At a rally held at Tap Yard, industry representatives urged lawmakers to reconsider the measure before it is taken up by the House this week.
Reilly Dunn of Groovewagon, who organized the rally, said the bill's proposed limits on THC levels would have severe consequences for hemp businesses.
"This would put us out of business in November, overnight. It'd be really, really bad for me and my wife and the employees that we have all across the state," Dunn said.
Supporters of the industry argued that hemp-derived beverages and other products are popular with consumers and can be sold safely under regulations. Dunn said public support for hemp products crosses political lines.
"It's one of the most bipartisan issues we have in the whole country. And it's not just a bunch of shady gas station weirdos," Dunn said.
Business owners at the rally said they support regulation of the industry and pointed to measures they already use, including warning labels, information about THC content and QR codes that provide additional product details. Jack Sherrie of Delta said businesses have experience providing product guidance to consumers.
"We have instructions on the back of exactly how to use the products. You know, we've been doing this for over six years, so we have a ton of experience in this industry," Sherrie said.
Industry representatives also pointed to a Senate version of the legislation that would have imposed an age requirement of 21 and older, a provision they said they support.
John Boccella of The Hemp Company said industry members favor additional safeguards.
"So if it's about protecting the children, that that bill was the bill to go ahead and do that. And we thought that was just a good start. You know, we want more regulation than that. We want third-party testing. We want child-resistant packaging; we want proper labeling. You know, we want a lot of other things. We want licensing for that matter," Boccella said.
As lawmakers prepare to consider the House measure, Speaker Destin Hall's office provided a statement on the proposal. "Speaker Hall recognizes the need for stronger hemp regulations, especially safeguards to ensure these products are not sold to minors. Whether or not the House adopts House Bill 328 is ultimately up to the Republican caucus when they consider it this week."
Lawmakers are scheduled to return to session Tuesday. Organizers said they are planning another rally as the House is expected to take up the bill this week.
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