Cheech and Chong Slam California’s THC Ban in Legal Battle to Protect Hemp

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Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong aren’t taking California’s sudden hemp crackdown lightly. The legendary stoner duo has launched a legal war against the California Department of Public Health over a last-minute emergency regulation that bans any hemp product containing detectable levels of THC. Their lawsuit calls out the state’s hypocrisy and poor handling of the cannabis industry, comparing the ban to forcing candy makers to cut sugar overnight.

California’s New Ban Hits Hard

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California’s latest move—fast-tracked by Governor Gavin Newsom—puts hemp businesses in a chokehold, pulling the plug on products that contain even trace amounts of THC. And the kicker? The state dropped this bombshell less than three weeks after Newsom proposed it. For industry veterans like Cheech and Chong, this is nothing short of an ambush.

_{“Inaction over the last three years hardly justifies this ‘emergency,’” reads the lawsuit. “It’s like telling candy makers they can’t use sugar—effective tomorrow.”}

Hemp vs. Marijuana: Who Cares?

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Let’s get real: hemp and marijuana are the same damn plant. The difference? The law draws an arbitrary line—if the THC content is below 0.3%, it’s hemp. Go above that? Now you’re in marijuana territory. But California’s blanket ban on all detectable THC basically nukes hemp from orbit. This isn’t just an attack on a plant, it’s an attack on a booming industry that’s been playing by the rules since AB 45 passed back in 2021.

The Industry Strikes Back

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Cheech and Chong aren’t alone in this fight. Major hemp players like Juicetiva, Blaze Life, and Boldt Runners are throwing down, accusing California lawmakers of sitting on their hands for nearly three years. Now, with no warning, they’ve blown up the industry with a sweeping ban that targets hemp products and small businesses alike.

“This isn’t just about the rules,” the lawsuit argues. “It’s about survival. The state has gone rogue.”

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The Push for a Restraining Order

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Cheech and Chong are taking no prisoners. Not only are they suing to block this ridiculous regulation, but they’re also planning to file a petition for a temporary restraining order. The goal? Stop the ban dead in its tracks while the state figures out how to dig itself out of this mess.

The clock is ticking for California’s hemp industry, and Cheech and Chong are at the front of the fight. If they win, it could be a turning point for cannabis in California. If they lose, the entire industry could go up in smoke.

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