US Government Shutdown Threatened by Hemp Ban Provision
A last-minute provision in the federal spending bill that heavily restricts hemp-derived products, such as CBD and THC drinks, has sparked concerns among some Republicans, potentially threatening the passage of the bill. The bill, which is set to be voted on in the House on Wednesday, could end the government shutdown if passed.
Kentucky, one of the largest hemp-producing states, has a strong Republican presence, and many lawmakers from the state have expressed support for the hemp industry. However, a provision added to the bill at the 11th hour has caused controversy. The provision would ban any product containing more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container, effectively criminalizing most hemp products.
Kentucky Senator Rand Paul broke with his party to vote against the bill due to the hemp provision, which he had tried to remove. Jonathan Miller, an advocate for the hemp industry and former Kentucky state treasurer, said that the provision has been a long time coming, with Congress batting around bans on hemp for months.
Miller stated that the current provision would criminalize not only THC-containing products but also non-intoxicating CBD products with trace amounts of THC. The 2018 farm bill had only restricted hemp to contain less than 0.3% delta 9 THC.
The hemp industry is worried that the ban will drive the market towards unregulated manufacturers, leading to problems with heavy metal, contaminants, and underage consumption. Industry leaders are calling for thoughtful, science-based regulation instead.
The bill’s passage is uncertain, as Kentucky Representatives James Comer, Thomas Massie, and Andy Barr have spoken out against the ban. The alcohol industry is also divided on the issue, with some distributors calling for regulation and others supporting the ban.
The provision is set to take effect a year after passage, giving lawmakers a chance to revisit and revise the ban. Industry leaders are hopeful that the ban will be replaced with stronger regulations. Ultimately, many believe that politicians will have to cave to consumer demand for hemp products.
