Cheech & Chong File Lawsuit Against Californias Hemp Ban. Marin and Tommy Chong, the iconic cannabis .duo, are taking legal action against the California Department of Public Health. The suit challenges a sudden emergency regulation that bans hemp products with detectable THC levels. This new rule, introduced swiftly by Governor Gavin Newsom. Has sparked outrage among hemp businesses and advocates, as it impacts both large and small manufacturers.
Emergency Regulation Sparks Controversy
The ban was proposed under the guise of an “emergency,” catching the hemp industry off-guard. Cheech and Chong argue that California had ample time to develop a balanced regulatory framework. Instead, the rushed decision mirrors a drastic change akin to banning sugar from candy, according to the lawsuit.
The Distinction Between Hemp and Marijuana
In legal terms, hemp and marijuana are differentiated by THC levels, with hemp containing 0.3% or less. This distinction is central to the lawsuit. Which claims that the emergency regulation blurs lines established by existing California law, AB 45, passed in 2021. The duo’s case, supported by other hemp businesses. Insists that the state’s failure to establish proper guidelines is now unfairly penalizing the industry.
Small Businesses in the Crossfire
The lawsuit emphasizes that California’s emergency regulations disproportionately hurt small businesses, many of which could face significant financial losses. The new rule threatens to eliminate products previously legal, leaving manufacturers scrambling to adapt.
Legal Battles Ahead
Cheech and Chong, along with their legal team, are seeking a temporary restraining order. To halt the enforcement of the ban while the legal process unfolds. This case has drawn attention, not just for its celebrity plaintiffs but for its potential to reshape hemp regulations across California. Cheech & Chong File Lawsuit Against Californias Hemp Ban
