Latest news with #SenateBill254
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hemp-infused drinks could be banned in Georgia if proposed legislation passes
Georgia lawmakers are considering new legislation that would prohibit the sale of beverages containing THC and limit the THC content in gummies and other products to 0.3 percent. 'This could literally crush our industry and take us down to our knees,' Georgia Hemp Company co-owner Joe Salome told Channel 2′s Tom Regan. Salome has a half dozen stores in the metro Atlanta area that sell CBD and hemp products. Last year, the state enacted a law that banned the sale of smokeable hemp flower and most hemp edibles, except gummies. 'Now we're looking at two more bills that could continue to decrease our product opportunities and revenue,' Salome said. Two Georgia Republican senators, including Senator Bill Cowsert of Athens, helped win passage of the law banning THC-infused drinks on the Senate floor, SB 254. 'This is for public safety. You may hear other people speak on this, but these current ten-milligram beverages are like four shots of liquor, or four glasses of wine, or four beers - all in one can. So we are putting loaded guns in people's hands in the form of a can, or a gummy. We need to protect them and keep them away from children. We need to make sure people are responsible in the use of these products,' Senator Cowsert said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Salome says people should not consume THC drinks and drive or operate machinery. However, he believes the purported intoxicating effects of a 12-ounce can of the beverage are exaggerated and misleading. 'Cannabis is a much safer and healthier choice than alcohol. Alcohol is a poison. It messes with your gut. It's a poison and it hurts your body and organs over time,' Salome said. The hemp store owner said the industry is not opposed to standards and regulations, but not regulations that are extreme and unnecessary. 'We are limiting our growth here in Georgia and our business. We need to be open to this and not opposed,' Salome said. Both Senate Bill 254 and Senate Bill 33, which would restrict THC potency, are pending in the State House where they could be amended and voted on before the legislative session concludes April 4. TRENDING STORIES: North GA volunteer firefighter arrested for sharing photos of twins' death scene on social media State orders GA church daycare to shut down after director, 2 workers arrested 53 arrested, kilos of meth and fentanyl seized in Gwinnett County 'Operation One Star' [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Today at the Roundhouse, March 18, & recap
Mar. 18—It's the last week of the 60-day legislative session and hundreds of bills are still in limbo at the Roundhouse. All bills not approved by both the House and Senate by the time the session ends Saturday at noon are officially dead. Here's a key bill to watch out for on Tuesday, March 18, and a recap of Monday. Tax package remodel: A House-approved bill that would tie an expanded working families tax credit to an increased oil tax is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee. The bill, House Bill 14, was approved Saturday by the House. But it's typical for tax bills to be amended in the Senate after being crafted in the House. Monday recap Psilocybin: A bill creating a state-run psilocybin program for New Mexicans with certain diagnosed medical conditions passed its first — and only — assigned House committee. The House Health and Human Services Committee voted 8-1 to advance the legislation, Senate Bill 219, which passed the Senate last week. Cybersecurity: The Senate passed Senate Bill 254, which would require the state's Cybersecurity Office to develop minimum cybersecurity protections for state-operated or state-owned telecommunications networks. It heads to the House now. Bobby's bolo battle: Senators all around were styling on Saturday, vying to win a bolo tie contest put on by Sen. Roberto "Bobby" Gonzales, D-Ranchos de Taos. At the end of the day, Sen. George Muñoz, D-Gallup, pulled in the win with a tiger bolo, presumably representing the Gallup High School tigers. Where the bills stand HB14: Passed House. Awaiting hearing in Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee. SB219: Passed House Health and Human Services Committee. Now heads to House floor, then would advance to governor's desk. SB254: Passed Senate. Awaiting House committee assignments, then must pass House committees and House floor in order to advance to governor's desk.
