Marijuana policy Project urges Congress to keep hemp THC products legal

The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) has issued an action alert urging members of Congress to send letters supporting the reversal of a scheduled ban on hemp THC products. The group argues that clear potency limits, testing and labeling standards, age restrictions, and consumer access are essential for a comprehensive reform of all cannabinoids. MPP cites the 2018 Farm Bill’s legalization of hemp derivatives with less than 0.3 percent delta‑9 THC on a dry‑weight basis and notes that the new legislation will push the effective ban date to December 11, giving lawmakers more time to craft regulations.

MPP’s alert follows a growing number of bills filed by Republican and Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. Beth Van Duyne (R‑TX) and Greg Landsman (D‑OH) who propose keeping hemp THC drinks legal while taxing and regulating them like alcohol. Rep. James Comer (R‑KY) is circulating legislation that would delay the federal ban and institute packaging, testing, and age‑limit requirements. Rep. Andy Barr (R‑KY) has also filed a longer proposal to prevent recriminalization and establish manufacturing, labeling, sales, and taxation standards for hemp‑derived products.

The advocacy group’s push comes after its executive director expressed optimism that further federal action on the cannabis front is unlikely under the current Congress. Other groups, such as the Community Anti‑Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and convenience‑store advocates, have released election guides urging congressional candidates to support hemp THC products. White House officials, including OMB Director Russell Vought, have also urged Congress to update the statutory definition of hemp‑derived cannabinoid products to preserve consumer access and protect businesses.

Read the full story at Marijuana Moment.