A House committee’s amendment to the 2024 Farm Bill, aimed at banning most consumable hemp products, has stirred significant debate within the cannabis industry. The amendment, which proposes to prohibit intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoid products such as delta-8 THC and CBD containing any detectable THC, has drawn both support and opposition from various sectors.
Advocates of the amendment argue it closes a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized hemp and its derivatives. Supporters, including the U.S. Cannabis Council (USCC), view it as a necessary step to regulate a market fraught with untested and potentially dangerous products.
However, the proposal has sparked dissent even among members of organizations like USCC. Multi-state operators such as Cresco Labs and Curaleaf, both USCC members, are divided over the amendment. Some argue for stricter regulations to align hemp products with standards applied to cannabis, while others caution against reinstating prohibition measures.
Jason Erkes, Chief Communications Officer at Cresco Labs, emphasized the need for consistent regulation across cannabis and hemp, highlighting concerns over unregulated products and disparities in compliance burdens between hemp and cannabis businesses.
Meanwhile, opponents of the amendment, like Shawn Hauser from Vicente LLP and a USCC board member, assert that while regulation is necessary, prohibition of hemp cannabinoids may not be the most effective approach. They advocate for comprehensive regulatory frameworks that ensure consumer safety without stifling industry growth.
The amendment’s potential impact extends beyond regulatory concerns to economic implications for the hemp industry, including the expansive CBD market. Critics warn that a blanket ban could jeopardize legitimate hemp businesses and push consumers toward unregulated sources.
As the legislative process continues, stakeholders await developments from the Senate Agriculture Committee, which has yet to release its Farm Bill draft. Meanwhile, proposals to revise hemp regulations, including lifting bans on individuals with prior drug convictions and expanding market opportunities for CBD products, remain under consideration.
The debate underscores broader industry efforts to establish uniform standards for hemp and cannabis products, balancing regulatory oversight with market accessibility and consumer protection.
