HARAHAN, La. ( WGNO ) — Among the new states laws taking effect in the new year is one that affects Louisiana’s consumable hemp industry.
Just this past summer, legislators considered a bill that would outlaw consuming hemp-derived THC products altogether, but because of pushback, they passed a law that places stricter regulations on the already-restricted industry.
Beginning Jan. 1, the serving size for gummies, seltzers and tinctures will be reduced from eight milligrams to five milligrams of THC per serving, and packaged items must contain the maximum of 40 milligrams.
Local business owners, like Chantal Koerner, the owner of The CBD Wellness Center in Harahan, are bracing for impact.
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“We had expanded to a second store on [Veterans Memorial Boulevard],” said Koerner. “Unfortunately, we are going to have to close that second location due to the new laws pulling away half of our products.”
Koerner is now forced to change gears and broaden her company’s inventory.