Why it matters:
A group of hemp growers and manufacturers in Alaska has filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s new hemp regulations, claiming they are unconstitutional and contradict federal law. The regulations, which recently went into effect, aim to regulate intoxicating hemp products. Critics argue that the rules are too restrictive and will hinder the growth of the hemp industry.
What they are saying:
Plaintiffs in the lawsuit argue that the regulations will make most of the state’s hemp products, including beverages and edibles, illegal. They believe that the rules violate the U.S. Constitution’s commerce clause and interfere with interstate commerce. Legal experts and industry professionals support the lawsuit, emphasizing the need for a consistent national framework for hemp regulation.
The big picture:
The lawsuit in Alaska is similar to another case filed in Florida recently, both raising concerns about the impact of state regulations on the hemp industry. The plaintiffs argue that federal law preempts state law and that the regulations go against the 2018 Farm Bill. The outcome of these lawsuits will likely have implications for the hemp industry and the development of national hemp regulations.
What to watch:
The lawsuit has been assigned to Judge Sharon Gleason, who has not yet set a schedule for written arguments on the requested restraining order. The outcome of this case will determine the fate of Alaska’s new hemp regulations and potentially influence the approach to hemp regulation in other states.
Take:
The lawsuit challenging Alaska’s hemp regulations highlights ongoing issues with establishing a consistent national framework for hemp. The plaintiffs’ argument that the regulations interfere with interstate commerce and violate federal law raises important questions about the relationship between state and federal regulations. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the growth and development of the hemp industry.
