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KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — Sen. Rand Paul introduced the bipartisan Hemp Safety Enforcement Act on Monday, in hopes of preventing a looming federal crackdown.
Paul emphasized that the hemp sector is in jeopardy because of a provision in the 2026 agricultural appropriations bill that, according to Paul, would ban most hemp products nationwide.
Kentucky hemp farmers face uncertainty ahead of planting season as federal decision looms
The proposed policy, led by Sen. Mitch McConnell, would ban hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC. That change could have a major impact on Kentucky’s hemp industry, which is valued at roughly $330 million.
“Half the states have already set up their own smart rules, THC limits, age restrictions, and safety standards that let hemp farmers grow, manufacturers innovate, and consumers stay safe,” Paul said. “Washington shouldn’t wipe out those efforts or destroy jobs and access to products that help our veterans, our elderly, and families across the country. This bill gives states the freedom to regulate hemp responsibly while keeping dangerous synthetics off the market and ensuring products can move freely between states.”
The potential changes would ripple beyond farms. Many hemp-derived products like edibles, vapes, and drinks could require reformulation or be removed from the market entirely. That could threaten jobs and investment in what has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry.
“As a Kentucky hemp company, we’re deeply grateful to Senators Rand Paul and Amy Klobuchar for legislation that protects the continued sale of hemp products in states with regulatory programs. Kentucky farmers and businesses like ours have built real value to the American economy — full-spectrum CBD products that consumers depend on for their health and hemp beverages that many enjoy for wellness. This legislation will allow states to work together to get this right,” cofounder and Chief Communications Officer of Cornbread Hemp Jim Higdon said.
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The bill would:
Give states and Tribes the ability to notify the federal government and take full control of hemp regulation.
Builds in real safety protections on things like the minimum age to purchase and keep enforcing the ban on synthetic cannabinoids.
Protect interstate commerce.
Aligns with Trump’s pro-research policy.
Even though the potential ban is still months away, uncertainty is already influencing decisions in the field.
“I’m back and forth on it a lot, like, ‘Well, do I want to continue to do the risk of putting out a crop? Will the price go back up to where it needs to be to make it affordable? Do I just call it quits and go back to the traditional heritage that we’ve had of raising tobacco and be stuck inside that endless, miserable cycle?” Abraham Phillips said.
For now, many farmers say they’re watching Washington closely and hoping for action.
Click here to read more on the bill.
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