Sen. Rand Paul Proposes Raising Hemp’s THC Limit to 1%

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul (R) has reintroduced the Hemp Economic Mobilization Plan (HEMP) Act which would raise the federal definition of hemp from 0.3% THC to 1 percent THC and require testing of the final product derived from the plant instead of the flower or plant itself.

“For years, I’ve led the fight in Washington to restore one of Kentucky’s most historically vital crops by legalizing industrial hemp. We achieved a hard-won victory, but there is still work to do to prevent the federal government from weighing down our farmers with unnecessary bureaucratic micromanaging. My legislation will help this growing industry reach its full economic potential, and I am proud the bill has strong support all the way from local Kentucky farmers and activists to national groups.” – Paul in a press release

Additionally, the bill would change the documentation for hemp transporters to one of two types “easily accessible types” of tracking documents, according to the senator’s office.

In January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a final rule that raises THC levels that trigger eradication of crops to 1% but Paul’s legislation would codify the limits into law rather than relying on agency policy.

Patrick Atagi, chairman of the National Industrial Hemp Council, called the proposal “very timely with the state departments of agriculture’s passing policy that would re-define hemp at 1%.”

“We also are thankful for the Senator’s recognition of the importance of defining hemp in transit. We appreciate his willingness to engage with us and listen to our industry,” Atagi said in a statement. “We believe the HEMP Act is important for consumers and the consumer’s right to know and are proud to support Senator Paul’s efforts. If passed, the HEMP Act will help with the overall economy and providing jobs to Americans.”

The measure was referred to the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.