By Blake Jackson
A bipartisan coalition of U.S. representatives is urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to reject language that would narrow the definition of legal hemp and exclude hemp-derived cannabinoids. The proposed change, often described as closing the hemp “loophole,” has sparked debate among lawmakers, farmers, and industry leaders.
Among those signing the letter dated Sept. 26 were Republican Reps. James Comer, Andy Barr, and Thomas Massie, along with Democrat Rep. Morgan McGarvey. Their appeal comes shortly after 58 hemp farmers called on Sen. Mitch McConnell to abandon similar efforts in the Senate, requesting a meeting with him after he sought to add restrictive language into an agricultural spending bill.
Nearly two dozen lawmakers from across the political spectrum joined in the House letter, warning the change “would deal a fatal blow to American farmers” involved in the hemp sector. They highlighted the industry’s economic footprint, citing $28.4 billion in revenues, $1.5 billion in state tax contributions, and 320,000 jobs tied to hemp production and related businesses.
McConnell has defended his stance, pointing to “bad actors” exploiting the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized industrial hemp and allowed states to regulate it. “Some companies have tried to make a quick buck” by producing intoxicating products from hemp.
While Kentucky has moved to regulate hemp-derived products, including Delta-8 THC and infused beverages, McConnell has pushed to block “quantifiable amounts” of THC in hemp goods. His attempt was removed from the Senate appropriations bill by Sen. Rand Paul, though similar wording remains in the House version.
A spokesperson for McConnell stressed that “under the language, industrial hemp and CBD products remain legal.” However, hemp industry representatives disagree, noting that many non-intoxicating CBD products naturally contain trace amounts of THC, which could be threatened under the proposed definition.
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Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy