GOP Division Over Hemp Products Stalls Government Funding Bill

1 week ago 0

An ongoing internal GOP disagreement over intoxicating hemp products is delaying the passage of a government funding bill. The Senate is considering a bill that would postpone the upcoming ban on most hemp-derived THC products by one month, extending until December 11.

The White House pushed for this provision, surprising some senators. Senator Ted Budd from North Carolina and several other Republicans are objecting. They demand a vote on an amendment to remove the delay from the bill due to concerns about children’s access to hemp-derived THC products.

The administration supports the delay, having indicated its position for months. In April, President Trump posted on Truth Social, urging Congress to update the law to allow access to full-spectrum CBD products while keeping restrictions on products posing health risks.

“I am calling on Congress to update the Law to ensure that Americans can continue to access the full-spectrum CBD products they rely on and that help them, while preserving Congress’s intent to restrict the sale of products that pose Health risks.”

During the House’s consideration of the Agriculture, Rural Development, and FDA package in June, the Office of Management and Budget expressed willingness to collaborate with Congress to update hemp-derived cannabinoid product definitions. Their aim is to allow access to appropriate CBD products while halting sales of potentially harmful products.

Lawmakers previously rejected amendments related to hemp, which sought to delay the ban by two years, halt it entirely, or replace it with a regulated system.

The debated policy originates from a law passed late last year, redefining hemp to eliminate what critics termed the “hemp loophole.” The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the controlled substances list. However, its broad definition and lack of federal regulation led to a loophole permitting companies to extract and synthesize high THC levels, the psychoactive compound in marijuana responsible for a high.

These cannabinoid products, like gummies and drinks, have gained popularity beyond dispensaries. They are sold at gas stations, convenience stores, and even major retailers, often without proper age restrictions or labeling. Many closely resemble candy, offering a marijuana-like high without being considered marijuana.

The new definition aims to limit legal hemp products to 0.4 milligrams per container of total THC or any other cannabinoids with similar effects. Originally set to take effect on November 12, the delay would result in a new effective date. Synthesized cannabinoids not naturally produced by the Cannabis sativa L. plant remain scheduled to be banned as originally planned, likely including illicit imports from China.

Welcome to The Hill’s Healthcare newsletter, we’re Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi. Each week, we cover the latest developments on how Washington policies affect your health.

Essential Reads

This week, watch for these healthcare policy impacts:

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee votes Thursday on holding Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress, following his Fifth Amendment plea resistance during a hearing.
The CDC will get a new director as Dr. Erica Schwartz is confirmed after a 51-44 Senate vote.
Sen. Gary Peters emphasizes constitutional protections for Fauci concerning his recent hearing statements.

On the radar are these upcoming themes and events:

Contempt vote against Anthony Fauci in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Other Health News

More than 20,000 cyclosporiasis cases have been identified across the U.S., likely the largest outbreak linked to specific states. With new outbreaks, the parasite causes explosive diarrhea, which has been recognized by the CDC.

Notable local healthcare updates include: