HR368: HR368 Joint Study Committee on Intoxicating Cannabinoids in Consumable Hemp Products; create

Georgia legalized hemp production and regulated consumable hemp products, but current law only limits delta-9-THC and does not address other potentially intoxicating substances derived from cannabis, such as delta-8-THC, THCA, and HHC. This resolution creates the House Study Committee on Intoxicating Cannabinoids in Consumable Hemp Products to look into these substances, which lawmakers say are showing up in products sold at 'alarming rates' with no restrictions. The five-member committee would be appointed by the Speaker of the House, meet as needed, and gather input from the hemp industry, government agencies, law enforcement, and the public before any restrictions are proposed. It would also study whether Georgia should impose an excise tax on consumable hemp products, especially hemp beverages. The committee must file any findings or recommended legislation before it is abolished on December 31, 2025.

• Creates the House Study Committee on Intoxicating Cannabinoids in Consumable Hemp Products, made up of five House members appointed by the Speaker.
• Directs the committee to study intoxicating cannabinoids beyond delta-9-THC, such as delta-8-THC, THCA, and HHC, that are currently unregulated in consumable hemp products.
• Authorizes the committee to study whether Georgia should impose an excise tax on consumable hemp products, particularly hemp beverages.
• Allows committee members to receive standard legislative allowances under O.C.G.A. § 28-1-8 for up to five days of work, funded through the House of Representatives' budget.
• Requires the committee to file a report with any findings or proposed legislation before it disbands on December 31, 2025.

Georgia hemp farmers and processors, retailers selling consumable hemp products including hemp beverages, consumers of those products, law enforcement officers, and the five House members who would serve on the study committee.

Georgians who buy or sell consumable hemp products currently face no state rules on intoxicating substances like delta-8-THC or HHC. This committee would gather input before any new restrictions or a possible excise tax are proposed, shaping what future regulation of the hemp industry might look like.

• Paragraph (1) creates the House Study Committee on Intoxicating Cannabinoids in Consumable Hemp Products.
• Paragraph (2) sets the committee at five House members appointed by the Speaker, who also names the chairperson.
• Paragraph (3) directs the committee to study the issues described in the resolution and recommend action or legislation.
• Paragraph (5) sets member allowances under O.C.G.A. § 28-1-8, capped at five days unless additional days are authorized, funded by the House of Representatives.
• Paragraph (6) requires any approved findings or proposed legislation to be filed as a report with the Clerk of the House before abolishment.
• Paragraph (7) abolishes the committee on December 31, 2025.

1. 2025-04-04House Withdrawn, Recommitted (House)
2. 2025-03-27House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (House)
3. 2025-02-27House Second Readers (House)
4. 2025-02-26House First Readers (House)
5. 2025-02-24House Hopper (House)

• Steven Sainz (R, HD-180)Primary sponsor
• William Werkheiser (R, HD-157)
• Ron Stephens (R, HD-164)
• Mandi Ballinger (R, HD-023)
• Rick Townsend (R, HD-179)

• hemp regulation
• THC products
• cannabis policy
• excise taxes
• consumer safety