Louisiana bill could outlaw THC, CBD products

METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) — Louisiana lawmakers are getting closer to wiping out the state's edible hemp industry. 

It could mean an end for businesses that have been legally selling CBD and THC products for years.

Some Republican legislators believe they were duped into initially giving Louisiana’s hemp industry the green light under the assumption people wouldn’t feel the effects of the products derived from hemp.

The loosened regulations intrigued business owners.

"I started my business in 2019 right after they legalized everything, and it's grown into the two stores I have now,” said Chantal Koerner, who owns The CBD Wellness Center in Metairie. “We also do farmers’ markets. We also have a delivery service. So, we've really gotten out there and built everything up."

Now, Koerner worries her family's livelihood is at risk over a bill that would limit the use of hemp to agriculture purposes, prohibiting its products for consumption.

"We would be in debt for years, and we just don't understand how they could introduce a bill that would destroy family-owned businesses and put thousands of families out of work," Koerner said.

The business owner says the products she sells help her customers with a number of ailments from anxiety to insomnia.

Dr. Rebekah Gee, the CEO and founder of Nest Health, says products derived from hemp have proven to be effective.

"For some of my patients, I encourage them to use [hemp products], certainly, instead of an opioid, or you know, instead of some of the other medications,” said Gee. “So, I really think, again, there are some bills that are an overreach right now, and this is another one."

WGNO asked Koerner what's next for her if the bill becomes law.

"It would definitely turn my world upside down. We have no recovery. This is our life,” Koerner said. “We spend our entire weeks working on building this business and helping people in every way that we can. So, I honestly don't know where we would go from here."

The bill passed through the Senate and will be up for debate in the House on Tuesday, May 28.

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