U.S. Hemp Roundtable

Last week, Senate Agriculture Chair Deb Stabenow released the full text of the Senate Democratic version of the 2024 Farm Bill. Without any warning or pre-briefing to key Members of Congress, the bill includes some concerning provisions concerning #hemp. A summary of the provisions is listed in the link below.?But the key element is to redefine “hemp” to require a total THC standard of 0.3%.?This means that currently legal #delta-8 THC or #THCA products that include more than 0.3% total THC would be illegal.?Currently legal delta-9 THC or #CBD products would NOT be impacted by this new language.?Delta-8 THC products that have less than 0.3 total THC would also NOT be impacted. It is important to note that it is unlikely that this bill will pass this year, and Sen. Stabenow retires before the new Congress begins.?This is considered more of a “messaging” bill than a serious legislative effort.?However, this is language that could reappear next year, so?it is critical that we remain vigilant to provide an alternative path, with robust regulation instead of products bans. We also need to understand its potential impact.?Please let us know if you sell products that would be affected, and what is the volume/percentage of your business. The attempt to ban certain hemp products, rather than robustly regulate them, highlights the urgent need for Congress to enact?S. 5243,?Senator?Ron?Wyden's Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act. This bill will provide much-needed federal guidance for hemp products, replacing misguided prohibition with a balanced regulatory framework. When Congress reconvenes in January, enacting this bill will be a top priority for our organization. Please consider participating in our email campaign below?urging your Members of Congress to co-sponsor S. 5243?— the more emails Senate and House members receive, the better our chances of success!

California update from the LA Times, featuring Hemp Roundtable members Cann, Cheech and Chong’s Cannabis Company, and Cornbread Hemp? https://lnkd.in/gfjr92f9

President of the U.S. Hemp Authority, Chris Fontes, went on the NutraIngredients podcast to talk about the recently launched certification for Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC #hemp products. Give it a listen below! https://lnkd.in/gSin3vEZ

Ohio update from our long-time board member, Your CBD Store | SUNMED.

Thank you to all of our partners that were able to make it to our panel today! It was wonderful to hear from each of you of what you are working on and where you want the cannabis industry and policies to move toward. Partners featured here are Morris Beegle with WAFBA - We Are For Better Alternatives, Jason Ortiz with the Last Prisoner Project, Jonathan Miller with U.S. Hemp Roundtable, Mike Lomuto with Minority Cannabis Business Association, Chelsea Higgs Wise with Marijuana Justice, Dominique Mendiola with Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA), and Kristin Jordan with Asian Cannabis Roundtable. . . . #ICIA #IndigenousCannabisIndustryAssociation #CannabisIndustryPolicySummit #CannabisIndustry

Roundtable Roundup: Unfortunately, as we predicted a few weeks ago, the Ohio Senate introduced a bill—SB 326—which would ban all full spectrum hemp products. Specifically, products that contain more than 0.5mg of delta-9 THC per serving, 2mg of delta-9 THC per package, or more than 0.5mg of any other THC per package would be treated as intoxicating and completely prohibited in the state. The bill would take immediate effect, leaving businesses without any option to sell through existing inventory. Even worse, the THC limits apply to all #hemp products, even topicals and #cbd products that are non-intoxicating. Our longtime Ohio lobbyists have been on top of this for weeks, and we have updated our email campaign to reflect this urgent issue. We also have proposed amendments to Illinois’ hemp program rules, which have been very poorly written. First, hemp that has not been tested, including unharvested hemp crops, would be deemed cannabis. This makes untested hemp illegal and shifts the burden of proof to the hemp grower. Second, the proposed rules would require a license for transporting hemp (even after processing), effectively requiring consumers to get a license to buy hemp products. These aspects of the proposed rules are poorly drafted and confusing and would have unintended consequences. The proposed rules are scheduled for a hearing next Tuesday, November 12. While there’s optimism in the industry that the proposed rules will be rejected, please use the link below and go to our State Action Center to urge the joint committee to oppose the proposed rules.

Missed last week’s U.S. Hemp Authority webinar? No worries—we recorded it! In the webinar, the president of the U.S. Hemp Authority, Chris Fontes, covers the background of USHA certification and our decision to accept Delta-8 and Delta-9 products. Christopher Ware from KCA Labs spoke on consumer demand and the importance of rigorous testing, while Jena Murray from Medterra shared how the USHA certification helped bring their products to Walmart shelves. Watch the full recording at the link below, and take the next step to get your brand certified today!

Only a few days away from our U.S. Hemp Authority webinar. If you haven't done so yet, register for free with the link below!

Roundtable Roundup! We have updated rules in Georgia, an email campaign in Ohio, new rules in Tennessee, a Lawsuit in Louisiana, and comments submitted in Florida. Learn more on this ever-changing world of #hemp policy with the link below!

The U.S. Hemp Authority (USHA) is excited to announce a spooktacular event just in time for Halloween: the nation’s first Adult #Hemp Product Certification webinar! As the industry continues to grow, it’s spooky that the FDA has yet to provide clear regulations for adult hemp products like delta-9-THC and delta-8-THC. This lack of oversight has created a marketplace where responsible manufacturers struggle to compete while bad actors thrive. The U.S. Hemp Authority is here to level the playing field with the new Adult Hemp Product Certification Program, which helps distinguish trustworthy brands that adhere to the highest standards of safety, quality, and transparency. By offering self-regulation in the absence of federal guidance, USHA is giving good actors the recognition they deserve. Whether you’re a brand owner, product manufacturer, retailer, or industry advocate, this is a must-attend event to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving hemp market. Register now with the link below to reserve your spot and learn how you can make your brand stand out with this certification. Jonathan Miller Chris Fontes Jena Murray Christopher Ware