Federal Spending Bill Closing Hemp THC Loophole Passes House Committee

While many states have already passed local laws to crack down on intoxicating hemp products, lawmakers at the federal level are now positioning to shut down the sale of hemp-derived THC industry throughout the entire U.S.

Republican lawmakers in the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies on Thursday voted 9-7 to advance a federal spending bill containing language to prohibit the sale of any amount of hemp-derived THC or similar cannabinoids, Marijuana Moment reported.

In opening remarks about the proposal, the subcommittee chair, Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), said the bill “closes the hemp loophole from the 2018 Farm Bill that has resulted in the proliferation of intoxicating cannabinoid products, including delta-8 and hemp flower being sold online and in gas stations nationwide.”

Aaron Smith, CEO of the National Cannabis Industry Association, said in the report the change would “ensure these products are made and sold without oversight, delivering a big win to the drug cartels at the expense of public health and safety.”

“Congress should empower federal agencies to regulate these products responsibly, not double down on prohibitionist policies that have already proven to be failures both in practice and in the court of public opinion.” — Smith, via Marijuana Moment

The bill will be considered by the full committee next.