Fact Check: Bipartisan Support for Regulating Psychoactive Hemp is Surging in North Carolina
What We Know
Recent legislative developments in North Carolina indicate a significant push towards regulating psychoactive hemp products, particularly Delta 9 THC. The North Carolina Senate has proposed a bill that seeks to ban the sale of certain hemp products to individuals under the age of 21 and impose strict regulations on their production and distribution. This bill has garnered bipartisan support, with notable endorsements from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, including Democratic state Attorney General Jeff Jackson, who stated that the legislation is "long overdue" and reflects public concern regarding the accessibility of these products to minors (source-2).
The proposed regulations would require businesses to be licensed to sell hemp products, enforce lab testing, and mandate child-resistant packaging. These measures aim to ensure that products sold in North Carolina do not contain harmful substances and are not accessible to children (source-4). Additionally, the House has previously passed a bill (House Bill 328) that restricts the use of Delta 8 and Delta 9 products on school grounds, indicating a growing legislative consensus on the need for regulation (source-2).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim of surging bipartisan support for regulating psychoactive hemp in North Carolina is substantial. The Senate's proposal has received unanimous backing from both the Senate Health and Senate Finance committees, which is a strong indicator of bipartisan agreement on the issue (source-5). Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns about the potential dangers posed by unregulated hemp products, particularly to minors. Senate leader Phil Berger emphasized the need for regulation to prevent the state from becoming "the Wild West" regarding hemp sales (source-4).
However, it is important to note that while there is bipartisan support for regulating psychoactive hemp, there are still differing opinions on the specifics of the legislation. The House has yet to act on several hemp regulation proposals, and there is uncertainty about whether they will align with the Senate's more comprehensive approach (source-7). This divergence could impact the overall effectiveness of the regulatory framework being proposed.
The sources cited are credible, with reports coming from established news organizations and official legislative documents. However, the potential for bias exists, particularly in how different outlets may frame the urgency or necessity of the regulations based on their political leanings.
Conclusion
The claim that bipartisan support for regulating psychoactive hemp is surging in North Carolina is True. The legislative actions and statements from key lawmakers indicate a strong consensus on the need for regulation to protect public health, especially concerning minors' access to these products. The ongoing discussions and proposed bills reflect a significant shift towards establishing a regulatory framework for hemp products in the state.
Sources
- NC Senate seeks ban on synthetic hemp and new regs for ...
- NC Senate moves to ban youth hemp sales, regulate kratom
- Support for regulating psychoactive hemp gains ...
- North Carolina Lawmakers Advance Bill To Regulate ...
- NC Senators advance legislation to regulate synthetic ...
- Stein launches cannabis task force, seeking to regulate ...
