Georgia state Sen. Sam Watson, R-Moultrie.

MOULTRIE — On July 1, a state law took effect that regulates the sale of hemp products and provides for mandatory licenses for wholesalers and retailers.

“As the sponsor of this bill, I saw a critical need for amending the original legislation to address several pressing issues. Currently, the sale of hemp is unregulated, making it easily accessible to minors and available at numerous locations without proper oversight. This lack of regulation raises significant concerns about the content and safety of these products,” said Sen. Sam Watson, R-Moultrie.

He also said the bill introduces a regulatory framework for the Department of Agriculture to oversee hemp sales, ensuring that only legal substances are sold.

“This is crucial not only for consumer safety but also for supporting farmers who are part of the hemp industry. By aligning our regulations with federal standards, we ensure that the hemp sold in our state meets stringent safety and quality requirements,” Watson said.

Some things that Senate Bill 494 includes are authorizing the Department of Agriculture to enforce certain criminal laws (relating to hemp products); prohibiting persons from performing certain activities (relating to hemp products) without licenses; providing for the issuance of licenses relating to the manufacturing and sale of consumable hemp products; and providing restrictions on the sale and advertisement of hemp products.

The new legislation also prohibits the sale of consumable hemp products to individuals under the age of 21 and prohibits the purchase or possession of hemp products by individuals under the age of 21.

Watson said that the legislation helps level the playing field for the agricultural industry by regulating hemp in a manner similar to alcohol and tobacco. He said it also lowers the processing fees for producers, making it more economically viable to grow hemp in Georgia.

“This supports our local farmers and encourages consumers to buy from them rather than cheaper, imported, and potentially unsafe products,” he said.

As of the time of publication, The Moultrie Observer could find no local ordinances that specifically related to the possession, sale or manufacturing of hemp products.

“I view this bill as a consumer protection measure, providing the Department of Agriculture with the necessary tools to safeguard our residents. We are committed to continuing our work in the next legislative session to enhance the safety and profitability of hemp production in Georgia,” said Watson.