- Gibson Martucci
- 916-319-3104
- gibson.martucci@asm.ca.gov
(SACRAMENTO, CA) — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 8 (AB 8) into law. Authored by Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), AB 8 strengthens enforcement against illegal intoxicating hemp products and integrates hemp-derived cannabinoids into California’s regulated cannabis market, protecting consumer safety and safeguarding youth.
“Bad actors have abused state and federal law to sell intoxicating hemp products in our state. As the author of legislation that allowed the legal sale of non-intoxicating hemp CBD products, this is absolutely unacceptable,” said Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters). “AB 8 is a result of years of collaboration with this administration, and I appreciate the governor’s signature.”
AB 8 ensures all products containing intoxicating cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are sold exclusively through licensed cannabis dispensaries. It empowers state and local health agencies to seize and destroy illegal products and revoke tobacco licenses from smoke shops selling illicit hemp or cannabis goods. The law also reinforces prohibitions on synthetic intoxicants like Delta-8 and Delta-10. Also, in support of a fair, regulated marketplace, AB 8 brings intoxicating hemp cannabinoids and products with trace levels of THC (less than 0.3% THC) under California’s cannabis framework, subjecting them to testing, regulation, and taxation. Traditional hemp products—including pure cannabidiol (CBD), fiber, and food products—remain legal in general retail.
"Today is a major win for public health and consumer safety in California. For too long, intoxicating hemp products have been sold in gas stations and convenience stores with no age verification, no testing, and no accountability, putting our communities, especially our kids, at risk. AB 8 closes that dangerous loophole by ensuring these products can only be sold through licensed, regulated dispensaries where they belong. We're deeply grateful to Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry for her leadership on this issue and to Governor Newsom for signing it into law,” said Executive Director Amy O'Gorman, California Cannabis Operators Association.
AB 8 is sponsored by the California Cannabis Operators Association and supported by the Western States Council of United Food and Commercial Workers Union, local governments, law enforcement associations, and school safety advocates—united in the effort to stop intoxicating hemp from undermining consumer safety and California’s regulated marketplace.
“Our first job is to protect our kids and our communities, and with this bill, we’ll have responsible regulation, increased enforcement, and support for our struggling legal cannabis businesses against criminal competition,” concludes Aguiar-Curry.
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