Iowa GOP Governor Signs Bill Limiting THC Content In Hemp-Derived Consumable Products

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds (R) signed multiple bills into law Friday including a measure that seeks to address loopholes in both state and federal hemp laws. The bill, House File 2605, imposes restrictions on hemp-derived consumable products sold in the state that contain (THC), like Delta-9 drinks and gummies. 

Prior to this law, Iowans were able to buy consumable hemp products with less than 0.3% THC by volume, which means that a one-liter drink could have contained up to 1,000 milligrams of THC. Under new law, legal consumable hemp products can contain up to four milligrams of THC per serving and 10 milligrams per container. Any hemp products having more than a limited amount will be considered illegal for sale. 

"I have concerns about this bill and have heard from individuals and groups on both sides of the issue," stated Governor Reynolds. "Ultimately, I am signing it into law to protect minors from dangerous and intoxicating products. At the same time, we've taken steps to ensure that children who are resistant to medications and suffer from seizures and other medical conditions continue to have access to consumable hemp alternatives for relief."

Changes in cannabis and hemp laws are constantly happening, but the space is definitely growing. To learn all about the future of the cannabis industry, join us at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference this October in Chicago. Hear directly from key industry players and policymakers. Get your tickets now by following this link. 

In March, the measure was approved in a 79-16 vote with bipartisan support in the state House. 

“I would respectfully ask that we put the safety and well-being of our citizens and our amazing state first in this discussion,” Rep. Steven Holt (R), who managed the bill said at the time. “First and foremost in this discussion should be the health and well-being of our citizens.”

Holt added that the lawmakers never planned to legalize intoxicating products when they approved the Iowa Hemp Act.

Stricter regulations in the industry were not welcomed by retailers and brewers that sell products with THC. 

See Also: Iowa Senate Committee Approves Bill Adding 25% Excise Tex On Consumable Hemp Products

Photo: Benzinga edit with images by Gage Skidmore  via Wikimedia Commons and Roxana Gonzalez via Shutterstock