Senator Rand Paul Re-Introduces the HEMP Act to Raise THC Threshold to One Percent
NIHC Weighs in on its Language
This week, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the Hemp Economic Mobilization Plan (HEMP) Act that would raise the delta-9 THC threshold to one percent.
The HEMP Act also requires testing of hemp-derived products rather than the hemp flower or plant itself. Additionally, to help prevent legal hemp from being seized during transport, the bill requires that hemp shipments be accompanied by one of two easily accessible types of documentation.
“For years, I’ve led the fight in Washington to restore one of Kentucky’s most historically vital crops by legalizing industrial hemp,” said Senator Paul in a press release introducing the bill. “We achieved a hard-won victory, but there is still work to do to prevent the federal government from weighing down our farmers with unnecessary bureaucratic micromanaging. My legislation will help this growing industry reach its full economic potential, and I am proud the bill has strong support all the way from local Kentucky farmers and activists to national groups.”
Last year, Senator Paul introduced similar legislation toward the end of the 116th Congress. One of the major differences in the legislation introduced last year and the bill Senator Paul introduced this week was language on transportation.
NIHC provided the language to Senator Paul’s office that would require a copy of the producer’s hemp license or lab certification that the hemp contains no more than one percent delta-9 THC so that law enforcement officers can easily determine that the hemp in transport has already been lab tested; is compliant with current law; and is not marijuana.
Patrick Atagi, Board Chair of the NIHC was quoted in the press release from Senator Paul’s thanking the Senator for listening to NIHC’s concerns, particularly about hemp in transit and saying that the HEMP Act will help create economic benefits.
“Senator Rand Paul’s legislation is very timely with the state departments of agriculture’s passing policy that would re-define hemp at one percent,” said Atagi. “We also are thankful for the Senator’s recognition of the importance of defining hemp in transit. We appreciate his willingness to engage with us and listen to our industry. We believe the HEMP Act is important for consumers and the consumer’s right to know and are proud to support Senator Paul’s efforts. If passed, the HEMP Act will help with the overall economy and providing jobs to Americans.”
You can read the HEMP Act of 2021 in it’s entirely here and read a fact sheet with background information on the bill here.
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