Congressmen Tim Moore & Jim Baird introduced in the USA the Hemp Planting Predictability Act, which aims at providing a 2-year breather on the upcoming hemp-intoxicating restrictions.
In a provision of a funding agreement to reopen the US Government, last year, there was language that prohibited the sale unregulated of hemp-based intoxicants such as delta-8 THC. Hemp Roundtable, a hemp industry advocate group, said that the ban would affect more than 95% all products containing hemp extract.
The industry is scrambling for a better regulatory system rather than an outright ban.
The congressmen’s bill would extend the hemp provisions by two years to give farmers and business owners greater certainty, while also giving Congress time to create a long-term, thoughtful framework.
A decision that has major consequences for the farmers and small businesses should not be hidden in government funding bills, but rather in an Agriculture Committee. said Congressman Moore. “I will continue to fight for North Carolina hemp farmers so they have a voice at the table, and don’t lose their business because of regulations.”
He said that Congressman Baird was:
Congress shouldn’t have made such an sweeping change in policy, which would have thrown a growing business into chaos. Congress instead should have allowed farmers more time and created a stable environment that would allow them to make future decisions about planting.
James Comer and Angie Craig have cosponsored this legislation, along with Congressman Tim Moore, as well as Congressman Gabe Evans.
Hemp Roundtable comments on bill stated Farmers and business owners are asking Congress not to ignore regulation but rather to make sure that lawmakers decide on the future of hemp, instead of uncertainty.
This legislation is a welcome relief for American hemp growers, as they have just a few weeks left to decide if they want to start planting. In the absence of congressional action, there could be widespread disruptions in supply chains, affecting processors, manufacturers and retailers across the country.
Hemp Planting Predictability Act, H.R. 7024) can be found here.