On April 12, the Hemp Farm Act of 2018 was introduced in the Senate. The bill, which was sponsored by Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and co-sponsored by Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) includes provisions for hemp farmers and hemp research. Most importantly, it clears up ambiguity surrounding hemp's legality on a federal level.

The 2014 Farm Bill defined industrial hemp as .3% or lower in THC, and the Hemp Farm Act of 2018 follows that definition as well. The 2014 Farm Bill also provided for pilot programs and research to begin on industrial hemp, which is why we have hemp products, including CBD, in the United States currently. The problem is and was that hemp, despite its low THC content,  as a member of the cannabis family, was still classified as a Schedule 1 drug by the DEA, even though it was legal to grow and sell and purchase by definition of the 2014 Hemp Farm Bill and even when other federal agencies, like the FDA, were approving hemp products like CBD. Meanwhile, states like Colorado have completely legalized hemp agriculture and products.

It's all understandably confusing.

What Happens Now?

The Hemp Farm Act of 2018 eliminates this ambiguity at the Federal level. It reconfirms the definition of industrial hemp as .3% or lower THC levels. Most importantly for consumers, the Hemp Farm Act also removes hemp from the Controlled Substances Act and the DEA's Schedule 1 classification. With this, businesses and consumers can once and for all understand where the future is headed for hemp.

“To remove any federal ambiguity about hemp’s legality, support the US agricultural community and reinforce hemp’s place in research is a complete home-run for American consumers,” said Chris Husong, Elixinol Director of Marketing.

If the Hemp Farm Act of 2018 is approved, what this means for you, as a consumer,  is an increase in hemp products, not just CBD, but food and other household products. Our founder, Paul Benhaim has spent his entire life in the hemp industry and knows the power of hemp foods, hemp building materials, and hemp oil.  Companies like Elixinol, who source their US products from US hemp will have a consistent supply chain of premium, domestic hemp.

“Because this bill has the potential to create tens of thousands of US jobs, provide Americans with more natural food, supplement, and fiber choices and revolutionize wellness in the United States, it’s not going too far to say this is one of the most positive and economically impactful Senate bills we’ve seen in years,” continued Husong.

There's a lot at stake for consumers with the Hemp Farm Bill of 2018. Including jobs and better products.

A Historic Day for Hemp

Elixinol is a proud member of the Hemp Roundtable, the organization who worked with the Senators to create a common-sense bill that's good for hemp farmers, consumers and researchers.

“We are overjoyed by the decision to expedite the Hemp Farming Act through Congress. We, along with many partners have worked tirelessly to reinvigorate this industry in the US,” said Gabriel Ettenson Elixinol co-founder and General Manager.

It's an exciting day for hemp and Elixinol customers.

“The exciting compounds within hemp have the power to transform the health of our society and move toward environmental sustainability,” Ettenson continued.

Join us in celebrating this momentous day and support the Hemp Farm Act of 2018.