Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's push to limit the sale of psychoactive hemp products has sent shockwaves through the US hemp industry. The provision, set to take effect next year, sets a 0.4 milligram per container THC limit - far from enough to feel a buzz in many adult-use cannabis products.
Industry insiders say that if this law is allowed to go into effect, it will essentially "game over" for the entire industry, with companies like Hometown Hero, which employs about 200 people across three locations and two states, at risk of being destroyed. The provision is specifically aimed at delta-8 THC, a variant of delta-9 THC, the main intoxicating compound in cannabis.
McConnell championed both the legalization of hemp in 2018 and the new law, explaining that it "restores the original intent" of the 2018 bill. However, many in the industry argue that the loophole in the law allowed companies to exploit and take legal amounts of THC from hemp to create intoxicating substances.
The US hemp industry has ballooned since 2018, with estimates suggesting $28 billion in sales and 328,000 workers earning $13 billion in wages. The new law puts the viability of many businesses into question, and industry insiders are pushing to have the provision overturned or come to a compromise with lawmakers.
Farmers like Ann Guager, who runs Caprock Family Farms, believe that public opinion is on their side, and that they can rally support through mass movements and advocacy. However, experts like Robert Mikos, a professor at Vanderbilt University, argue that the 2018 legalization of psychoactive hemp products was a mistake, and that lawmakers might face pushback from those who see it as an unintended consequence.
The treatment of marijuana and what was considered hemp is ultimately up to the states to decide. While some states with robust legal marijuana markets may regulate hemp more strictly, others like Tennessee might continue to do so, despite federal law classifying hemp products as marijuana for regulatory purposes.
Industry insiders say that if this law is allowed to go into effect, it will essentially "game over" for the entire industry, with companies like Hometown Hero, which employs about 200 people across three locations and two states, at risk of being destroyed. The provision is specifically aimed at delta-8 THC, a variant of delta-9 THC, the main intoxicating compound in cannabis.
McConnell championed both the legalization of hemp in 2018 and the new law, explaining that it "restores the original intent" of the 2018 bill. However, many in the industry argue that the loophole in the law allowed companies to exploit and take legal amounts of THC from hemp to create intoxicating substances.
The US hemp industry has ballooned since 2018, with estimates suggesting $28 billion in sales and 328,000 workers earning $13 billion in wages. The new law puts the viability of many businesses into question, and industry insiders are pushing to have the provision overturned or come to a compromise with lawmakers.
Farmers like Ann Guager, who runs Caprock Family Farms, believe that public opinion is on their side, and that they can rally support through mass movements and advocacy. However, experts like Robert Mikos, a professor at Vanderbilt University, argue that the 2018 legalization of psychoactive hemp products was a mistake, and that lawmakers might face pushback from those who see it as an unintended consequence.
The treatment of marijuana and what was considered hemp is ultimately up to the states to decide. While some states with robust legal marijuana markets may regulate hemp more strictly, others like Tennessee might continue to do so, despite federal law classifying hemp products as marijuana for regulatory purposes.
This provision is super strict! I think it's crazy that companies are gonna have to cut out most of the good stuff from their hemp products just cuz some lawmakers don't like the buzz. 
It's a bummer for all those people who work in the industry and make a living off it. Interesting how different experts have different opinions on this one, I guess you could say there's still a lot to figure out about hemp laws.
The US hemp industry is in chaos 
! If this new law goes through, it'll be devastating 
for companies that rely on delta-8 THC 
. I mean, what's the point of even calling it hemp if it can't give people a buzz? 
McConnell thinks he's restoring intent, but really, he's just causing a mess 
. The industry is worth billions and employs thousands, so this law could be the end for many businesses 
. I think it's time to revisit the 2018 bill and find a better balance 
. The states should have more say in how hemp products are treated 
. This is a big deal 
and needs to be addressed ASAP 
!
it's a total bummer. I mean, I'm all for regulations and whatnot, but 0.4 milligrams is basically nothing. Most of us can't even feel anything at that level! 
It's like they're not even trying to understand the industry.
. But now, if this law goes through, it could destroy so many businesses that are already struggling to stay afloat. I feel bad for the farmers like Ann Guager who are just trying to make a living off their land.
for the US hemp industry! Like, I get it, Mitch McConnell thinks he's restoring some kinda original intent, but honestly, he's just trying to screw over all these small businesses 
. I mean, who needs 0.4 milligrams of THC in their hemp products? It's basically just a drop in the bucket 
. Industry insiders are totally right to say that this provision is a game-changer, and it's only gonna put more pressure on these small businesses 
. We need to get behind our farmers, like Ann Guager from Caprock Family Farms 
, and show some love to the hemp industry 
. This is all about public opinion, folks! Let's make some noise and convince lawmakers to reconsider this crazy law 
. #HempIndustryInCrisis #GameOverForSmallBusinesses #HempLove
. Anyway, back to this psychoactive hemp thing... it's just so weird how some people think hemp is only for making rope or CBD oil or whatever 
.
. So many options and so little info about what's actually in it. I'm starting to think that some companies are just making up stuff on the packaging 
. I've seen some of these hemp farms and they're not even growing weed, they're growing actual plants that don't have any psychoactive effects 
. It's just not fair to the farmers who are trying to make a living here.
. Maybe they can come up with a compromise or something? Fingers crossed 
!
! Companies that are just trying to make a living and create jobs for their employees are being threatened by this one-size-fits-all approach from the government. I mean, what's next? Are we gonna regulate the air we breathe or something? 
. And what about all the farmers who are already working hard to grow this stuff? Do they get to just sit around and watch their livelihoods disappear overnight? 
. We need a compromise here, not just a bunch of politicians stuck in their own minds 
.
the THC limit is way too low for all those cool adult-use cannabis products! 
like, what's the point of even calling them that? 
it's basically gonna be a disaster for the whole hemp industry 
and can we pls talk about how farmers like Ann Guager are trying to rally support through mass movements? 