Hemp Program

Highlights

• Important Recalls and Updates

  U.S. FDA & FTC Warning on Copycat Food Products Containing Hemp

  On Wednesday, July 17, the United States Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission issued warning letters to five companies selling food products containing Delta-8 THC that mimic chips, candies, and snacks from popular national brands. These products are often referred to as “copycat” food products, and the warnings serve as a part of the FDA and FTC’s continuing joint effort to take action against companies selling illegal copycat food products containing delta-8 THC.

  

  

   

  Introducing these products into the marketplace is in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and upon Georgia Senate Bill 494’s October 1, 2024, effective date, will be in violation of Georgia law as well.

  To read the FDA News Release in its entirety, please visit their website: FDA, FTC Continue Joint Effort to Protect Consumers Against Companies Illegally Selling Copycat Delta-8 THC Food Products.

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  Diamond Shruumz Recall

  As of July 22, 2024, a total of 74 illnesses have been reported from 28 states. Sixty-two (62) of the 74 people have reported seeking medical care, 38 have been hospitalized, and there are two potentially associated deaths under investigation.

  This advisory will be updated as additional information becomes available.

  On June 12th, 2024, the CDC issued an alert using the Health Advisory Network (HAN # 509) regarding several reports of severe illness potentially associated with consuming Diamond ShruumzTM brand chocolate bars, infused cones, and micro- and macrodose gummies.

  On June 28th, 2024, the manufacturer, Prophet Premium Blends, issued a recall stating that these products contain Muscimol.

  

  Prophet Premium Blends Recalls Diamond Shruumz Products Because of Possible Health Risk
  Prophet Premium Blends of Santa Ana, California is recalling Diamond Shruumz Infused Cones, Chocolate Bars, and Gummies (Micro- and Mega/Extreme-Dose), because such products contain Muscimol, a chemical found in mushrooms of the genus Amanita; Muscimol could be a potential cause of symptoms consiste
  www.fda.gov

   

  As of June 28, 2024, thirty-nine cases have been reported, including twenty-three hospitalizations across twenty states.  

  A variety of severe health effects have been reported after consuming Diamond ShruumzTM brand products, including seizures, decreased level of consciousness, and respiratory failure. Other symptoms people have experienced include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hallucinations, uncontrolled movements, abnormal heart rate (e.g., too fast or too slow), high or low blood pressure, excessive sweating or secretions, and flushed skin

  Contact your health care provider or Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222) if you have symptoms.

  Additional Information

  • https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2024/han00509.asp
  • https://www.cdc.gov/environmental-health-studies/outbreak-investigation-diamond-shruumz-products/index.html
  • https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/prophet-premium-blends-recalls-diamond-shruumz-products-because-possible-health-risk
  • https://www.cdc.gov/environmental-health-studies/outbreak-investigation-diamond-shruumz-products/index.html
  • https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-illnesses-diamond-shruumz-brand-chocolate-bars-cones-gummies-june-2024
• Important Deadlines

  2024 Hemp Program Deadlines

  2024 Annual Reporting 
  Hemp Licensees must report all Plantings, Harvests, and Disposals by December 1st of each year. We strongly recommend growers submit reports throughout the year to GDA. Remember, site reporting must be completed BEFORE renewing for 2025. Renewals will open on November 1st.

  FSA Reporting Due July 31, 2024 
  Licensed Hemp Growers are required to provide crop information to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). You must obtain your field numbers through your local FSA office by July 31, 2024. Please visit USDA FSA Offices in Georgia if you are unsure how to contact your local FSA office.

• About this Program

  About this Program

  The Georgia Hemp Farming Act was passed in 2019. This Act allows hemp cultivation and processing within the state. Individuals or businesses may obtain a Hemp Grower License or Hemp Processor Permit and are subject to the Georgia Hemp Grower and Processor Rules. License or permit holders must renew every year they wish to grow or process hemp in.

  Upon obtaining a license or permit, holders are subject to additional program requirements including:

  • Sampling and Laboratory Testing
  • Disposal or Remediation of Non-Compliant Hemp
  • Compliance Inspections
  • Farm Service Agency (FSA) Reporting (Growers only)
  • GDA Planting and Site Reporting (Growers only)
  • Other requirements as described in the Act and the documents below

   

• FSA Reporting

  FSA Reporting

  All licensed hemp growers in Georgia must report crop information to the USDA Farm Service Agency (or FSA). The deadline established by FSA for this information is July 31 each year. Please visit https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Georgia/index if you are not sure how to contact your local FSA office. You will need your FSA information for the GDA Planting and Site Reporting.

  Below is some basic information that producers need to provide when reporting acreage to FSA:

  • Crop and crop type or variety.
  • Intended use of the crop.
  • Number of acres of the crop.
  • Planting date(s).
  • Planting pattern, when applicable.
  • Producer shares.
  • Irrigation practice(s).
  • Acreage prevented from planting, when applicable.
  • AMS License Number- if not already on file with FSA
  • Other information as required.
• GDA Planting and Site Reporting

  Reporting

  All licensed hemp growers in Georgia must complete planting and annual reporting requirements for each of the grow sites listed on a license. Reporting is required regardless of whether you grew or not that year. If you grew you will need to provide the Farm, Track, Field, and Sub-Field numbers you were assigned by your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).

  All site reporting will be completed on the Department’s Hemp Licensing System. Log in with your email and password. Site reports must contain the following information:

  • Planting
  • Harvesting
  • Disposal and remediation (if applicable)