On November 12, over 90% of current hemp products in the U.S. market will be considered illegal unless Congress amends a ban set to take effect in 2025. This ban has support from drug safety advocates and alcohol councils, but it is opposed by farmers and businesses in the hemp industry. Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY) and Angie Craig (R-MN) have introduced the Lawful Hemp Protection Act, aiming to roll back the ban and implement reforms in the hemp industry.
The bill proposes a total THC limit of 1% at the crop level and sets specific milligram caps for final products. It includes regulatory measures such as testing for THC limits, prohibiting synthetic cannabinoids, and establishing age restrictions for purchases. The bill also suggests a tax on hemp-derived beverages, which has garnered support from alcohol trade groups.
While Barr and Craig believe the bill provides a balanced approach to regulation, drug safety advocates express concerns about the potential expansion of the hemp market and its implications for public health. The bill has been referred to multiple House committees for consideration, but other proposed legislation to delay the ban has not progressed. With just over three months until the ban takes effect, the future of hemp regulation remains uncertain.