House passes postponement on hemp ban

The House on Tuesday passed a short-term government funding bill that will buy the intoxicating hemp industry more time to fight off a looming crackdown on its products.

The continuing resolution, which funds the government through Dec. 11, passed the House on a 370-48 vote — with 19 Republicans and 29 Democrats voting in opposition. The Senate advanced the measure by a landslide last month, and it now heads to the desk of President Trump.

The measure postpones for a month a federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products , including gummies and beverages.

Hemp industry groups and their allies are touting Tuesday’s legislation as a significant win that will give them more time to convince lawmakers to regulate their products , rather than ban them.

“This extension gives us one additional month, and we intend to make every day count. We will continue working with lawmakers and stakeholders to advance a comprehensive federal framework that protects consumers, prevents youth access to intoxicating products, provides certainty for farmers and businesses, and preserves access to lawful hemp products,” the U.S. Hemp Roundtable said in an alert to members.

The delay excludes products containing cannabinoids “not capable of being naturally produced by a Cannabis sativa L. plant,” which will still be prohibited on Nov. 12. This likely includes illicit products from China.

However, cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC and THCP , which are often synthetically derived from hemp, are also capable of being naturally produced by the plant, so they will be able to remain on shelves in gas stations, smoke shops and convenience stores until at least Dec. 11.

Supporters of keeping the original ban in place say they are trying to protect children from illicit products that are intentionally marketed to children. The products are labeled as hemp, but contain extremely high levels of synthetic THC, the psychedelic compound in marijuana responsible for a high.

The White House has made delaying or otherwise fixing the hemp ban a priority , making it likely that there will be a significant push to pass some kind of regulatory framework legislation this winter. Administration officials told lawmakers last month they will not seek another delay.

Welcome to The Hill’s Healthcare newsletter , we’re Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi — every week we follow the latest moves on how Washington impacts your health.

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How policy will be impacting the healthcare sector this week and beyond:

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