Legalizing Intoxicating Hemp Products Was Intentional, Expert Says
An expert involved in drafting the federal law that legalized hemp during President Donald Trump’s first term clarifies that Congress did not accidentally create a "loophole" permitting the sale of intoxicating cannabinoid products. Instead, the ongoing debate over hemp-derived THC products results from lawmakers' and regulators' failure to act.
Steve Bevan, who collaborated with then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) on the hemp provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, addressed key Republican committee leaders in a recent letter. He emphasized that the controversy could be settled without resorting to outright bans, contrary to proposals by some GOP members.
“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's position suggests that regulated access with safeguards is a viable solution rather than banning these products entirely.
Summary
The legalization of intoxicating hemp products was a deliberate decision, with the current issues stemming from regulatory inaction, not a legislative loophole.