financial reporting space, weighed in on how these new rules could shape the cannabis market.

See Also: ‘Get Ready For A Nationwide Game Of Whack-A-Mole' – What California's Hemp Ban Means For The Industry

Complexities of Hemp Regulation

When asked about California's new hemp restrictions, Borchardt expressed her concerns regarding the unregulated sale of intoxicating hemp products, especially those marketed toward minors.

"The hemp issue is so complicated," she said. "Personally, I would prefer to see intoxicating hemp products regulated. I don't like the idea of 1000mg THC hemp products being sold to minors."

Borchardt's stance aligns with the broader calls for tighter regulation on hemp-derived products, which have often fallen into a legal gray area. She pointed out that California's position as a trendsetter for cannabis and hemp regulation makes it difficult to predict whether other states will follow suit.

"California is often at the forefront of change for many issues, but it's hard to see whether their approach will be replicated in other states," Borchardt explained. "We've already seen some states like Florida try to enact bans on these products only to see pushback from entrenched hemp businesses."

Impact on National Regulation

The uncertainty surrounding how California’s rules will be received nationally is not unfounded. While some states may consider implementing similar restrictions, Borchardt believes that the diverse regulatory landscape across the U.S. means that each state will likely continue to set its own rules.

"It feels like it will be similar to regulated THC products," she said. "A different set of rules in every state."

The newly implemented restrictions in California are poised to spark further discussions at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference. Borchardt and other industry leaders will explore how regulatory shifts like these could impact the future of cannabis and hemp nationwide.

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