Council urged committee members to ensure language is kept during markup
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) today applauded the inclusion of language in the FY26 Agriculture Appropriations bill to end the 2018 Farm Bill loophole that unintentionally allowed the unregulated proliferation of intoxicating hemp products across the country.
DISCUS urged House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee members to ensure the language is not removed during the markup process which will take place on Wednesday, June 11, at 10 a.m.
“DISCUS believes that intoxicating hemp products in any form should be treated as equivalent to marijuana products in terms of regulations, taxation and retailing,” said Chris Swonger, president and CEO of DISCUS. “We support closing the Farm Bill loophole that unintentionally allowed intoxicating-hemp products to be sold across the country absent any taxation or regulation. Due to the lack of oversight created by the loophole, there are not consistent age restrictions or labeling requirements for intoxicating hemp products, creating a confusing and unsafe marketplace. Many states are also grappling with how to regulate new intoxicating hemp products in relation to combatting impaired driving and underage consumption. The responsible regulation of these products is imperative in informing and protecting consumers, and we urge members to maintain this important language as the bill is marked up.”
If implemented, the language would ban any product with a “quantifiable” amount of THC or any cannabinoid that has, or is marketed to have, similar intoxicating effects. The provision would still allow hemp to be used for fiber, seed and grain, as originally intended in the 2018 Farm Bill.