Senators have agreed to remove language from the agriculture funding bill that would have closed a hemp regulatory loophole, following a disagreement between Kentucky Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul. The provision, introduced by McConnell in the 20,18 farm bill, allowed hemp producers to create intoxicating products without adhering to the same rules or taxes as marijuana. However, it also led to unregulated production across the country.
Senate Appropriations Agriculture-FDA subcommittee Chair John Hoeven (R-N.D.) told reporters that the hemp provision, which was championed by McConnell, was removed after Paul threatened to block Senate passage of the appropriations bill entirely.