Newsom says his controversial hemp THC ban is 99.7% effective

OG Article

Lester Black

May 8, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office says the state has essentially eradicated hemp-derived THC products from alcohol sellers after it instituted an emergency ban in September. In a Thursday news release, Newsom announced that state officers have found almost 100% of businesses visited by inspectors were in compliance. 

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Newsom issued the immediate ban on hemp-derived THC last year, saying the widespread sales pose a public health risk. Hemp-derived THC is an intoxicating compound found in cannabis plants but sold outside of the state’s regulated dispensaries, often in drinks or vape cartridges.

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Many stores were still selling hemp THC products after the surprising ban went into effect, according to an SFGATE investigation at the time. Store owners said they were unaware that it had become illegal to sell intoxicating hemp vape pens and drinks. That now appears to have changed, according to the release. 

Officers with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control have since visited 11,445 businesses and recorded 99.7% compliance with the ban, according to the news release. Devin Blankenship, a spokesperson for the agency, said liquor store owners have quickly learned they can’t sell the products.

“I think at first most of the licensees were just unaware of what was happening, and since then, most of our licensees have done a good job of reaching out or educating themselves on what they can or cannot sell,” Blankenship said.

The inspections only cover stores that are licensed by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and do not include hemp companies that advertise hemp on social media and ship directly to customers.

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The burgeoning hemp industry tried to block Newsom’s emergency ban, but a court rejected that attempt. Newsom’s initial 6-month ban was extended in March for another 90 days and is set to expire in late June. The emergency ban can only be extended for one more 90-day period, according to the Office of Administrative Law. 

Newsom’s office did not immediately respond to an SFGATE question regarding what the governor plans to do once the emergency ban expires.