Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) Discusses Federal Hemp Legislation During Exclusive USHR Member & HempSupporter+ Q&A

Last week, the U.S. Hemp Roundtable hosted an exclusive virtual Q&A discussion with Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) for USHR members and HempSupporter+ subscribers focused on the future of federal hemp policy and ongoing efforts to establish a workable national regulatory framework for hemp-derived products.
 
Moderated by U.S. Hemp Roundtable General Counsel Jonathan Miller, the closed session gave attendees an opportunity to hear directly from Congressman Barr about his work on the forthcoming Lawful Hemp Protection Act, the current federal landscape, and the legislative path forward for the hemp industry as Congress continues to evaluate hemp policy at the federal level. During the discussion, Congressman Barr reiterated his support for the hemp industry and emphasized the importance of creating a stable regulatory structure that protects consumers while allowing responsible businesses and American farmers to continue operating and growing. “We do need the Lawful Hemp Protection Act, which we’ve drafted, and we are close, I believe, to introducing the bill,” Congressman Barr stated. “It would create a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived consumer products.”
 
Barr explained that the legislation is intended to establish a more predictable federal framework while addressing longstanding concerns surrounding consumer safety, labeling, interstate commerce, and regulatory certainty. He also stressed the importance of preserving opportunities for American farmers and ensuring the long-term viability of the hemp industry. “The goals are clear,” Barr said. “To ensure the preservation of the industry and protect farmers’ ability to grow this crop.”
 
The Congressman also highlighted the broader economic opportunity hemp presents for agricultural communities, particularly in states like Kentucky where hemp has deep historical roots and remains an important part of ongoing conversations surrounding agricultural diversification and rural economic development. The conversation covered a broad range of policy issues, including the anticipated timeline for introduction of the Lawful Hemp Protection Act, federal and state regulatory authority, FDA and TTB oversight, consumer safety standards, restrictions on synthetic cannabinoids, direct-to-consumer considerations, and protections for American-grown hemp and domestic supply chains.
 
Barr also discussed the importance of bipartisan engagement and continued collaboration among lawmakers, regulators, and stakeholders as Congress works through the complexities of establishing a durable federal hemp framework. Throughout the discussion, he encouraged continued industry participation and stakeholder engagement as legislative conversations move forward.
 
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable is deeply grateful to Congressman Barr for his continued leadership on hemp policy and for taking the time to participate in this substantive discussion with our members and supporters. His willingness to engage directly with industry stakeholders and listen to feedback during such a pivotal moment for federal hemp policy is greatly appreciated.
 
We also extend our thanks to the many USHR members and HempSupporter+ subscribers who participated in the discussion and submitted thoughtful questions.
 
HEMP SUPPORTERS – STAY INVOLVED: As soon as the bill is formally introduced, the US Hemp Roundtable will be broadcasting the news to this space and across social media. Be ready to send a message to your congressperson urging support and please share our action alert to spread the word about this important legislation.
 
This event was conducted as a closed session exclusively for invited USHR members and HempSupporter+ subscribers to facilitate a candid discussion regarding ongoing legislative developments. As federal hemp policy discussions continue to evolve, the U.S. Hemp Roundtable remains committed to keeping industry stakeholders informed and engaged. Those interested in learning more about the U.S. Hemp Roundtable’s advocacy efforts or becoming more involved in supporting sensible hemp policy are encouraged to:

1. Become an official member of the Roundtable. By becoming a Member of the Hemp Roundtable, your company becomes a leader in shaping the future of hemp policy. Hemp Roundtable members help educate lawmakers on the challenges our industry faces, provide insights on appropriate regulatory structures, and have a seat at all state and federal policy discussions. If you want to join the fight to shape hemp policy, contact us.
   
2. Or sign Up For a HempSupporter+ Subscription. Your gateway to exclusive insights and opportunities that will empower you as an advocate for hemp communities across the country. With HempSupporter+, you’ll gain insider access to the efforts of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and the greater hemp industry, along with private resources and tools available. If you are an individual hemp stakeholder, consumer or advocate that considers yourself a Hemp Supporter, this is for you! Receive exclusive access to hemp industry intel, online webinars on state and federal hemp policy, and a custom user dashboard and profile at hempsupporter.com that can be personalized to what matters most to you.