New hemp restrictions in Massachusetts hurting retailers

July 29, 2019 5:52 pm

By: Amanda Pitts

alpitts@abc6.com

@APittsABC6

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) – New restrictions on CBD sales in Massachusetts have forced retailers to clear their shelves.

The state has banned the sale of certain products like CBD edibles, to any hemp-infused product that works as medicine, and raw plants.

“Eight months ago, CBD was completely legal. We poured all our savings into this.”

Chris Thistle opened New Bedford’s “Growing In Health” with his friends last November. Now, their business is struggling thanks to the new regulations.

“We had every single thing you could think of, and now that the regulations have come out, we’ve had to take almost everything off our shelves,” said Thistle.

Over 300 CBD products in the Union Street store are now just on display for educational purposes. Customers can look, but they can’t buy.

“Our revenue got cut about 60 percent last month.”

Massachusetts put in place the new policy following recommendations by the FDA.

Growing In Health says they have knowledge from physicians to guide their advice, but now they have to direct customers to the manufacturers’ websites. But, despite the struggles, they say they’re still committed to helping their community.

“Trying to give back to the public as much as we can, and trying to keep ourselves afloat as well while we’re on our way to a recreational dispensary,” added Thistle.

The city of New Bedford hasn’t yet enforced the ban. The city’s Board of Health said they’re still reviewing the state’s new regulations.