Formal Legislative Proposal: Hemp Retail Protection & Consumer Access Act
Written By: Theresa Yarbrough
Formal Legislative Proposal: Hemp Retail Protection & Consumer Access Act
Formal Legislative Proposal: Hemp Retail Protection & Consumer Access Act Written By: Theresa Yarbrough
State of Georgia General Assembly Bill Number: [Insert Bill Number] Sponsors: [Your Name / Organization] Date Introduced: [Insert Date]
AN ACT To amend Georgia law by repealing SB 494, restoring consumer access to hemp-derived products, reinstating rights for adult consumers and patients to access THCa, ensuring fair retail licensing, and protecting the economic interests of independent hemp businesses.
SECTION 1: Repeal of SB 494 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: Effective immediately, SB 494 is repealed in its entirety, nullifying all provisions that:
Restrict the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoids in licensed retail establishments.
Impose excessive regulatory burdens on independent hemp retailers.
Create competitive advantages for corporate cannabis interests at the expense of small businesses.
SECTION 2: Restoration of Hemp Retail Access BE IT FURTHER ENACTED: Licensed hemp retailers shall be authorized to sell intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids, including but not limited to Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, THCa, and other naturally occurring compounds, provided they adhere to federal compliance standards as outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill.
Retail licensing requirements shall be amended to ensure equal access for small hemp businesses, eliminating unnecessary barriers to entry.
Consumer protections shall be upheld to include accurate labeling, age restrictions, and quality control—without imposing bans that limit accessibility, thereby restoring the rights of adult consumers and patients to access THCa for personal use or medical treatment.
SECTION 3: Economic Growth & Industry Protections BE IT FURTHER ENACTED: Hemp businesses shall be recognized as a vital component of Georgia’s economy, contributing to job creation, tax revenue, and agricultural development.
State agencies shall be prohibited from enacting regulations that disproportionately target hemp retailers while permitting unchecked corporate cannabis expansion.
Legislators shall be required to consult with industry stakeholders before proposing future hemp-related restrictions or regulatory changes.
SECTION 4: Enactment & Implementation BE IT FINALLY ENACTED: This Act shall take effect immediately upon passage and shall apply to all hemp retail businesses within the jurisdiction of the State of Georgia.
This bill is essential to restoring fairness, reinstating consumer and patient rights, protecting small businesses, and ensuring access to hemp-derived products, including THCa, in Georgia.