ABC announces strong compliance found in illegal hemp enforcement sweeps
Following a court decision refusing to block new California Department of Public Health emergency regulations, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control continues its efforts to protect Californians from dangerous illegal hemp products.
Over the weekend, ABC agents visited 290 locations across the state. Six locations were found in violation, and 899 individual units of illegal hemp products were seized as a result.
The previous weekend, ABC agents visited 383 locations and seized more than 700 illegal products at 12 locations. To date, ABC agents have visited 673 locations and seized 1,622 illegal hemp products at 18 locations.
Agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control stand with seized illegal hemp products following an October operation. Following the California Department of Public Health’s emergency regulation prohibiting the marketing, offering for sale, or sale of industrial hemp products intended for human use that contain a detectable level of total THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids, ABC agents have visited 673 ABC-licensed locations and seized 1,622 illegal hemp products at 18 locations. (Photo courtesy of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control)“ABC will continue to enforce the emergency regulations,” ABC Director Joseph McCullough said. “THC-containing hemp products threaten harm to the public, particularly children. Licensees who continue to sell these prohibited and dangerous products will be held accountable.”
This weekend’s violations occurred in Los Angeles, Costa Mesa, Sanger, Fresno and two locations in Martinez. During a sweep the weekend prior, ABC agents had found similar, overwhelming compliance following nearly a month of public and industry education efforts.
The regulations, which were adopted by the California Department of Public Health and published by the Department on Sept. 24, prohibit the marketing, offering for sale, or sale of industrial hemp products intended for human use (including food, beverages, and dietary supplements) that contain a detectable level of total THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids.
California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control seize illegal hemp products during an October operation. Following the California Department of Public Health’s emergency regulation prohibiting the marketing, offering for sale, or sale of industrial hemp products intended for human use that contain a detectable level of total THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids, ABC agents have visited 673 ABC-licensed locations and seized 1,622 illegal hemp products at 18 locations. (Photo courtesy of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control)ABC informed licensees that they may not carry, market, or sell products that do not comply with the regulations. Businesses that fail to follow the law could face legal or administrative discipline, including loss of license.
ABC will continue to visit licensed locations throughout the state to enforce the new regulations and ensure illegal products are not being sold. Licensees should be familiar with the new regulations and understand how to comply. More information is available here. Anyone interested in filing a complaint concerning illegal hemp products at an ABC-licensed location can visit ABC’s website.
About the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control licenses and regulates alcoholic beverages in California. ABC’s mission is to provide the highest level of service and public safety to the people of California through licensing, education, and enforcement. ABC is a department of the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency.
