Maine Panel Pushes for Age Restrictions, THC Caps on Hemp Products

A Maine legislative working group is calling for stricter regulations on hemp-derived THC products, recommending an age limit of 21 and capping THC levels in beverages. The proposal comes as state officials grapple with concerns over potency, accessibility to minors, and a regulatory gap that distinguishes hemp from cannabis.

Concerns Over Potency and Lack of Regulation

Dr. Patty Locuratolo Hymanson, a physician and former Health and Human Services Committee chair, underscored the issue, warning that hemp-derived THC products are far stronger than initially intended. “It’s perfectly legal to do anything you want to with it because there are no regulations around hemp the same way that there are rules around cannabis,” Hymanson told News Center Maine.

This regulatory loophole has allowed high-potency THC beverages and edibles to flood the market, often with little oversight. Unlike marijuana, which is tightly controlled by the state’s Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP), hemp products remain largely unregulated despite their intoxicating effects.

Parents and Officials Sound the Alarm

State officials say they frequently receive complaints from concerned parents about the ease with which minors can access these products. John Hudak, director of the OCP, pointed out the lack of age restrictions as a major flaw.

“It’s pretty commonly seen by a lot of people as a problem that these products are in so many different places and available to children,” Hudak told News Center Maine. “We get complaints at our office even though we don’t regulate those products.”

This regulatory blind spot has left parents frustrated and officials with limited authority to address the issue. While cannabis products are strictly controlled, intoxicating hemp-derived items remain widely available in convenience stores, gas stations, and even online retailers.

Industry Worries About Backlash

Maine’s hemp industry, which includes both growers and processors, is also voicing concerns. A letter from the state’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry in November warned that the lack of oversight could harm the industry’s reputation.

“Hemp growers and processors recognize that accidental intoxications or other adverse impacts on Maine children and youth would be detrimental to growers and processors,” the letter stated.

The fear is that a few high-profile incidents involving minors could lead to sweeping restrictions or even bans that could hurt small businesses in the industry. Some operators are already calling for responsible regulation to prevent further scrutiny.

Proposed THC Limits and Packaging Changes

The working group is proposing two key measures to address the issue:

• Capping THC levels in hemp-infused beverages at 5 milligrams per container.
• Prohibiting packaging that mimics non-THC products, which could mislead consumers and attract children.

Supporters say these steps would bring hemp regulations more in line with those governing cannabis, reducing the risk of accidental consumption and making it harder for minors to access these products. However, some industry players argue that strict THC limits could stifle product innovation and limit consumer choice.

Next Steps: Legislative Action Expected

The recommendations now move to Maine’s lawmakers, who will decide whether to draft legislation reflecting the working group’s findings. Given the rising concerns from parents, regulators, and the hemp industry itself, changes seem likely.

Lawmakers are expected to take up the issue in the coming months, with potential new rules rolling out later this year. Until then, the debate over how to regulate intoxicating hemp products in Maine continues.