MOTION-- In California, cannabis-derived CBD products are required to pass many safety tests including
pesticides, heavy metals, microbial and more. However, hemp-derived CBD products remain
unregulated at both the state and federal levels, except for a ban against hemp-derived CBD in
food and beverages.
The lack of safety testing requirements or any regulatory oversight of non-cannabis derived CBD
is a significant public health risk that should no longer be ignored. Unregulated and unsafe CBD
products are infiltrating cities all over the country, and unscrupulous entrepreneurs are cashing in
on the popularity of these products by substituting cheap and illegal synthetic marijuana for
CBD. A California company recently tested 20 popular CBD products and found “insanely high
levels” of dangerous chemicals and misleading labels. Furthermore, the recent outbreak of vaping
deaths has been traced to CBD products that were spiked with synthetic marijuana, fentanyl. and
other illegal drugs/chemicals.
Lastly, it is important to remember that even hemp-derived CBD products may contain some
degree of THC. Without regulatory oversight, there is no guarantee that the THC concentrations
present are not above legal limits. This could further impact those using the non-cannabis derived
CBD products by causing them to fail drug testing. And, with no age limitations, this means a 12-
year-old is not legally prevented from purchasing hemp CBD vaping pods, drinks, and cigarettes.
I THEREFORE MOVE that the City Council instruct the Department of Cannabis Regulation
(DCR) and the Chief Legislative Analyst (CLA) to report back in 30 days with a comprehensive
report that details the risks/dangers associated with unregulated non-cannabis derived CBD and
what measures can be undertaken to regulate it.
If meaningful regulation cannot be achieved in a timely manner, I FURTHER MOVE that the
City Attorney be requested to prepare and present an ordinance that would establish a moratorium
on the sale of all non-cannabis derived cannabinoid products citywide.