The Marijuana Policy Project is calling on Congress to abandon a planned ban on hemp-derived THC products and instead create a comprehensive regulatory system.
The advocacy organization argues that education and regulation provide better public health outcomes than prohibition. MPP's intervention comes as lawmakers debate the future of a hemp market that has exploded since the 2018 Farm Bill opened the door to hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids like delta-8 and delta-9 THC.
"When it comes to public health and safety, regulation and education consistently yield better results than prohibition," MPP stated in its appeal to Congress.
The push addresses growing tensions between the hemp and marijuana industries. While cannabis remains federally illegal, hemp products containing THC have proliferated in gas stations, convenience stores, and online retailers across the country. The products exploit a legal loophole: the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives, defining hemp as cannabis with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight.
The regulatory vacuum
Congress is considering measures that would effectively ban many hemp THC products currently on the market. Some lawmakers and state regulators have raised concerns about product safety, potency labeling, and youth access. Several states have already moved to restrict or ban hemp-derived intoxicating products, creating a patchwork of conflicting regulations.
MPP's position puts the organization at odds with some traditional marijuana industry groups. Dispensary operators and licensed cannabis companies have complained that unregulated hemp products undercut their businesses and operate without the testing, taxation, and licensing requirements they face.
But MPP argues that prohibition would repeat past policy failures. The organization has been a leading voice for marijuana legalization since 1995 and helped pass reform measures in multiple states.
What's at stake
The hemp industry has grown into a multibillion-dollar market, with hemp-derived THC products representing a significant portion of sales. Industry estimates suggest the intoxicating hemp market could reach $28 billion by 2028 if current growth continues.
A federal ban would affect thousands of businesses and millions of consumers who have turned to hemp products in states without legal marijuana access. It would also impact farmers who have invested in hemp cultivation and processors who have built businesses around hemp-derived cannabinoids.
MPP's regulatory approach would likely include age restrictions, testing requirements, potency limits, and labeling standards. The organization has not released specific details of its proposed framework.
Next steps
Congress is expected to address hemp THC products in upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization discussions. The current Farm Bill expires in 2024, and hemp provisions have become one of the most contentious issues in the reauthorization debate.
Several bills addressing hemp-derived intoxicants have been introduced in both chambers, ranging from outright bans to regulatory frameworks. The outcome will likely depend on whether lawmakers view hemp THC products as a legitimate industry requiring oversight or a dangerous loophole that needs closing.
The debate also intersects with broader marijuana reform efforts. Some advocates argue that federal marijuana legalization would resolve the hemp THC issue by bringing all cannabis products under a unified regulatory system.
This article is based on original reporting by www.marijuanamoment.net.