Hemp Advocates Rejoice As Senate Dems Push To Lift Felony Ban In 2024 Farm Bill Proposal

The Senate Agriculture Committee Democratic leadership and the House Agriculture Committee Republican leadership unveiled their frameworks for the 2024 Farm Bill. This development is of particular importance for the hemp industry, which is still regulated by the 2018 law.

Senate Democrats Prioritize Hemp Industry Reforms

The Democrats proposed significant changes to federal hemp laws as part of the detailed 94-page section-by-section summary of their Farm Bill draft. Their proposal aims to define industrial hemp and reduce regulatory barriers for hemp farmers cultivating grain or fiber. 

Most notably, the framework seeks to eliminate the ban on participation in the hemp industry by individuals with prior felony drug convictions, a move applauded by industry advocates such as the U.S. Hemp Roundtable. The organization also cautioned against potential efforts to ban hemp-derived cannabinoid products.

House GOP Framework Overview

In contrast, the GOP-controlled House Agriculture Committee released a concise five-page summary outlining key policy objectives of the draft Farm Bill. Surprisingly, there was no explicit mention of hemp in their overview. However, the U.S. Hemp Roundtable remains optimistic, citing discussions with leadership on both sides of the aisle in the hope they will incorporate hemp industry priorities into the final bill.

Challenge Of Defining Hemp And Addressing THC Concerns

Both the Senate and House bills acknowledge the need to update the definition of hemp, reflecting the evolving discussions in the industry. However, concerns linger regarding the potential prohibition of hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including the popular delta-8 THC. Despite calls from some quarters to regulate these products, neither bill mentions delta-8 THC or other controversial cannabinoids, leaving uncertainty about the direction of those regulatory details.

Read also: 93% Of Smokable Hemp Exceeds Legal THC Limit, Government-Funded Study Finds

Growth Amid Regulatory Hurdles

Despite regulatory uncertainties, the hemp market has shown resilience, with signs of recovery in 2023. However, challenges persist, particularly regarding FDA regulations for hemp-derived CBD and conflicts stemming from federal prohibition.