A new bill introduced by North Carolina Representative Tim Reeder aims to regulate the sale of hemp-derived cannabis products. This legislation, known as House Bill 680, would prohibit the sale of these products to individuals younger than 21 years old. Additionally, it would grant the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABC) the authority to oversee sales to those of legal age.
Rep. Tim Reeder, a Republican from Pitt County and an emergency physician at ECU Health Medical Center, announced the bill during a news conference in Raleigh. He stated that his motivation for filing this legislation stems from a noticeable increase in the number of young people visiting the emergency department after using hemp products.
The proposed law would also establish licensing requirements for sellers of hemp-derived items. This is intended to ensure that retailers comply with the age restrictions and other regulations outlined in the bill. By doing so, Reeder hopes to protect children from accessing potentially harmful substances.
The Protect Children from Cannabis Act comes at a time when Delta-8 and Delta-9 products are becoming increasingly available in stores, such as D’s Mart on Jarvis Street in Greenville. Reeder’s bill reflects growing concerns about the safety and regulation of these cannabis products in North Carolina.
