$28 billion industry outlawed as Congress passes hemp THC ban

The federal government is opening back up, and hemp-derived THC will become criminal contraband.The spending package approved by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives late Wednesday to end the longest government shutdown in history also includes language that will outlaw nearly all the estimated $28.3 billion U.S.

hemp industry, industry advocates say. ADVERTISEMENT Wednesday’s vote is the culmination of a monthslong effort by Washington lawmakers to close the so-called “loophole” created by the 2018 Farm Bill that’s seen intoxicating hemp-derived THC products proliferate across the U.S.

Regulated cannabis companies, who view hemp as an unwelcome competitor playing by different rules, as well as alcohol lobbies and staunch anti-legalization advocates supported the ban.The vote “closes the hemp loophole that has resulted in the spread of unregulated intoxicating hemp derived products that are being sold online and in gas stations and corner stores across the country,” said Republican U.S.

Rep.Andy Harris of Maryland, the chief sponsor of the ban language in the House.

Two Republicans voted to save hemp-derived THC Two Republicans joined all but six Democrats in opposing the funding bill that included the hemp THC ban: Kentucky Rep.Thomas Massie and Florida Rep.

Greg Steube, according to the House clerk.“I detest the tactics that are being used to try to get this ban enacted into law,” Massie told Kentucky Public Radio prior to the vote.

ADVERTISEMENT The ban goes into effect 365 days after the spending bill is signed by President Donald Trump.Trump supports the hemp restrictions, an unnamed White House official told NBC News earlier in the week.

Hemp THC ban will disrupt business for marijuana MSOs and mainstream The ban leaves tens of thousands of hemp businesses across the country – including those in states like Kentucky that regu...