Since the Farm Bill was passed in 2018, hemp products have shot to popularity across the United States. While this bill legalized hemp products on the federal level, many states have taken it upon themselves to implement restrictions and regulations. Because the FDA basically refuses to regulate the hemp industry, there is a general lack of oversight. This has led to some inconsistency across the nations, as some states have outright banned cannabinoids like delta-8, while others don’t allow CBD products to contain any trace of delta-9 THC, despite the federally legal limit of 0.3%. 

When Will the 2018 Farm Bill Expire?

When the Farm Bill was passed, it was stated that it would be amended and reauthorized every five years. The bill was extended last November, so it is now set to expire this September. As lawmakers are working on a new version of this bill, twenty-one attorneys general have sent a letter to Congress, pushing for a crackdown on hemp products they deem to be “intoxicating.”

The letter states, “As Congress prepares to embark on a new five-year reauthorization of the Farm Bill, we strongly urge your committees to address the glaring vagueness created in the 2018 Farm Bill that has led to the proliferation of intoxicating hemp products across the nation and challenges to the ability for states and localities to respond to the resulting health and safety crisis.”

Which Hemp Products are “Intoxicating?”

These officials are concerned that the way hemp was defined in the 2018 Farm Bill has allowed some hemp brands to sell products that are intoxicating. For instance, although hemp products may legally only contain up to 0.3% delta-9 THC, some cannabinoids have been found to produce similar effects. For instance, delta-8 THC is known to produce a “high” sensation similar to the one produced by delta-9. These officials are also concerned that such products are often packaged as candy, which might in turn appeal to children. 

Many manufacturers and customers are worried that changing the definition of hemp in the US Farm Bill could lead to an outright ban on these products. They argue that some federal regulation and oversight, with a focus on keeping intoxicating products out of the hands of children, could be more effective. A ban, on the other hand, could actually be harmful to the hemp industry. 

Keep Up with the Evolving Legal Landscape of the Hemp Industry with Real Tested CBD

Citizens can always reach out to their representatives in Congress and request that they implement fair regulations instead of changing the definition of hemp. While the Farm Bill is set to be reauthorized in September, the legality of the hemp industry is always changing, as states implement their own restrictions and regulations. To stay up to date with the evolving legal landscape of the hemp industry, visit us at RealTestedCBD.com. In addition to reviews and lab test results for all of today’s best CBD products, you’ll also find “delta-8 near me,” as well as updated articles concerning the legality of hemp!