The state of Louisiana opened its doors to the hemp industry back in 2020. At that point, the state’s hemp industry was valued at $500,000. In just a few short years, that number has skyrocketed to $33 million. In turn, the tax revenue from hemp products in the state grew from $64,000 to $4.1 million. At this rate, it’s difficult to imagine why the state would consider interfering with this growing industry. 

That’s why many were surprised to find out that Senator Thomas Pressly (R-Shreveport) introduced a bill which would require all CBD products to contain no trace of delta-9 THC. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp products which contain 0.3% or less THC are considered federally legal. However, if this bill becomes state law, “the THC aspect of the industrial hemp would be over in Louisiana,” states Pressly. 

Senator Pressly maintains that the reasoning behind this bill is to limit the access minors have to intoxicating hemp products. While CBD is not intoxicating on its own, other cannabinoids such as delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC, and HHC, do produce psychoactive effects. Pressly hopes that this bill would keep these intoxicating products away from minors. This bill is currently waiting to be debated in the House Committee on Criminal Justice.

Are Hemp Products Legal in Louisiana?

Hemp products are currently legal for adults 21 years of age and older to purchase and use in the state of Louisiana. Any hemp products that contain more than 0.5 mg of THC must be labeled for “adult use.” It is also legal for farmers to grow “industrial hemp” plants. A license to grow industrial hemp in the state of Louisiana costs $500 a year. Up until now, the state of Louisiana has agreed with the United States federal government that hemp products which contain 0.3% THC or less are considered legal: hemp that contains any more THC than that level are considered marijuana. This could all change if Pressly’s bill is passed by the House. 

Learn About Legal Hemp Products at Real Tested CBD!

If you want to purchase legal hemp products, it is vital that you first check your state’s laws and regulations. Because the Farm Bill only legalized hemp-derived products at the federal level, the legality of these products could vary from state to state. Read through more articles about the legality of hemp products in the United States on the Real Tested CBD blog! On our website, you’ll also be able to read through third-party lab test results and unbiased reviews for dozens of CBD and delta-8 products. Remember that the next time you’re shopping for high-quality CBD or delta-8 products, Real Tested CBD is at your fingertips!