Sacramento County bans sale of some hemp products containing cannabis

(FOX40.COM) — The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted an ordinance that will ban the sale of certain products containing intoxicating cannabinoids derived from hemp. 

The ordinance, which applies to businesses in the unincorporated County, was passed Tuesday and becomes effective on Nov. 21.

“Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our community, particularly our children and adolescents,” said District 3 Supervisor Rich Desmond. “By prohibiting the sale of these intoxicating hemp products, we are taking a proactive step to eliminate the risks associated with unregulated substances that can lead to health emergencies.”

According to Sacramento County, loopholes in the Farm Bill of 2018 and Assembly Bill 45 allowed unregulated products containing intoxicating cannabinoids to be sold in locations such as smoke shops, gas stations, and convenience stores.

“Because people of any age could purchase those unregulated products, there was a subsequent rise in emergency room visits and ​hospitalizations due to ingestion and adverse events, particularly in young children and adolescents,” Sacramento County said.  

The amended ordinance prohibits sales of chemically or synthetically altered industrial hemp products with a concentration of higher than .3% of THC.