Kentucky lawmakers split over hemp restrictions in agriculture bill

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The future of Kentucky's hemp industry is now in the hands of Congress as federal lawmakers work toward an agreement on an agriculture funding bill.

Hemp was essentially legalized in the U.S. by the 2018 Farm Bill.

It's a plant in the cannabis family that is not intoxicating, compared to its more controversial counterpart. Hemp is responsible for most CBD products that have grown in popularity since its legalization.

But that could end if lawmakers agree to more restrictive language in an FDA bill banning any amount of the psychoactive chemical.

"So if it has any THC that could be measured, it would be criminalized. And that includes 95% of all hemp products, including non-intoxicating CBD products because most CBD products have a little bit of THC in them," political analyst Jonathan Miller told FOX 56 News.

Analysts say the bill came about because of some marketing believed to target kids. But supporters of the industry are arguing for more regulation instead of an outright ban.

Four of Kentucky's congressmen agreed, signing a letter opposing that part of the bill. In the Senate, Kentucky lawmakers are split.

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