What’s Next: The Potential Impact of the 2023 Farm Bill on CBD and Smoke Shops

by Julianne Bautista

What's Next: The Potential Impact of the 2023 Farm Bill on CBD and Smoke Shops

In the rules of cannabis regulations, the Farm Bill shines bright like a spotlight gleaming and offering hope to the CBD and smoke shop industries. This comprehensive legislation could change the laws for hemp products, creating exciting possibilities that have caught the attention of both businesses and customers.

The Farm Bill isn't just an ordinary law; think of it as the fertile soil ready to nurture your smoke shop business into a flourishing garden of transformation. As we dive deeper into its details, we'll discover how it has the potential to stir things up in the industry, opening the door to fresh opportunities for success.

What's in Store for the 2023 Farm Bill?

Congress must approve the U.S. Farm Bill again every five years. Although hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3 percent THC is federally allowed, the exact definition remains uncertain. It's important to note that the 2023 Farm Bill is still in the drafting stage. However, there are still possibilities on the horizon that could positively impact your smoke shop.

This past June, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received a cautionary note regarding delta-8 edibles, prompted by over 125 incident reports spanning from January 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022. Subsequently, this July, the FDA took action, issuing warning letters to six companies for the unauthorized sale of imitative food products infused with delta-8 THC. This lack of clarity has put smoke shop businesses in an uncertain market situation, but experts in the industry are looking forward to the 2023 Farm Bill to clear up the important information that's currently missing in the bill's wording.

Smoke Shop with soft lighting and wooden counters

How Will the 2023 Farm Bill Affect Smoke Shops and CBD Use?

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, things got a lot clearer in terms of the legality of these products for you. Your shop has probably sprouted with a variety of CBD-infused goodies, like oils, delicious edibles, and vaping products, offering your customers a garden of choices to pick from. This accessibility has led to increased awareness and interest in CBD among your customers, contributing to a growing market. However, it's crucial for you to maintain strict quality control and safety measures to ensure that the products you offer comply with federal and state regulations, maintaining your shop's reputation and legal standing.

It's important to remember that despite the Farm Bill's federal guidelines, individual states have the authority to enforce additional regulations on hemp and CBD. As a smoke shop owner, you need to navigate both federal and state laws to ensure legal compliance. This emphasizes how crucial it is to stay informed about the changing laws and regulations in this business industry.

Fundamentally, the Farm Bill has created avenues for growth and learning while underlining the essential need for careful attention to regulatory compliance in order to succeed in this evolving environment. Considering the key components of the 2023 Farm Bill, explore how it might affect CBD and your smoke shop:

  • Delta-8 THC Regulations: The Farm Bill's stance on delta-8 THC is expected to impact smoke shops that sell products containing this compound. Considering many concerns of delta-8, you should reevaluate your inventory. If stricter federal regulations are imposed on delta-8 THC, smoke shops may have to reconsider their product offerings and sourcing practices. This change could potentially lead to adjustments in inventory and marketing strategies.
  • THC Limit Boost: The upcoming 2023 Farm Bill holds great promise for the CBD industry and smoke shop owners, primarily by offering much-needed clarity on CBD regulations from the FDA. Additionally, there is a possibility that the bill might raise the maximum THC limit from 0.3%to 1% —which is more than three times the original. This potential change is seen as beneficial because it could lead to increased market opportunities, economic growth, innovation, and greater consumer choice in hemp-derived products, providing a significant boost to the industry. In addition, this could potentially open the door for products from legal cannabis dispensaries to be available in smoke shops.
  • Expanding CBD Product Line: The Farm Bill could classify CBD as a dietary supplement, enabling you to expand your CBD product offerings and provide more choices for your customers, overcoming the current regulatory challenges.
  • Quality Control and Trust: The Farm Bill's focus on THC limits and product quality can help build trust in CBD. Smoke shops that prioritize high-quality, compliant products may gain a competitive edge. This focus on quality control can help establish trust with customers and position smoke shops as reputable retailers of CBD.
  • Market Competition: With potential reclassification, larger companies may enter the CBD market, increasing competition for smoke shops. Unique offerings, education, and personalized service may be key to staying competitive.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with federal and state regulations will become even more critical for smoke shops in the wake of the 2023 Farm Bill. Staying informed about evolving regulations and ensuring that products meet quality and labeling standards will be essential to avoid legal complications and maintain a positive reputation.
  • Educational Initiatives: Smoke shops may need to educate customers about changing CBD laws and product benefits, emphasizing the role of informed staff.
  • Opportunities for Innovation: Clear regulations may drive innovation in CBD and smoke shop products, offering new formulations, delivery methods, and marketing strategies to cater to evolving consumer preferences.

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An Overview of the Farm Bill Effects

The 2023 Farm Bill has the potential to transform the CBD and smoke shop industries in the United States, similar to how a skilled gardener cultivates a lush and thriving garden from bare soil.

At Got Vape Wholesale, we believe that smoke shops expect an influx of new customers as the new farm bill regulations are implemented. Given the growing concerns related to delta-8, we recommend that you take a closer look at your inventory, as this could lead to adjustments in stockpiling and creating new marketing strategies. Regarding the notable increase in the THC limit to 1%, this has the potential to bring a wave of new products to your store. We are optimistic about the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill and the positive changes it could bring to your business.

As the industry adapts to these changes, it will be essential for you to keep a close eye on legislative developments and invest in strategies that position your shop as a trusted retailer of CBD and hemp-derived products. By staying informed and proactive, you can navigate the shifting regulatory landscape and continue to serve your customers effectively in the evolving world of hemp products, much like a wise keeper of a flourishing garden.

For further insights on enhancing your business and staying up to date in the industry, explore our Smoke Shop Business Blog. It's a valuable resource filled with ideas, essential information, industry trends, and valuable insights to elevate your shop's growth and success.


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