The Senate has voted to preserve a temporary delay in the federal crackdown on hemp-derived THC products, rejecting an effort to ensure that new restrictions take effect as scheduled in November.
Senators voted 61-32 last Wednesday to reject the amendment introduced by Senator Ted Budd. The proposal would have removed language from a broader federal funding measure that postpones the implementation of the hemp restrictions. The Senate later approved the spending legislation by a 90-6 vote.
Supporters of the delay argue that the additional time could give lawmakers an opportunity to develop a federal regulatory system rather than allowing prohibition to take effect. The current measure would push the effective date for most of the restrictions from November 12 to December 11.
Hemp products containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight became federally permitted under the 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed by President Donald Trump. Legislation approved late last year established a much stricter definition of legal hemp, limiting products to those containing less than 0.4 mg of total THC per container.
The funding bill, released by Senate appropriations leaders over the weekend, would keep federal agencies operating through December 11. Its hemp provisions postpone most of the impending restrictions while allowing the ban on certain synthetic cannabinoids that cannot naturally occur in cannabis to take effect on November 12.
Budd argued that intoxicating hemp products have become a serious public health concern. In remarks on the Senate floor, he said their availability could put children at risk, affect the workforce, and create challenges for military preparedness.
The White House has backed delaying the restrictions, while rejecting claims that its position is connected to business interests involving the family of Trump’s chief of staff. A White House spokesperson said the administration’s stance serves the public interest, including veterans and others who use hemp-derived products for medical reasons.
Meanwhile, competing groups representing law enforcement, veterans, and hemp businesses have urged Congress to either retain the November deadline or provide additional time for regulation.
Thirty-five state attorneys general have called for the restrictions to proceed, arguing that the policy would protect consumers and provide clearer rules while preserving legitimate non-intoxicating hemp businesses.
Alcohol retailers, however, are among those supporting a delay. The Beverage Alcohol Merchants Coalition has urged Congress to create federal rules for low-dose hemp THC beverages, including testing, labeling, marketing, and tax requirements. The group has also proposed incorporating such drinks into the alcohol industry’s three-tier regulatory model while allowing states to maintain their own standards.
The marijuana industry, including entities like Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), will be following the discussions on intoxicating hemp-sourced products in Congress as any decisions made could impact the cannabis industry in a number of ways.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN
