Louisiana hemp industry faces new restrictions as 2025 laws loom [Video]

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – The new year means new restrictions on consumable THC products like seltzers and gummies. Louisiana’s latest hemp laws will go into effect in less than two weeks.

It’s something small businesses in the hemp industry are not happy about.

State Rep. Mandie Landry said lawmakers passed bills that weren’t as thorough as they should have been, describing the new legislation as a step toward correcting past missteps. However, hemp industry leaders argue the laws will hurt their success.

“We were facing a pretty existential threat to our state, and we survived that. We did not come out unscathed, however,” said Joe Gerrity, CEO of Crescent Canna.

Starting January 1st, 2025, you won’t be able to buy consumable hemp products if you’re under 21 or from a gas station—the current subject of a lawsuit.

“It’s a problem with regulation, and frankly, they’ve been scapegoated,” Gerrity said.

The …