Urgent Call to Congress: Safeguard Hemp, Support Fair Regulation, and Ensure Child Safety

This week, 20 state Attorneys General petitioned congressional leaders, urging a change to the federal definition of “hemp” – one that could potentially ban most popular hemp extract products and wreak havoc on U.S. hemp farmers.

As reported by Politico, a group of Attorneys General — led by leading hemp-opponent, Indiana AG Todd Rokita – sent this letter to the chairs and ranking members of Congress’s agriculture committees, the lead drafters of the 2024 Farm Bill. In it, the AGs bemoaned the proliferation of unregulated adult hemp products which are sometimes manufactured inappropriately and/or marketed to children. We share those legitimate concerns.

Unfortunately, the AGs propose to throw the proverbial baby out with the bath water. By suggesting that Congress change the definition of “hemp” – without specifying how – mischief can ensue which could likely result in the federal criminalization of currently-legal and popular hemp products. As we have seen in some states, efforts like this have even resulted in bans of non-intoxicating full-spectrum CBD products. 

The appropriate answer is not re-definitions or bans. We need regulation. We have been, and will continue to, advocate for measures prioritizing safety and responsibility without stifling industry growth. Congress must swiftly reject any new prohibition, uphold the current definition of hemp, and ensure that regulatory decisions are rooted in evidence and fairness.

Please use our Federal Action Center TODAY to contact your members of Congress urging them to:

1. Protect the current definition of hemp under federal law for clarity and stability in the regulatory landscape.
2. Implement fair regulations prioritizing safety and responsibility, particularly concerning products posing risks to children.

Together, let’s uphold the integrity of the hemp industry and advocate for policies prioritizing safety, clarity, and sustainability, ensuring a thriving hemp industry for generations to come.

Check out the latest hemp and CBD updates from across the states!

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• Roundtable Roundup: Testimony in Ohio, Missouri Comments, Tennessee Final Rules, and Texas Ban Bill Incoming
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• Watch Our General Counsel, Jonathan Miller, Testify Before the Ohio Senate TODAY
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