There are likely to be new limits on how much THC from hemp may be legally added to food or drinks sold in Iowa. A bill that’s passed the Iowa House and Senate closes what bill backers say are loopholes in a 2020 law that made it legal to produce, sell and consume hemp in Iowa. Senator Dan Dawson, a Republican from Council Bluffs, says the bill lays out desperately needed regulations to prevent highly-intoxicating products from being sold.
The bill also bars businesses from selling hemp-infused “consumables” like drinks and gummies to anyone under the age of 21. Dawson says some hemp-infused consumables being sold in Iowa have really high levels of THC — and seem to be competing with state licensed medical marijuana businesses.
Senator Tom Shipley, a Republican from Nodaway, says four years ago when he worked on the law that made it legal to sell hemp in Iowa, he had an inkling people with nefarious motives would exploit it.
The House approved the bill with new regulations for hemp-infused products last month. The Senate approved the bill Tuesday and sent it to the governor.
