rman that the Farm Bill would not be used as a vehicle to make changes to the 2018 Farm Bill’s hemp provisions,” said U.S. Hemp Roundtable General Counsel Jonathan Miller
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture Drops Bombshell with Proposed Amendment to 2024 Farm Bill
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture has just released a 942-page draft of the highly anticipated 2024 Farm Bill, also known as the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024. This massive bill, projected to cost $1.5 trillion over the course of 10 years, has been the subject of much speculation and debate. But the real shocker came on May 23, during a Farm Bill hearing, when the committee passed a group of amendments en bloc, one of which could have major implications for the hemp industry.
Proposed Amendment Could Spell Trouble for Hemp Industry
One of the amendments included in the en bloc package would essentially ban all hemp-derived products, including those with any level of THC. This would be a major blow to the industry, as it would limit the types of products that can be made from hemp and potentially hinder its growth and profitability.
Illinois Rep. Mary Miller Takes a Stand Against Intoxicating Hemp Products
The proposed amendment was put forth by Illinois Rep. Mary Miller, who stated that her goal is to close a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that allows for the sale of intoxicating hemp products, such as delta-8. Miller argues that these products are being marketed to children and are causing harm, with hundreds of kids ending up in the hospital. She believes that it is the responsibility of lawmakers to protect young people from addictive and harmful drugs.
Support and Opposition from Fellow Representatives
While some representatives expressed support for Miller’s amendment, others requested more information and clarification. Tennessee Rep. John Rose stated that there needs to be a clear distinction between intentional and unintentional products in the 2018 hemp definition. Virginia Rep. Abigail Spanberger also voiced her support, stating that she wants to make changes that will benefit farmers in her state.
However, many representatives opposed the amendment, arguing that it goes too far and could have negative consequences for the hemp industry. Indiana Rep. Jim Baird stated that American farmers deserve the certainty provided by the current definition of hemp, and that the proposed amendment would arbitrarily change this definition. Rep. Derrick Van Orden echoed this sentiment, stating that many Americans have invested in hemp businesses to support their families and that the amendment could jeopardize their livelihoods.
Hemp Organizations React to the News
The proposed amendment has sparked immediate reactions from hemp organizations, such as the independent nonprofit U.S. Hemp Roundtable. General Counsel Jonathan Miller expressed disappointment, stating that they had been assured by committee staff and the Chairman that the Farm Bill would not be used to make changes to the 2018 Farm Bill’s hemp provisions. This sudden change has left many in the industry feeling uncertain and concerned about the future of hemp.
