**Why it matters:**
The Iowa legislative panel has approved a bill that gives the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the authority to regulate consumable hemp products. The lack of regulation in Iowa has led to the proliferation of hemp-derived products with intoxicating cannabinoids, which has raised concerns about public safety and the potential for minors to access these products. The bill aims to address these issues by setting potency limits, establishing age restrictions, and imposing criminal penalties for selling or giving these products to minors.
**What they are saying:**
Lawmakers and mental health advocates support the bill, emphasizing the need to regulate highly potent THC products to protect public health, particularly among young people. They argue that the current lack of regulation allows children to purchase these products, posing serious mental consequences such as psychosis. Business owners in the hemp industry, however, oppose the legislation, arguing that it goes too far and is unfair to those who produce non-psychoactive hemp products.
**The big picture:**
With the legalization of hemp federally and in Iowa, there is a need for regulations to ensure the quality and safety of consumable hemp products. The state of Iowa currently lacks quality standards and regulations for the production, distribution, and sale of these products. By giving HHS the authority to regulate these products, the bill aims to fill this regulatory gap and address concerns about the proliferation of highly potent THC products and their accessibility to minors.
**What to watch:**
It will be important to monitor the progress of the bill as it moves to the full House Committee on Public Safety for further consideration. The committee will determine whether to advance the bill and potentially make amendments based on input from stakeholders, including business owners, advocates, and lawmakers. The outcome of the bill will have implications for the regulation of consumable hemp products in Iowa and may serve as a model for other states looking to establish similar regulations.
**My take:**
Regulating consumable hemp products is crucial for public safety and ensuring quality standards in the industry. While it is important to address concerns about highly potent THC products and their accessibility to minors, it is equally important to differentiate between responsible businesses producing non-psychoactive products and those engaged in producing intoxicating products. Striking the right balance between regulation and supporting the growth of the hemp industry will be crucial to effectively address these concerns and promote the responsible use of hemp-derived products.
