NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – This week, Congress reopened the federal government, but may have closed the future of the consumable hemp industry.
The reopening package creates a one-year wind-down of the sale of intoxicating hemp-based products.
Popular consumable hemp products contain THC, the compound that provides a high.
Jeffrey Wells manages three Simply Cannabis stores in New Orleans, which sell those THC products.
He said that, if the law is not changed, it will end his industry.
“It doesn’t really feel like there’s any hope left. It feels like they really just signed away tens of thousands of jobs and regulated me out of one, even though I’ve done nothing but follow their rules,” he said.
The passage of the law came after more than 30 bipartisan attorneys general, including Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, signed a letter calling for Congressional action on the issue. They warned the industry was underregulated and a threat to public health.
Louisiana state lawmakers have also attempted to ban consumable hemp products in the past.
Crescent Canna, the producer of Crescent 9 THC seltzers, is based in New Orleans. Co-founder David Reich said he’s optimistic the law will change within the year.
“Yesterday we had our best day ever on CrescentCanna.com, and I’m not really surprised because I think this industry is about to get more coverage and exposure and attention than we’ve ever gotten before,” he said.
“Rightfully so, because it is already loved by and enjoyed by millions of Americans across the country and millions of Americans who enjoy and depend on these products.”
Congressman Troy Carter (D-New Orleans) voted against the re-opening package while Congressman Steve Scalise (R-Plaquemines Parish) voted for it.
See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Click Here to report it. Please include the headline.
Subscribe to the Fox 8 YouTube channel.
Copyright 2025 WVUE. All rights reserved.