The sale of many types of CBD products in California faces significant restrictions in 2026 due to both new state law (AB 8) and a looming federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products.
Industrial hemp raw extract used in food, beverages, dietary supplements, or non-cannabis products must achieve >99% purity and contain zero detectable THC and zero synthetic cannabinoids to remain legal outside the licensed cannabis system. This effectively eliminates full-spectrum CBD and hemp extracts from non-regulated retail. Only CBD isolate (>99% pure, zero THC), CBN isolate, and fiber-derived products remain legal in general retail.
California Regulations (AB 8)
California’s AB 8 integrates intoxicating hemp products into the state’s regulated cannabis market starting January 1, 2026. Key changes that will impact the co-op include:
- Requiring hemp extracts in food, beverages, or supplements sold outside licensed dispensaries to be over 99% pure with zero detectable THC.
- Limiting all non-cannabis hemp products to 0.3% total THC/THCA by dry weight.
Federal Regulations
A federal provision effective November 12, 2026, also restricts hemp products. Key changes that will impact the co-op include:
- The federal definition of hemp will exclude products with synthetic cannabinoids and finished products containing more than 0.4 mg combined total THC per container.
- This limit will impact many CBD products, including larger bottles of tinctures.
- The federal ban will impact interstate commerce, potentially removing many hemp-derived THC products from the national market.
How our co-op will respond:
We have taken the advice of our co-op partners and discontinued the sale of many of our popular ingestible CBD products. Until there is further clarity on the impact to the grocery sector, we will limit most CBD containing products. The largest impact this ban will have is our ability to get large bottles or large quantities of CBD. We can still special order directly from some CBD companies, but the selection to be shipped to California is limited.
A few brands are complying with the new ban, decreasing the size of their packaging to contain smaller amounts per container of CBD. We are currently waiting to see how this will play out into 2026. We appreciate your support, we understand how frustrating it is to lose access to your favorite wellness items. Please feel free to reach out and ask a store associate about what we may be able to special order for you.
Sincerely,
Marcie Wilde | General Manager