Advocate asks Escondido to agendize AB 8 enforcement to curb youth access to high‑potency hemp products

Becky Rappin urged the Escondido City Council to put enforcement of Assembly Bill 8 (AB 8) on a future agenda and to develop a coordinated local response involving law enforcement, code enforcement and public education.

Rappin said AB 8 closes a loophole that has allowed high‑potency hemp products to be sold in convenience stores and vape shops with little oversight, and she cited risks to youth including addiction and impaired learning. "Starting in 2026, these products must be tested, tracked, and taxed," Rappin said, and she asked the city to update local ordinances to align with AB 8’s new definitions and restrictions, train inspectors to identify illegal product sales and launch a public‑education campaign about harms to young people.

Rappin framed the request as prevention and education in addition to enforcement and said Escondido has an "opportunity to lead" on the issue. The council did not take formal action on the request during the meeting.