Hemp THC Products Face Potential Ban Under Farm Bill Amendment

LOS ANGELES- An amendment to the House version of the Farm Bill aims to ban the sale of hemp-derived delta-8 THC and other intoxicating hemp products. Proposed by Illinois Republican Rep. Mary Miller, the amendment creates two categories of legal hemp: one for cannabinoid extraction limited to non-intoxicating cannabinoids and another for industrial hemp used for non-cannabinoid purposes like fiber and food.

The amendment diverges from the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized all hemp-derived products, including intoxicating cannabinoids like delta-9 THC. This change could have significant consequences for the $28 billion hemp industry.

The House Agriculture Committee approved the amendment without a roll call vote, and its future now depends on the divided Congress. The amendment must pass both the House and the Senate to become law. The U.S. Hemp Roundtable and other industry groups oppose the amendment, warning it would devastate the hemp market.

The National Cannabis Industry Association called for uniform federal regulations for both hemp- and marijuana-derived cannabinoid products. Earlier this year, 22 attorneys general urged Congress to restrict hemp-derived cannabinoids, citing public safety concerns.

Some states have already imposed restrictions on hemp-derived delta-8 THC and other intoxicating cannabinoids. This federal amendment seeks to standardize these restrictions across the country.

The hemp industry, represented by figures like Rob Pero of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association, argues that the amendment would harm farmers, entrepreneurs, and Indigenous communities. Industry stakeholders are mobilizing opposition, with companies like SōRSE Technology advocating against the amendment.

Despite the contentious debate, the CCC is set to hold a public meeting on Martha’s Vineyard to discuss potential solutions for the island’s cannabis supply issues, illustrating the broader challenges faced by the industry amid evolving regulations.