U.S. Hemp Roundtable Makes Headway On Capitol Hill Pushing for CBD Regulation and 2023 Farm Bill Priorities

The U.S. Hemp Roundtable’s annual Member DC Fly-in proved to be an enormous boost for the nation’s hemp industry. With meetings with more than 40 Members of Congress and Congressional offices, Roundtable members secured strong commitments for CBD regulation, as well as easing regulatory burdens for hemp farmers in the 2023 Farm Bill.

Here are some highlights —

• An exclusive dinner with Sen. Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao that served as a brainstorming session to determine next steps in legislative initiatives to regulate CBD and promote agricultural sustainability through hemp fiber and grain
• A large reception on the rooftop of the new Frost Brown Todd Washington D.C. office with dozens of congressional staff members and special guests including Reps. James Comer (R-KY) and Andy Barr (R-KY), USDA Hemp Program Director Bill Richmond, and former Republican National Chair Michael Steele
• More than 40 meetings on Capitol Hill, including one-on-one sessions with Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Reps. Dina Titus (D-NV), Marc Pocan (D-WI), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD)
• In-person constituent-based meetings with Congressional staff representing Members of Congress from states including Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin

“I could not be happier with the reception we are getting from Capitol Hill,” stated Jonathan Miller, the Roundtable’s General Counsel. “Members of Congress have lost their patience with the FDA and are eager to support legislation to Regulate CBD Now. And there was consistent support for our proposals to have the 2023 Farm Bill address issues such as reducing regulatory overreach on hemp farmers and promoting research and funding for hemp fiber and grain production.”

“I’ve been to many fly-ins and lobbying days on behalf of various organizations and issues, and this was by far the best I’ve experienced,” said President, Pete Meachum. “I’m extremely proud of the precedent the U.S. Hemp Roundtable has set for the hemp industry in Washington D.C. and I’m thrilled to be a part of such an incredible and influential organization.”