Fewer choices in THC drinks? Changes in cannabis product lines at local shops? An end to sales of potent THC gummies at gas stations and convenience stores? Last month, Congress passed legislation to ban or restrict the production and sale of certain types of cannabis edibles, drinks and vapes derived from hemp. It was included, without much advance notice, in the bill that ended the federal government shutdown.
Leaders in Central New York's legal cannabis industry, who have seen many changes since its debut less than a decade ago, are now trying to wrap their heads around this new wrinkle.
"There's a lot going on here and a lot to think about," said Allan Gandelman, who runs the Head & Heal cannabis business in Cortland County and is a founding member of the trade group known as the Cannabis Association of New York. "It's been a bit of surprise to some people, so there's different reactions."
Some in the industry worry about the changes, while others applaud them. One expert predicts only minor effects in New York state. The new law essentially overturns changes in federal agriculture law that went into effect in 2018. Those 2018 changes deregulated hemp products, and led to the proliferation of hemp cannabis that was supposed to be less potent than marijuana (less than 0.3% THC).
Read more at syracuse.com
