Welcome to the battlefield, folks. California’s cannabis crackdown is tearing through the hemp industry like a storm, and it seems Cheech & Chong’s Cannabis Company is smack in the eye of the hurricane.
On September 23, 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom rolled out emergency regulations banning any hemp products containing "detectable" levels of THC. This ban, intended to curb sales of intoxicating hemp-derived products like Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC, sparked outrage across the industry, particularly as it threatened to wipe out 90-95% of California’s hemp market. On October 9, state authorities doubled down by seizing THC-infused hemp products from store shelves in highly publicized raids. The images that followed prominently displayed Cheech & Chong’s beverages as trophies of the crackdown.
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| "X" Twitter post from the California Department of Cannabis Control |
October 10: Legal Battle Begins
Just a day after these raids, Cheech & Chong’s Cannabis Company, along with the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and other industry stakeholders, argued their case in court on October 10, filing for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to halt enforcement of the ban. They claimed the emergency regulations were unlawful and could decimate the hemp industry. They argued that many of the products targeted by the ban—especially non-intoxicating CBD items—had already been legal under federal law. This wasn’t just a battle for the courts; it was a battle for survival.
Paris Chong made it clear that the fight wasn’t over, stating that this legal action was a call to arms for the cannabis community:
“The recent regulatory actions in California, while challenging, aren’t just a setback; they are a call to action for us and the cannabis community.”
October 11: The Verdict
Unfortunately for the plaintiffs, their request for a TRO was denied by the court on October 11, 2024. The emergency regulations remain in place, dealing a major blow to the hemp industry. Businesses like Cheech & Chong’s now face a regulatory environment where they can’t sell THC-infused hemp products, leaving them scrambling to navigate this legal minefield.
Governor Newsom didn’t waste time taking a victory lap, posting images from the October 9 raids on social media. These images—featuring Cheech & Chong’s "High & Dry" beverages—dominated the narrative, raising suspicions that the iconic brand may have been deliberately singled out. As one of the most visible and beloved cannabis brands, Cheech & Chong’s products were being used to symbolize the crackdown.
What’s Next?
While the TRO denial is a setback, the hemp industry isn’t backing down. A trial-setting conference is scheduled for November 22, 2024, where the battle over California’s emergency regulations will continue. The outcome could set a precedent not just for California, but for hemp regulation across the country.
Cheech & Chong, along with the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, remain committed to fighting for a fairer regulatory environment. For now, however, they’re left picking up the pieces after the court’s ruling.
This story is part of Pot Culture Magazine’s ongoing coverage of California’s hemp crackdown. Check out our previous articles for more detailed updates:
“The Recent Regulatory Actions in California: Cheech & Chong’s Response” – Full statement from Paris Chong and the latest on the legal response here.
“California’s Crackdown Continues Cheech & Chong and U.S. Hemp Roundtable Face Setback in Court” – The full breakdown of the TRO ruling and what it means for the hemp industry here.
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