A new bill making its way through the California Senate aims to clamp down on the online sale of unlicensed and potentially dangerous cannabis and hemp products. Lawmakers behind the proposal say it’s about time digital marketplaces took responsibility for the unregulated products being advertised and sold on their platforms.
Stricter Rules for Online Cannabis Marketplaces
The proposed legislation, SB 378, would force online cannabis marketplaces to disclose whether they verify licenses of sellers advertising cannabis or hemp-derived products. If they don’t, they would have to provide a clear warning to consumers about the risks of purchasing from unverified sources before they can engage with the sellers.
Another major provision in the bill would require online platforms to:
- Allow users to report illegal or suspicious cannabis product listings.
- Clearly outline in their terms of service whether they verify licenses.
- Take accountability for listings that promote unlicensed cannabis sales.
The goal is to create a layer of consumer protection that doesn’t currently exist online. Without verification measures, illegal hemp-derived THC products are being sold alongside legally tested cannabis—sometimes with no age restrictions.
A Response to the Surge in Illegal Hemp Products
State Sen. Scott Wiener (D), one of the bill’s co-sponsors, has been vocal about the increasing availability of illicit, high-THC hemp products that are not subject to the same testing and safety standards as regulated cannabis.
“When Californians voted to legalize cannabis—which I strongly supported—they were not signing up to make sketchy hemp products available to anyone of any age online,” Wiener said.
He argues that illegal hemp sales are undercutting the legal market, making it harder for legitimate cannabis businesses to compete. Beyond the economic impact, he warns that synthetic cannabinoids and untested products could pose serious public health risks.
Union Backing and Industry Support
The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), a major supporter of cannabis industry workers, has thrown its weight behind the bill. UFCW Local 5 President John Fram said the union backed California’s cannabis legalization efforts because of the safeguards it promised consumers.
“SB 378 will level the playing field between illicit cannabis businesses and legal businesses that has been mismatched for years,” Fram said, adding that online platforms facilitating illegal sales should be held accountable.
For years, California’s legal cannabis industry has struggled against an entrenched black market. While licensed dispensaries must comply with rigorous testing, tax, and regulatory requirements, illegal sellers bypass those hurdles, making their products cheaper and easier to obtain. SB 378 could change that dynamic.
Will Online Marketplaces Comply?
The biggest question now is whether online cannabis marketplaces will willingly adjust their policies or push back against the new regulations. Some platforms already verify sellers, while others operate in a gray area, allowing hemp-derived THC and unlicensed cannabis businesses to advertise without scrutiny.
If passed, SB 378 could force online platforms to either clean up their listings or risk legal repercussions. Given the financial incentives for these marketplaces, some may resist or find loopholes to continue business as usual.
For consumers, the bill represents an effort to make online cannabis purchases safer and more transparent. Whether it passes or not, the conversation around unregulated hemp and cannabis products is far from over.
David Johnson is a respected writer known for his expertise in crafting compelling articles about cannabis. With a passion for exploring the intersection of cannabis, health, and wellness, he sheds light on the therapeutic properties and potential uses of this versatile plant. David’s in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary offer readers a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of cannabis legislation, consumption methods, and industry trends.
