The general counsel of U.S. Hemp Roundtable says bipartisan legislation introduced in the U.S. House offers one of the most significant federal hemp policy developments since passage of the 2018 Farm Bill.
Jonathan Miller says the Lawful Hemp Protection Act introduced by Republican Andy Barr of Kentucky and Democrat Angie Craig of Minnesota would establish a national regulatory framework for hemp-derived products.
“Making sure they’re kept out of the hands of minors, making sure that we’re not getting any Chinese synthetics, and also focusing on the health and safety of American consumers,” Miller says.
He says the bill also revises the federal definition of hemp to move away from the 0.4 mg total THC per container standard currently scheduled to take effect in November. “Which would eliminate 95% of all hemp products. What the Barr-Craig bill does is it asks the FDA to come up with a reasonable level, and if they don’t within a year, then it sets that level for consumable products at 5 milligrams per serving.”
Miller told Brownfield Ag News, “We don’t think this bill will pass by November 12th, which is when the ban would go into effect, so we’re simultaneously working on getting an extension.”
Miller says the Trump administration’s previous request to Congress for a hemp solution ahead of the November ban has many in the sector cautiously optimistic lawmakers will move in time to save the multi-billion-dollar industry.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
Hemp has been such a mixed bag in recent years with some states where it is legalized and others not. Industrial hemp is legal, but federal regulations are still sketchy. It appears that this newly introduced legislation would help provide some clarity and at least offer a regulatory framework that could be enforced. It also offers protection of minors which should be welcomed by most reasonable people.
Speaking of protection, you can offer clear, concise protection to your farm/ranch customers through CAD Protect. It is designed to cover warranty issues when the OEM warranty excludes farm/ranch use. It is a good deal for you as well by offering some additional incentives through your F&I department. Check it out!
