The complicated and controversial politics of hemp and marijuana
The measure would set age limits, potency caps and labeling rules while preserving sales of many hemp-derived THC products under federal standards.
- On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Representative Andy Barr and Representative Angie Craig introduced the Lawful Hemp Protection Act to establish a federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoid products.
- The legislation aims to preempt a broad federal ban on hemp-derived intoxicants scheduled for November, which industry advocates warn would devastate the roughly $30 billion hemp market.
- Under the proposal, hemp products face a 1 percent total THC threshold and a 21-and-over age requirement, with civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation involving minors.
- Groups including the Hemp Industry and Farmers of America lauded the measure, while Senator Tim Sheehy indicated a bipartisan Senate companion bill is forthcoming.
- Despite White House support for the policy, Senator Ted Cruz predicted an "uphill path" to passing the legislation before the November recriminalization deadline.
11 Articles
11 Articles
The Paducah Sun
Richmond RegisterBarr sponsors effort to regulate intoxicating hemp-derived products ahead of federal ban
U.S. Representative Andy Barr, R-KY, is sponsoring a bipartisan effort, backed by Kentucky’s hemp industry, to regulate intoxicating hemp-derived products ahead of an effective ban of such products spearheaded by Kentucky’s senior U.S. Senator, Mitch McConnell.
Marijuana Moment
newsbudz.comNew Bipartisan Bill In Congress Would Keep Hemp THC Products Legal, With New Taxes And Regulations
Bipartisan congressional lawmakers have filed a new bill that would allow continued sales of certain hemp-derived THC products, partially scaling back a broad ban that is scheduled to take effect later this year. The new Lawful Hemp Protection Act, introduced by Reps. Andy Barr (R-KY) and Angie Craig (D-MN) on Wednesday, would again change the definition of what constitutes a federally legal product derived from the crop, add labeling requiremen…
Bipartisan duo introduce bill defining regulatory framework for hemp products
Reps. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) and Andy Barr (R-Ky.) on Wednesday introduced a bill designed to set up a clear regulatory framework for hemp and hemp-derived THC products. The Lawful Hemp Protection Act would establish the first comprehensive federal regulatory framework for hemp products. Craig, the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, credited her state…
GOP Lawmaker Claims White House Backs His Hemp Bill, But Administration Has Problems With Inhalable Product Provisions, Sources Say
The office of a Republican congressman who filed a new bipartisan bill to keep certain hemp-derived THC products federally legal this week sent a press release saying the legislation is “backed by the White House”—but an administration official deflected Marijuana Moment’s question about the matter and other sources say President Donald Trump’s team has problems with specific provisions of the proposal. Rep. Andy Barr’s (R-KY) press release abou…
Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Overturn Intoxicating Hemp Ban and Regulate Multi-Billion Dollar Sector
The US intoxicating hemp market, thought to be worth around $28bn in annual sales, could yet be saved from a devastating ban set to be implemented in a matter of months. This week two members of congress introduced new legislation that, if passed, would repeal the looming November ban on almost all hemp-derived cannabinoid products and introduce comprehensive federal regulation. Representatives Andy Barr, a Kentucky Republican, and Angie Craig…
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