MORNING NEWSBREAK | Charleston-based seltzer brand High Rise Beverage Co. announced Feb. 7 it will pause distribution of hemp seltzers, according to media reports. The move comes less than a month after the state Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) issued a sweeping letter to food and beverage makers warning against advertising THC products.
DHEC’s Jan. 22 letter to the legal hemp industry declared that product labels for hemp-infused foods and drinks should not advertise that they contain THC, CBD or Delta-9 — all naturally occurring in hemp oil. High Rise reportedly plans to launch a hemp and THC-free line of adaptogen seltzers in March called the “Blackout Edition.”
In Greenville, the owner of a Greenville hemp shop previously raided by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has said his business lost millions of dollars and that he planned to pull his business out of South Carolina until the government could provide more clarity on what is and is not legal in regards to hemp products.
A measure proposed in November, House Bill 4628, calls for legalization of hemp-derived cannabinoid products containing Delta-8 and other forms of THC as long as they abide by federal limits. The law would also impose product testing and packaging requirements and an age requirement of 21 on hemp products.
In related news, the state Senate again is considering a medical marijuana bill that would legalize the limited use of medical marijuana in South Carolina, continuing a years-long push by advocates to pass the legislation.
In other recent headlines:
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CCSD hires Huggins as superintendent; some board members condemn process. Charleston County schools have a new leader after board Chairman Keith Grybowski and acting superintendent Anita Huggins signed an employment contract, but some board members say the contract was never discussed.
Retail venture coming to shuttered Charleston-area shop. Modern Manor, a cooperative of 35 merchants selling apparel, home decor items, antiques, plants, jewelry and other products in leased booths, opens Feb. 9 at 2521 U.S. Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant.
Charleston Harbor hit ‘moderate’ flood stage record number of times in 2023. Charleston experienced 27 flood events rated “moderate” or higher in 2023, the highest annual number on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s record.
Isle of Palms visitors question new waterfront park’s proposed fees. Construction has started for a new park on the Isle of Palms, an investment that city leaders say is expensive, but worth it.
Summerville’s new mayor drops the clutch on addressing traffic, other issues. Russ Touchberry, newly elected mayor of Summerville, plans to tackle traffic woes, flooding and other growth-related issues as Flower Town in the Pines moves forward.
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