SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5493
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 16, 2015
Title: An act relating to distinguishing cannabis health and beauty aids from marijuana.
Brief Description: Distinguishing cannabis health and beauty aids from marijuana.
Sponsors: Senators Kohl-Welles, Rivers, McAuliffe, Keiser, Darneille, Frockt, Chase and Hatfield.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 2/13/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Staff: Richard Rodger (786-7461)
Background: Marijuana is generally defined as all parts of the plant cannabis, whether growing or not, with a THC concentration greater than 0.3 percent on a dry-weight basis.
THC concentration references the percent of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol content per dry weight of any part of the plant cannabis, or per volume or weight of marijuana product, or the combined percent of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid in any part of the plant cannabisregardless of moisture content.
THC is a psychoactive, organic compound that in sufficient concentrations will cause intoxication in humans. Products with very low levels of THC do not have psychoactive effects or cause intoxication. For example industrial hemp is generally defined as a plant containing no more than 0.3 percent THC. Marijuana, by contrast, has much higher concentrations of THC, ranging anywhere from 5 to 25 percent.
The blood-brain barrier is the physiological mechanism that prevents or slows the passage of some substances, such as certain drugs, from the blood into the central nervous system.
Summary of Bill: Cannabis health and beauty aids are exempt from all regulations in the Controlled Substances Act pertaining to marijuana, marijuana concentrates, or marijuana-infused products. Cannabis health and beauty aid is defined to mean a product containing parts of the cannabis plant and which:
is intended for use only as a topical application to provide therapeutic benefit or to enhance appearance;
contains a THC concentration of no more than 0.3 percent;
does not cross the blood-brain barrier; and
is not intended for consumption by humans or animals.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Cannabis health and beauty aids are topical products that contain very low levels of THC and are safe for the public to use. The products are tested to ensure they have less than 0.3 percent of THC. The statutes should be clarified that these products can be sold anywhere.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Kohl-Welles, prime sponsor; Ah Warner, Cannabis Basics, ICHABAPA.