In Case You Missed It: Reps. Barr and Craig Introduced a Bipartisan Plan to Replace the Hemp Ban

Last week, Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY) and Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced the bipartisan Lawful Hemp Protection Act, a major federal proposal that would replace the looming federal hemp ban with a national regulatory framework for lawful hemp products.
 
If you have not yet taken action yet, there is still time.
 
As it stands today, a federal ban is scheduled to take effect in November that would eliminate an estimated 95% of the current hemp marketplace, including many non-intoxicating CBD products relied upon by consumers nationwide. The economic consequences for farmers, manufacturers, retailers, and small businesses would be devastating.
 
The Lawful Hemp Protection Act offers a different path. Rather than banning hemp products outright, the bill would establish federal standards and oversight for the marketplace, recognizing that hemp should be regulated responsibly, not prohibited.
 
Like any major legislation, the bill is not perfect. We are actively engaged with congressional offices and stakeholders to address areas that need improvement and strengthen the legislation. However, at a time when the industry is facing an unprecedented threat, this bill represents an important step toward preserving a lawful hemp marketplace and creating a workable federal regulatory structure.
 
We need Congress to hear from you now.
 
Please take a moment to send a message through our Federal Action Center and urge your Representative to support the bipartisan Lawful Hemp Protection Act. The process takes less than a minute. Our system automatically identifies your elected officials, provides a pre-drafted message, and allows you to send it with just a few clicks.
 
And if you are passionate about protecting hemp, don’t stop at one message. Congressional offices pay attention when they hear repeatedly from constituents. You can contact your lawmakers using our form every 24 hours and encourage friends, family members, employees, customers, and colleagues to do the same.
 
Every message matters. Thank you for contributing to the fight to save the hemp industry.

Roundtable members are doing their part:

Advocacy is not happening just online.
 
Last week, U.S. Hemp Roundtable members and industry leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. for a congressional fly-in focused on the future of hemp policy. Together, we met with approximately 40 congressional offices to discuss the urgent need for a regulatory solution that protects consumers while preserving the lawful hemp industry.
 
Our message was clear: hemp can and should be regulated, not banned.
 
Throughout our meetings, we discussed both the Lawful Hemp Protection Act and the need for an extension to prevent a disruptive federal ban from taking effect before Congress has the opportunity to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework.
 
There is growing recognition on Capitol Hill that lawmakers must address legitimate concerns through smart regulation rather than prohibition. These conversations are continuing, and we will remain actively engaged as negotiations move forward.
 
The weeks ahead will be critical.
 
Please join us by taking action today through our Federal Action Center and encouraging others to do the same.
 
Together, we can help ensure that Congress chooses regulation over prohibition and protects the future of hemp in America.