Major Corporations Push for Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Sales in US

The United States Congress is under pressure from major corporations, including Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Kraft Heinz, to enact a ban on intoxicating hemp products such as Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC. This push stems from concerns regarding a “legal loophole” created by the 2018 Farm Bill, which allowed these products to be sold without oversight from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Consumer Brands Association (CBA), representing these corporations, is advocating for a comprehensive ban. They are led by Representative Andy Harris (R-MD), who has raised alarms over potential safety risks and consumer confusion regarding these products. The situation has sparked a political debate, with Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) supporting the ban, while Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) defends the hemp industry, warning that such a ban could have devastating effects.

Concerns Over Safety and Consumer Protection

In a letter sent to Congress, the CBA highlighted the need to address what they term the “hemp legal loophole.” The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp but did not account for its use in producing intoxicating THC isomers. The CBA expressed concerns that products like Delta-8 and Delta-10 have not undergone FDA review, posing risks to consumers who mistakenly believe these items are regulated for safety and purity.

According to statements cited by Cannabis Aire, the CBA noted that the marketing of these products often misleads consumers, utilizing bright packaging and names reminiscent of popular candies. This has led to significant challenges in research and testing, as well as potential health impacts that remain largely unquantified.

The letter emphasized, “Congress did not intend to create an unregulated market for intoxicating products that are not subject to FDA oversight.” This statement reinforces the urgency of closing the loophole to protect consumers effectively.

Bipartisan Support and Ongoing Debate

Support for regulating intoxicating hemp products has garnered bipartisan attention, with a coalition of 39 state and territorial attorneys general also calling for a clear federal definition to regulate these items. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D), who helped spearhead this effort, has faced scrutiny, particularly since his state has a regulated hemp market.

In addition to the CBA, major industry associations from the alcohol sector have joined the call for a ban. They argue that a temporary prohibition is necessary until a robust regulatory framework is established.

The debate is intensifying, particularly between Senators McConnell and Paul. McConnell, who championed the federal legalization of hemp in 2018, now advocates for a total ban, while Paul contends that such a measure would harm the industry. He argued, “Some of them came back from states that have fully legalized marijuana, and they’re going to ban hemp? I mean, it’s just ridiculous.”

Paul further critiqued the preference for higher doses of THC from cannabis over lower-dose hemp products, asserting that the proposed ban lacks logical foundation. He has put forward an alternative, the Hemp Economic Mobilization Plan (HEMP), which aims to allow higher concentrations of THC in hemp while ensuring the industry is not adversely affected.

The outcome of this legislative push may significantly impact the future of the hemp industry in the United States, as lawmakers weigh consumer safety against industry concerns.