Hemp Distributor Faces Challenges Under New Iowa THC-Hemp Law
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Corey Coleman, a hemp distributor from Eastern Iowa, is grappling with the complexities of Iowa’s recently enacted THC-Hemp law, which introduced an age limit and reduced THC levels in hemp-derived products. Despite efforts to ensure compliance, Coleman reports significant hurdles in getting his products onto Iowa’s shelves.
During the past legislative session, the law aimed to regulate the sale of hemp products more strictly. Coleman worked closely with his attorney to review 15 product offerings, achieving quick approval for 14. "We started selling drinks; those were the easiest to get in compliance," he noted, while also introducing Skysicles and mixers to the market.
However, after two months, Coleman faced a setback when four products were disapproved by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). He received communication indicating that some of his products, including syrup mixers, were non-compliant due to the new requirement that liquid products must be sold in 12 oz containers. This has left him questioning whether there may be misunderstandings given the novelty of the regulations.
"We’re down considerably from last year," Coleman expressed, highlighting the need for clarity and adjustments in the regulatory framework. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic, stating he is still in discussions with HHS and has new products anticipated for sale soon.
As the hemp industry in Iowa adapts to these legislative changes, Coleman emphasizes the necessity for clearer guidelines, suggesting that "there are a lot of things that are going on that still need to be fixed," indicating ongoing confusion in the evolving regulatory landscape.
TV9 reached out to HHS for comment but had not received a response by publication time.
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