Supporters, opponents gather as lawmakers discuss hemp industry bill
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Businesses in the hemp industry are urging lawmakers to reconsider a proposal they say could threaten their livelihoods, while supporters argue the measure is necessary to protect public safety.
Crowds filled the halls of the legislature as hemp business owners and employees lobbied lawmakers to oppose House Bill 328.
Industry representatives said the legislation, while intended to address safety concerns, would have far-reaching consequences for businesses that sell hemp-derived products.
I don't think we should shut down an industry based on emotion.- John Boccella, The Hemp Company
"The legislation is coming from a good place; they want to protect the public safety, but the narrative has been twisted a bit," said Joshua Lardie of Apotheca.
Hemp products, including THC beverages sold at stores and breweries, have operated in what opponents described as a largely unregulated industry.
Critics of HB 328 contend that the proposal goes beyond regulation and would effectively ban many of the products currently on the market.
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"Our jobs are in danger, one; constituents' access is in danger, and that's unfortunate," Lardie said.
Meanwhile, some Republican lawmakers, along with sheriffs and law enforcement officials, voiced support for the bill, arguing it is needed to protect the public.
"Some will say this bill will put stores out of business, but I say if a business depends primarily on these dangerous products to our children, then that will indeed be the result," said Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes.
Business owners pushed back against those concerns, saying they conduct their own product testing, use product labeling, and do not sell to children. Many also said they support banning sales to people younger 21 but object to other provisions of the legislation, which they believe are too restrictive.
"I don't think we should shut down an industry based on emotion, I think it should be based on facts, and the facts are that most of the people are doing the right thing, and we want to get the bad actors out, and the way you do it is to regulate it and license it and you get rid of the bad actors that way," said John Boccella of The Hemp Company.
As debate about HB 328 continues, supporters and opponents remain divided about whether the measure represents needed regulation or an unnecessary threat to the hemp industry.
