Klobuchar, Paul Introduce the Hemp Safety Enforcement Act

WASHINGTON - Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the bipartisan Hemp Safety Enforcement Act, a bipartisan bill that empowers states and Tribal governments to regulate and ensure the safety of hemp and hemp-derived products, preventing a looming federal crackdown from shutting down a thriving, multi-billion-dollar American industry. The Hemp Safety Enforcement Act is also cosponsored by Joni Ernst (R-IA).

"I've heard loud and clear from brewers, farmers, and small businesses in Minnesota - a federal ban on hemp products will be devastating. Minnesota is a national leader in hemp products, and Congress should recognize that leadership and commitment to consumer safety. I appreciate Senator Paul for his continued partnership on this issue, and I will continue to push in the Senate for a solution that protects Minnesota's small businesses and farmers," said Klobuchar.

"Half the states have already set up their own smart rules, THC limits, age restrictions, and safety standards that let hemp farmers grow, manufacturers innovate, and consumers stay safe," said Paul. "Washington shouldn't wipe out those efforts or destroy jobs and access to products that help our veterans, our elderly, and families across the country. This bill gives states the freedom to regulate hemp responsibly while keeping dangerous synthetics off the market and ensuring products can move freely between states."

The Hemp Safety Enforcement Act is endorsed by the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, Hemp Beverage Alliance, and Hemp Industry and Farmers of America.

Christopher Lackner, Founder and President of Hemp Beverage Alliance, says, "The Hemp Beverage Alliance applauds Senator Paul and Senator Klobuchar for standing up for the hemp industry. A majority of the states in the country already have a hemp regulatory framework in place to protect public health, with several other states currently working on creating their own regulations. This commonsense bill will allow those states to continue building a flourishing hemp market that creates jobs and generates much-needed tax revenue."

Jonathan Miller, General Counsel for U.S. Hemp Roundtable, says, "The U.S. Hemp Roundtable, indeed the entire domestic hemp industry, is deeply grateful to Senators Rand Paul and Amy Klobuchar for their introduction of legislation that would provide for the continued sale of valued hemp products in states with regulatory programs, despite the impending federal ban. This legislation would provide invaluable protection for farmers, small businesses, and consumers who rely on these products for their health and wellness. Senators Paul and Klobuchar continue to demonstrate their steadfast support for this promising agricultural industry."

What the Hemp Safety Enforcement Act does:

• Gives states and Tribes an opt-out: Any state or Tribal government can simply notify the federal government and take full control of hemp regulation.
• Builds in real safety protections: States choosing self-regulation must enforce a minimum age for buying hemp-derived cannabinoid products and keep the ban on synthetic cannabinoids that do not naturally occur in the hemp plant. While protecting kids from intoxicating synthetics is important, a blanket federal prohibition threatens legitimate farmers, small businesses, veterans, seniors, and millions of everyday Americans who rely on safe, non-intoxicating hemp-derived products for health and wellness.
• Protects interstate commerce: No state can block legal hemp or hemp-derived products from moving to or from other states that have also opted out.
• Preserves consumer access: The bill preserves access to safe and popular hemp products while cracking down on real dangers and protecting kids from access to harmful products.

Read the bill here.

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