California Court Upholds Hemp Product Ban

In California, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge upheld the state's emergency ban on certain hemp products, rejecting a request from cannabis businesses to temporarily lift the ban while legal proceedings continue. The judge emphasized the importance of protecting Californians, particularly children, over the economic impacts on hemp businesses. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, a federal court partially blocked a new hemp law, finding it unfairly restricted sales and transportation of federally legal hemp products and discriminated against out-of-state businesses. The ruling preserved some provisions, like banning sales to minors, but struck down those favoring in-state businesses, aligning with the 2018 Farm Bill. The decision leaves New Jersey's hemp industry in flux as regulations are developed over the next six months. Both states' legal landscapes reflect ongoing tensions between state regulations and federal hemp laws.