A Lasting Blow: Hemp Industry on Brink of Collapse
The recent push by Republicans to ban intoxicating hemp products has sent shockwaves through the US hemp industry. With a proposed limit of 0.4 milligrams per container of THC, the regulations will effectively outlaw full-spectrum chapstick, pet treats, and many other non-psychoactive hemp-derived products.
Industry insiders say that if this law comes into effect, it would be "game over" for their businesses. Lukas Gilkey, co-founder and CEO of Hometown Hero, an Austin-based hemp business, echoed similar sentiments. The proposed limit is far from enough to feel a buzz, but will render many adult-use cannabis products virtually unrecognizable.
The ban was championed by Senator Mitch McConnell, who argues that the new law restores the original intent of the 2018 farm bill and protects the growing hemp industry. However, industry insiders disagree, claiming that the language is vague and designed to punish legitimate businesses.
"It's essentially a game over for the entire industry if this actually goes into effect," Gilkey said. The hemp industry has grown significantly since 2018, with estimated annual sales of $28 billion and approximately 328,000 workers earning around $13 billion in wages.
The predicament faced by hemp farmers is that they are caught between competing interests - the alcohol lobby and state-level marijuana lobby. While the marijuana industry welcomes regulations on hemp products, the alcohol industry pushes for bans and stricter controls.
As the debate rages on, some argue that Congress is not trying to destroy the industrial hemp market or CBD industry. Robert Mikos, a professor at Vanderbilt University, believes that states will ultimately regulate hemp more strictly, depending on their own laws and regulations.
The battle ahead seems daunting, but with public support and mass mobilization, there's hope for change. As Ann Guager, farmer from Texas, notes, "We know that speaking up and calling your lawmakers can make a difference." The question remains: will the hemp industry prevail against these new regulations?
The recent push by Republicans to ban intoxicating hemp products has sent shockwaves through the US hemp industry. With a proposed limit of 0.4 milligrams per container of THC, the regulations will effectively outlaw full-spectrum chapstick, pet treats, and many other non-psychoactive hemp-derived products.
Industry insiders say that if this law comes into effect, it would be "game over" for their businesses. Lukas Gilkey, co-founder and CEO of Hometown Hero, an Austin-based hemp business, echoed similar sentiments. The proposed limit is far from enough to feel a buzz, but will render many adult-use cannabis products virtually unrecognizable.
The ban was championed by Senator Mitch McConnell, who argues that the new law restores the original intent of the 2018 farm bill and protects the growing hemp industry. However, industry insiders disagree, claiming that the language is vague and designed to punish legitimate businesses.
"It's essentially a game over for the entire industry if this actually goes into effect," Gilkey said. The hemp industry has grown significantly since 2018, with estimated annual sales of $28 billion and approximately 328,000 workers earning around $13 billion in wages.
The predicament faced by hemp farmers is that they are caught between competing interests - the alcohol lobby and state-level marijuana lobby. While the marijuana industry welcomes regulations on hemp products, the alcohol industry pushes for bans and stricter controls.
As the debate rages on, some argue that Congress is not trying to destroy the industrial hemp market or CBD industry. Robert Mikos, a professor at Vanderbilt University, believes that states will ultimately regulate hemp more strictly, depending on their own laws and regulations.
The battle ahead seems daunting, but with public support and mass mobilization, there's hope for change. As Ann Guager, farmer from Texas, notes, "We know that speaking up and calling your lawmakers can make a difference." The question remains: will the hemp industry prevail against these new regulations?
i cant even imagine how hard it's gonna be for those hemp farmers & small biz owners who are just tryin to make a living. like, 0.4mg of THC isnt even enough 2 feel any buzz lol its like they r not even takin this seriously. and what about all the ppl who rely on hemp products 4 pain management or anxiety? 
this is def not the answer. i hope congress listens 2 the public & changes their minds cuz this can't be good for the economy. 
This is so unfair! I mean, what's next? Banning all CBD products or essential oils made from hemp? It's like they're trying to stifle innovation and progress. I feel for those small business owners who rely on the hemp industry for their livelihood. The fact that Senator McConnell thinks this law will "protect" the growing hemp industry is just a joke 
. And what about all the people who use these products for medical purposes or personal enjoyment? It's like they're being punished for trying to improve their lives. The hemp industry was supposed to be a game-changer, but now it seems like it's going down in flames 
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. On the other hand, some people think that stricter regulations will keep things safe, but I'm not sure... it feels like we're just following one group's rules without thinking about how it affects everyone else 
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This proposed law is like taking a big ol' slap in the face to all the legit hemp businesses 
. I mean, 0.4 milligrams per container of THC? That's like asking for a hug from a bear 
. It's not gonna work out well for anyone involved. The fact that it's based on some vague language is just a cop-out 
. Hemp farmers are already caught in the middle between these two big interests (alcohol and marijuana lobbies), and now they're being held hostage by this law 
. I hope Congress is paying attention to all the passionate people on both sides of the debate 
. We'll see how it plays out...