Draft Farm Bill Amendment Threatens Stability of Hemp Industry

Since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, individual states have taken the lead on regulating the industrial hemp market and hemp-derived consumer products in lieu of a regulatory framework.

In the wake of the 2018 Farm Bill, which ushered in a new era for hemp regulation in the United States, individual states have shouldered the responsibility of crafting and enforcing rules governing the booming hemp industry. Texas, for instance, has been a trailblazer in this regard, instituting stringent regulations since 2019. These regulations encompass comprehensive testing protocols, including full-panel testing for all consumable cannabinoids. Moreover, Texas mandates rigorous licensing and labeling requirements, ensuring that certificates of analysis are readily available to consumers, thereby fostering transparency and consumer safety.

Hemp regulations

The robust regulatory landscape adopted by states like Texas enjoys broad support from stakeholders across the hemp sector. Key components of these regulations include:

• Good Manufacturing Practices: Ensuring that hemp products are developed under established quality standards.
• Testing Protocols: Verifying that both raw materials and finished products meet specified criteria and are free from contaminants.
• Accurate Labeling: Providing consumers with truthful information about product contents and potency.
• Safety Measures: Implementing age restrictions, verification processes, and child-resistant packaging to protect consumers.

Farm Bill amendment

Despite the significant strides made at the state level and the burgeoning popularity of hemp-derived products among consumers nationwide, a concerning development has emerged on the federal front. In May, U.S. Representative Mary Miller of Illinois introduced a sweeping amendment to the draft Farm Bill, which threatens to undermine years of progress and innovation in the hemp industry.

This industry-paralyzing amendment, now part of the House of Representatives’ draft Farm Bill, was incorporated without the benefit of a roll-call vote or meaningful consultation with industry stakeholders, small business owners, or consumers who rely on hemp products for their daily well-being.

Demand for hemp products

Millions of Americans have embraced CBD and other hemp-derived cannabinoids as part of their wellness routines, highlighting the significant demand for these products. Veterans, in particular, have increasingly turned to hemp for its potential benefits in managing chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other ailments, often as an alternative to traditional medications.

Economically, the hemp industry has become a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue and supporting tens of thousands of jobs, predominantly in small businesses across numerous states.

Reject Farm Bill amendment

The Mary Miller Amendment poses a grave threat to the future of the hemp industry by potentially outlawing nearly 95% of ingestible hemp products currently available. Such a prohibition would not only curtail consumer choice but also inadvertently bolster unregulated operators peddling untested products.

States like Florida, Illinois, and Louisiana have recently navigated hemp-related concerns through legislative measures that do not resort to outright bans. The rejection of the Mary Miller Amendment is crucial to preserving state autonomy in regulating hemp businesses and safeguarding consumer access to safe, quality hemp products.

Encourage your federal lawmakers to reject the Mary Miller Amendment and support a thriving hemp industry that prioritizes consumer safety and economic growth.

In conclusion, as the Farm Bill undergoes deliberation, it is imperative to advocate for policies that empower states to uphold robust regulatory frameworks for hemp. Rejecting the Mary Miller Amendment is vital to preserving the integrity and vitality of the U.S. hemp industry, ensuring that it continues to thrive while meeting the needs of consumers nationwide.