Senate bill would ban MN hemp‑THC drinks, edibles
A provision tucked into the Senate Agriculture appropriations bill attached to a stopgap government‑reopening measure would impose a federal per‑serving THC cap that overrides higher state limits — including Minnesota’s 5 mg rule — effectively blocking intoxicating hemp‑derived products like delta‑8 drinks and edibles from online and convenience retail. Supporters say it closes a 2018 Farm Bill loophole while preserving non‑intoxicating CBD and industrial hemp, but critics say the cap would ban most current products and the FDA warns many delta‑8 items are not evaluated or approved for safe use.
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📌 Key Facts
- The hemp restriction is embedded in the Agriculture appropriations section of a stopgap government funding bill intended to reopen the government, and a House vote could come as soon as Wednesday.
- Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins’ staff summary says the provision seeks to block unregulated intoxicating hemp-derived products (including delta-8 THC) from online and convenience retail while preserving non-intoxicating CBD and industrial hemp.
- The provision would impose a federal per-serving cap that would override higher state per-serving limits; the report lists Minnesota among states with 5 mg per-serving limits.
- Sen. Mitch McConnell framed the move as closing a 2018 Farm Bill loophole and supported a one-year delay, while Sen. Rand Paul said the cap would effectively ban nearly all current products and “regulate the industry to death.”
- The coverage cites an FDA warning that delta-8 THC products have not been evaluated or approved for safe use.
📰 Sources (2)
Hemp growers, retailers targeted in section of government shutdown legislation
New information:
- The hemp restriction is embedded in the Agriculture appropriations bill that is hitching a ride on the stopgap to reopen the government; a House vote could come as soon as Wednesday.
- Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins’ staff summary says the provision aims to block unregulated intoxicating hemp-derived products (including delta‑8) in online and convenience retail while preserving non‑intoxicating CBD and industrial hemp.
- Direct quotes from Sen. Mitch McConnell (closing a 2018 Farm Bill loophole; one-year delay) and Sen. Rand Paul (the cap would effectively ban nearly all current products and ‘regulate the industry to death’).
- The article cites an FDA warning page noting delta‑8 THC products are not evaluated or approved for safe use.
- Explicit note that the federal cap would override higher state per‑serving limits, listing Minnesota among states with 5 mg limits.