An alliance of 31 nonprofit hemp organizations has agreed on a series of proposals they want included in the next farm bill or other legislation.
The groups are seeking legislation to require FDA to regulate CBD extracts from hemp, and the alliance also wants lawmakers to repeal the ban on felons growing hemp, a provision included in the 2018 farm bill.
“The five years since legalization have been challenging, and the 2023 farm bill is our next and best opportunity to take this industry a step forward,” said Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable. “The unity within the industry is remarkable and telling: Our shared voice will resonate with Congress and help us turn this opportunity into meaningful progress for hemp farmers and product consumers.”
The alliance wants to see allowable THC levels in hemp increased from the current 0.3% to 1%. The change would provide more flexibility to producers who now face criminal charges if they exceed the limit.
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The alliance also wants hemp designated as either a commodity or specialty crop, depending on how it’s grown. The change would give producers access to benefits and support programs offered to other crops.
Leaders from 75 organizations convened during the NoCo Hemp Expo in March to develop the goals. Three of the nation’s leading hemp organizations – Hemp Industries Association, National Industrial Hemp Council and U.S. Hemp Roundtable – along with 28 additional groups collaborated for the first time to develop uniform priorities.
Patrick Atagi, president and CEO of the National Industrial Hemp Council, called the collaboration “a sign of great things to come” for the hemp industry.
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