Regulators within the U.S. Virgin Islands have warned licensed hemp retailers to cease promoting meals and drinks containing CBD, uncooked flowers and pre-rolls beneath menace of punishment – resulting in confusion.
The V.I. Division of Licensing and Shopper Affairs (DLCA) and the Workplace of Hashish Regulation (OCR), in a “reminder,” mentioned prohibited for retail sale particularly are CBD gummies, CBD or THC drink components, and any merchandise containing greater than 0.3% THC.
“These restrictions will likely be enforced,” the companies famous in a joint press launch. “Failure to stick to the phrases and situations of this license could end result within the seizure of prohibited stock, fines, and or the suspension or revocation of the license, as stipulated within the acknowledgement that every one licensees signed upon receipt of the Hemp Retailers License.”
CBD’s standing muddled
It’s unclear if CBD in different varieties and formulations could also be offered. In accordance with the press launch, issued Monday, July 8, the one authorized hemp meals for people and animals are these that don’t comprise CBD or THC, hulled hemp seeds, hemp seed protein, and hemp seed oil. Additionally, cosmetics merchandise containing CBD or most 0.3% THC are allowed.
In seeming contradiction of the warning issued this week, Virgin Islands insurance policies on industrial hemp record CBD amongst outputs recognized as “affordable makes use of for hemp,” and establishes labeling necessities which indicate the compound’s acceptability beneath a hemp legislation first enacted in 2016 that was later underpinned by the 2018 U.S. Farm Invoice.
Hemp board reactivated
Requested for clarification throughout a assembly of the Hashish Advisory Board and the OCR yesterday, OCR Government Director Joanne Moorehead mentioned hemp retail licensees “have sure acknowledgements that they signed with a view to obtain these licenses,” and that “DLCA had each proper to problem no matter restrictions pertaining to that specific enterprise license.” She mentioned whereas these restrictions apply now, they may very well be modified sooner or later.
DLCA Commissioner Nathalie Hodge mentioned her company and a Hemp Board that’s being reactivated beneath the V.I. Division of Agriculture will assessment CBD insurance policies. “It’s a collaborative effort and we’re ready on the Hemp Board to get collectively to try this,” she added.
In the meantime, the Hashish Advisory Board yesterday launched some guidelines for licensing and enforcement beneath legal guidelines that legalized medical marijuana in 2019 and leisure marijuana in early 2023.
