By Morgan Davis, Health and Wellness Attorney
If you sell hemp flower, it’s time for a quick but critical PSA: the way you talk about your product can make or break your business—and even land you in legal trouble.
I’m Morgan Davis, a health and wellness attorney based in Raleigh, North Carolina. I’ve worked with cultivators, processors, retailers, and yes—even business owners facing criminal charges. Over the years, I’ve seen the same preventable mistakes show up in police reports. Let’s fix that.
This article outlines what you should and should NOT say about your hemp products to protect your business and stay compliant.
🚫 What NOT to Say About Your Hemp Products
1. “This will get you high.”
Yes, hemp products can be intoxicating. But saying “high” triggers red flags for law enforcement. It’s linked in their training to marijuana—which could get you accused of selling a controlled substance.
2. Slang like “weed,” “pot,” “ganja,” or “Mary Jane”
Avoid recreational drug slang. These words are legally and culturally tied to marijuana. Use the correct terms: hemp or cannabis.
3. “This is the real stuff” or “I get this from my guy.”
Don’t imply your product is marijuana or sourced from illicit channels. Even offhand comments can be used against you in a criminal investigation.
✅ What TO Say and Do Instead
1. Be clear and accurate:
Say the product is hemp, and if applicable, mention that it may be intoxicating. Transparency builds consumer trust—and shows you take compliance seriously.
2. Label everything properly:
Include QR codes, ingredients, expiration dates, distributor info, and clear warnings on your packaging. Educated customers are safer customers.
3. Understand your Certificates of Analysis (COAs):
Don’t just accept paperwork from a distributor—read it, understand it, and be able to explain it to your customers. If you don’t know how, it’s time to learn.
4. Warn customers about intoxication:
Yes, it’s legal. But if someone doesn’t expect it and gets overwhelmed, they may call the police—or worse. Head off confusion with clear, upfront communication.
5. Treat it like alcohol or tobacco:
Even if your state (like North Carolina) doesn’t enforce a 21+ age limit on hemp, you should. You’re selling a product that can alter perception—act accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Law enforcement is watching. Consumers are confused. And a simple slip of the tongue could risk your entire business. Follow these communication guidelines to protect your hemp, your reputation, and your bizn@$$.
If you’re unsure about what you can say, how to label your products, or whether your compliance practices are up to par, let’s talk.
Contact us today to keep your hemp business protected and thriving.
