House to take up CR with hemp provision; Willie’s Remedy weighs in

The House returns to Washington today and is expected to vote Tuesday on a Senate  version of a continuing resolution to fund the government through Dec. 11. The CR would also delay implementation of a law that would make ban products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from hemp on Nov. 12.

The continuing resolution that the House passed did not contain the hemp delay provision but the Senate CR did, and the House is now expected to take up the that version, possibly on the suspension calendar, which means that floor debate is limited, all floor amendments are prohibited, and a two-thirds vote is required for final passage.

The hemp industry has lobbied hard for the delay, hoping consensus will be reached before Dec. 11 on a measure to continue allowing the sale of intoxicating hemp products.

President Trump has endorsed the delay.

On Friday, Willie’s Remedy, a company associated with singer Willie Nelson that sells hemp-infused drinks, said it supports the delay.

“There is a clear path forward for responsible naturally derived hemp,” Willie’s Remedy said.

“The Senate-passed continuing resolution creates an important opportunity for Congress and the administration to find a better way forward. We support strong, commonsense rules that protect consumers and patients, establish clear standards for responsible products, and crack down on synthetic cannabinoids and bad actors.

“Congress can accomplish those goals without eliminating naturally derived hemp products that millions of Americans safely use and that farmers and small businesses produce across the country.

“This additional time gives Congress and the administration an opportunity to develop a lasting regulatory framework with clear standards for safety, testing, labeling and age restrictions. We urge lawmakers to use that opportunity to pursue an approach that protects consumers, supports American farmers and businesses, and ensures a responsible future for naturally derived hemp,” the company said.

Willie’s Remedy said it “sells 21+, low-dose hemp beverages exclusively through the existing alcohol regulatory system, with child-proof caps and age verification already built in, the kind of already-regulated, responsible model this legislation is designed to protect, not eliminate.”

The House is scheduled to be in session through Thursday, break for Labor Day week and return with the Senate on Sept. 14.