RALEIGH — Retailers in North Carolina are urging customers to write to lawmakers to stop the ban on hemp.
“Total Wine and More” warns that drinks and other items infused with THC will be removed from shelves across the state, our partners at The Charlotte Observer reported.
“Hemp-derived THC products will become illegal after December 11th unless Congress acts,” according to a Total Wine online campaign urging people to write their federal leaders. “This will remove the products you enjoy from retailers shelves. Federal prohibition of these products will not lessen consumer demand. It will drive the market underground and hurt public safety.”
If nothing is done, the ban will be implemented after Dec. 11.
Local hemp farmers, manufacturers and retailers have repeatedly warned that without changes to federal hemp definitions or intervention from state lawmakers, North Carolina’s hemp industry could face major disruption.
In 2023, that industry reportedly created 328,000 jobs and $13 billion in wages in the state, The News & Observer previously reported.
North Carolina House leaders delayed the ban last month.
[ READ MORE: North Carolina lawmakers delay vote on hemp restrictions after demonstrations ]
Leaders say they want to weigh arguments from law enforcement and business owners.