Legalizing Intoxicating Hemp Products Was Intentional, Expert Says
Steve Bevan, a key architect of the federal hemp legalization law during President Donald Trump’s first term, clarified that Congress did not accidentally create a “loophole” allowing the sale of intoxicating cannabinoid products.
Cause of the Hemp THC Marketplace Controversy
The ongoing debate over the hemp THC market results from lawmakers' and regulators' inaction rather than legislative oversight. This situation, Bevan argues, could be resolved without banning these products outright, despite some GOP members' calls for prohibition.
Bevan's Letter to Republican Leaders
"Proponents of re-criminalizing intoxicating cannabinoid products claim it’s about protecting children from dangerous products, yet simple age gating and responsible consumption resolve this."
Bevan collaborated with then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in crafting the hemp provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, highlighting the intentional nature of these regulations.
Summary
The federal hemp law’s allowance of intoxicating cannabinoid products was deliberate, with concerns about child safety addressable through regulation rather than bans.
Author's summary: The hemp law’s so-called 'loophole' was intentional, and issues arising can be managed through regulation instead of prohibition.