Politics
Senate faces debate over hemp-derived THC product ban as recess ends
Lawmakers are set to resume discussions on a provision delaying the prohibition of most hemp-derived THC products until December.
The short version
- A stopgap funding bill currently includes a provision that postpones a ban on most hemp THC products until Dec. 11.
- House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris and several GOP senators plan to challenge the delay and reinstate the ban.
- The White House pushed for the delay to allow time to address the regulation, but officials reportedly do not plan to request further extensions.
Key facts
- A stopgap funding measure contains a provision delaying a federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products until Dec. 11.[The Hill]
- The language delaying the ban was included in Senate legislation following requests from the White House.[The Hill]
- The Senate voted 61-32 to table an amendment proposed by Sen. Ted Budd that sought to remove the delay provision.[The Hill]
- The 32 senators who opposed tabling the amendment included 21 Republicans and 11 Democrats.[The Hill]
- House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris pledged to fight the delay provision, describing the unregulated products as functionally equivalent to marijuana.[The Hill]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain whether opponents of the delay will succeed in removing the provision or enforcing the ban when Congress considers future funding legislation.[The Hill]