The recent vote in Congress to end the government shutdown included a significant ban on certain hemp products that contain THC. This move is set to drastically affect businesses, especially in the Pittsburgh area.
At Lawrenceville Hemp Co., Carter Utz is feeling the pressure. She opened her shop in April 2024 after a severe accident led to a settlement, which she used to launch her dream business. “We wanted to create a space for people to find legal THC products to help with pain, anxiety, and more,” Utz shared. These products have immensely improved her quality of life as someone managing Type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
However, a year from now, she might find her shelves empty due to the new ban, which restricts hemp and CBD products with THC levels above 0.4 milligrams. “I’m worried about staying open,” Utz said, highlighting the uncertainty facing her and countless others in the industry.
This change closes a loophole from the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed THC-rich products to flood the market, appealing to children through their colorful packaging. Patrick Nightingale, a criminal defense attorney and president of the Pittsburgh chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, explained, “It’s created a largely unregulated marketplace with untested products reaching consumers.” This law could effectively remove most hemp products from convenience stores and online retailers.
For these products to return legally in Pennsylvania, state lawmakers would need to draft new regulations, similar to those for medical marijuana. Without action, Utz fears for her livelihood and the fate of many others. “This is my livelihood they’re jeopardizing,” she said.
According to a recent report from Whitney Economics, this legislative change could devastate the cannabis industry, wiping out 95% of businesses and costing the state $1.5 billion in lost tax revenue. This statistic paints a stark picture of the impact on local economies and the communities that rely on these businesses.
As the landscape of hemp regulation shifts, the effects on consumers and business owners alike will become even clearer. Without supportive policies, many who have benefited from these products may be left searching for alternatives.
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Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Josh Shapiro
