State Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest) believes the U.S. Senate made the right decision when they added a provision in the funding bill that bans some intoxicating hemp products.
The provision was part of the Senate’s agriculture/FDA funding package tied to continuing resolution that ended the government shutdown.
U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) included language in the package that closes the “hemp loophole” created by the 2018 Farm Bill.
The legislation changes the definition of hemp from the previous Farm Bill language to preclude all but naturally occurring derivatives of hemp products with lower than 0.3% THC content by dry weight.
“The Senate’s vote to ban intoxicating hemp products mirrors the intent behind Alabama’s HB445, protecting our communities from unregulated and unsafe substances,” Whitt said.
“Alabama took the lead, acted early, and truth be told, got this ball rolling. I’m glad to see the federal government recognize and correct the mistake made in 2018. It’s good to see common sense finally catching up in Washington.”
Earlier this year, Whitt sponsored HB445, landmark legislation regulating consumable hemp products in Alabama. The measure established clear limits on THC content, banned synthetic and intoxicating cannabinoids such as Delta-8 and HHC, and placed new packaging, testing, and licensing requirements on manufacturers and retailers.
Because of the “hemp loophole,” products known by names like Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 THC, which are made from hemp, not marijuana have been legal in many states, including Alabama, and are sold openly in gas stations, vape shops, convenience stores, and even bars.
“This is about protecting consumers and putting an end to these pop-up pot shops, keeping harmful products out of our kids’ hands, and protecting consumers from these unregulated and dangerous products,” Whitt added.
“Down here, we know when state and federal policy work hand in hand, it’s a win for everyone: our families, our communities, but particularly for those who have been negatively affected by many of these products.”
The new federal language closely follows Alabama’s approach, tightening oversight of hemp-derived products nationwide and closing loopholes that allowed intoxicating substances to be sold under the guise of legal hemp.
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee
