Sponsor advances retail ban in SB624 to curb intoxicating 'hemp' products aimed at children

Sponsor Kelly (Representative Wheeler) described two proposed amendments to SB624 aimed at keeping intoxicating synthetic hemp‑labeled products out of retail stores and away from children, presenting a shorter amendment (1345) and a more detailed version (1375).

Kelly said the shorter amendment "strictly bans this from being sold at retail sale" and shifts penalties to retailers rather than young consumers, calling the approach "protect, don't punish our kids." Committee members asked how retailers would determine product contents and whether labeling or QR‑code testing requirements should be added; Kelly said many products already carry QR codes linked to laboratory certificates of analysis and that the fuller amendment contains more labeling requirements.

Representatives expressed broad support for restricting products marketed to children. Representative Miner asked whether the draft is age‑restricted or a blanket ban; Kelly replied the shorter amendment establishes a prohibition for the specified intoxicating products (with a threshold cited in committee discussion as 4 milligrams THC or trace thresholds designed to avoid criminalizing lawful CBD products). Members signaled they would accept a labeling requirement in a follow‑up amendment and asked the sponsor to circulate final language ahead of the next hearing.

The committee did not take a final vote; the sponsor said she would circulate updated amendment text, including labeling language, before the next meeting.