California Governor Signs Bill To Integrate Hemp And Marijuana Markets After Banning Intoxicating Cannabinoids Outside Of Dispensaries

OG Article By Kyle Jaeger

October 03 2025

Overview

• Gov. Gavin Newsom signed bill to regulate intoxicating hemp products.

• Legislation by Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D).

• Aims to protect youth, consolidate cannabis industry.

Key Details

• Signed into law on Thursday, effective January 2028.

• Intoxicating hemp products allowed at licensed cannabis retailers with age restrictions, testing rules.

• Bans synthetic cannabis, restricts hemp extracts in food/drinks.

Background

• Follows Newsom’s 2024 emergency order banning hemp with any THC.

• Order limited non-THC hemp to five servings per package, 21+ sales.

• Previous governor-backed bill to restrict hemp failed.

Statements

• Newsom: Stops “nefarious hemp manufacturers” exploiting loopholes.

• Aguiar-Curry: Protects kids, supports legal cannabis businesses against illegal competition.

• Nicole Elliott, DCC: Ensures consumer safety, fair competition.

Provisions

• Hemp with non-CBD cannabinoids must follow California’s cannabis laws.

• Expands state/local authority to inspect, seize, destroy illegal products.

Context

• Follows 2018 Farm Bill legalizing hemp federally.

• Aligns with similar restrictive cannabis laws in other states, Congress.