San Diego Urges Businesses to Remove Intoxicating Hemp Products
- The city of San Diego is ordering retailers to dispose of synthetic hemp-derived products, such as “Delta-8 THC”, “Delta-10 THC” or other similar synthetically derived hemp-based products, within the month to avoid possible enforcement actions. This comes after a law enforcement investigation into alleged illegal dispensaries operating near schools and homes.
- These synthetic products have been linked to numerous hospitalizations and deaths according to national poison control centers. San Diego Police Department and other law enforcement agencies have already seized hundreds of pounds of illegal hemp in San Diego, Chula Vista and Spring Valley.
- The city’s Development Services Department’s Cannabis Business Division warns that the unlawful distribution of these products is a danger to businesses and the health and well-being of communities. They aim to ensure both customers and dispensaries are safe and in compliance with all necessary regulations.
San Diego Targets Retailers Selling Synthetic Hemp Products
San Diego city officials have issued a directive for retailers to stop selling synthetic hemp-derived products or face potential legal consequences. The announcement was made last Friday, following a crackdown on purportedly illegal dispensaries operating in residential areas and near schools, which resulted in multiple arrests.
This month, the city identified and sent letters to local retailers believed to be involved in the illegal sale of synthetic cannabis products or unlawfully selling cannabis. The city specifically targeted products marketed as “Delta-8 THC”, “Delta-10 THC” or similar “hemp-based” synthetics, especially those that can be inhaled.
National poison control centers have logged several cases of hospitalizations and fatalities linked to these products, the city revealed in a press release. Hence, the crackdown is aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring regulatory compliance among retailers and dispensaries.
The San Diego Police Department, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, seized hundreds of pounds of illicit hemp during raids in San Diego, Chula Vista, and Spring Valley. A letter dated Dec. 1 instructs retailers to dispose of any such products or hand them over to SDPD by month-end.
“The city is committed to curbing the unauthorized distribution of these products, as they pose a risk to not only businesses but also to the health of our communities. Our ultimate goal is to ensure the safety and compliance of consumers and dispensaries, while clamping down on those who defy the rules,” said Lara Gates, deputy director of the city’s Development Services Department’s Cannabis Business Division.
The official letter can be accessed here. Retailers can reach out to the city’s Cannabis Business Division at DSDCannabis@sandiego.gov for any queries or concerns.
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