6 days ago
Albuquerque city councilors pass ordinance regulating hemp products
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – On Monday, Albuquerque city councilors passed an ordinance that would bring more oversight to the sale of hemp products. KRQE News 13's Larry Barker first exposed the problem of cannabis products being identified as hemp, allowing them to be sold anywhere, including convenience stores and gas stations.
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Monday night, city councilors passed a bill that brings regulation to hemp products. The piece of legislation sponsored by Councilor Dan Lewis bans synthetic cannabinoids exceeding 0.3% of THC. 'If you watch that Larry Barker investigation, he talked to enough people around Albuquerque. It's pretty widespread, and it certainly is happening in retail stores, and it is a poison that is causing problems with our kids,' said Councilor Lewis.
Multiple hemp manufacturers showed up at the meeting, saying they feel like they are being targeted by the city. 'We are being targeted as if we are the problem. This ordinance offers no path for compliant and responsible businesses or manufacturers like us. Only penalties,' said Jeffrey Goncharoff, business owner.
The ordinance passed on a 7-2 vote.
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