Senate panel approves ban on hemp-derived THC beverages for under-21s

The Senate Business and Insurance Committee on the motion of Pro Tem Senator Paxton amended and passed House Bill 4248 to bar sales and possession of beverages containing hemp by people under 21.

Sponsor Senator Paxton told the committee that the legal distinction between hemp and marijuana in Oklahoma is the THC content and that manufacturers have been extracting concentrated THC from hemp and putting it into drinks that resemble energy beverages. "They are putting that THC into drinks," Paxton said, arguing the products can cause significant impairment and are not currently regulated.

The committee adopted an amendment that replaced the bill's text with a provision that "No person shall knowingly sell, deliver, or furnish any beverage containing hemp to any person under 21 years of age, or possess any beverage containing hemp if under 21 years of age." After no questions or extended debate, the committee recorded 9 ayes and 0 nays and the chair declared the bill passed in committee.

The measure moves forward from committee with the amendment as adopted.