U.S. Hemp Roundtable Outlines Priorities for 2023 Farm Bill: A Deep Dive

As the impending expiration of the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill draws near, the landscape for commercial hemp production faces potential transformation. The termination of this legislative cornerstone, slated for the end of September, has galvanized discussions on the future of domestic agriculture. Within this discourse, the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, along with a coalition of 30 other cannabis organizations, has presented an agenda of key priorities to guide the formulation of  the new legislation. These priorities encompass a spectrum of critical areas, notably regulatory reinforcement, industry inclusivity, and targeted research initiatives.

Among the salient directives laid out by the U.S. Hemp Roundtable is the call to enhance the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) hemp program through augmented funding and dedicated personnel. Moreover, the spotlight falls on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with the proposal to mandate regulatory oversight over hemp-derived extracts, including the prominent CBD compound.

The designation of hemp as a specialty crop marks a decisive step, conferring a distinct status to this burgeoning agricultural sector. Intriguingly, the agenda advocates for the repeal of a ban that precludes individuals with felonious records from participation in hemp production, fostering a more inclusive and rehabilitative approach.

Addressing the landscape of research, the Roundtable seeks to amplify research initiatives in diverse academic institutions, including historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), tribal colleges, and Hispanic-serving institutions. This commitment reflects the broader ethos of fostering equitable access and promoting diversity within the hemp industry.

Proactive measures targeting the elimination of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration for hemp-testing laboratories streamline the regulatory landscape, facilitating smoother industry operations. Concurrently, the endeavor to alleviate burdensome regulations speaks to the Roundtable's dedication to nurturing a conducive business environment for hemp stakeholders.

Of particular significance is the Roundtable's proposition to allow hemp grain for animal feed, paving the way for innovative applications of hemp-derived products within the agricultural ecosystem. Additionally, the ongoing dialogue regarding THC levels for hemp points to the complexities of balancing regulatory considerations and industry innovation.

Jonathan Miller, the General Counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, articulated insights into these priorities and the impending Farm Bill. Highlighting the industry's chief concern, Miller emphasized the necessity of FDA regulation for CBD and related compounds. The legislative journey to achieve this goal is marked by a jurisdictional dance between different congressional bodies, but the prospect of tangible progress looms on the horizon.

Notably, the Farm Bill's potential scope extends to hemp-based intoxicating cannabinoids. The discussions surrounding their regulation are underscored by a delicate balance between prohibition and stringent control to prevent youth access.

While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Miller maintains optimism about the Farm Bill's impact. He anticipates a vigorous interplay among various congressional players, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Oversight Committee Chair Jamie Comer, and influential committee leaders like Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Glenn “GT” Thompson.

As the legislative deliberations unfold, the U.S. Hemp Roundtable's articulated priorities stand as a roadmap for policymakers to navigate the complex intersection of hemp, agriculture, and regulation. With dynamic variables at play, the evolution of the 2023 Farm Bill holds the potential to reshape the landscape of hemp cultivation and its role within the broader cannabis industry.