4 Kentucky Congressmen Push Back Against Limiting Sales Of Intoxicating Hemp Products
The bill would “jeopardize tens of billions of dollars in economic activity”
A federal push by some lawmakers to close a legal loophole that allows sales of intoxicating hemp products has left Kentucky’s congressional delegation divided.
In a letter sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson on Sept. 26, four of Kentucky’s six U.S. House members — Reps. Andy Barr, James Comer, Thomas Massie and Morgan McGarvey — were among 26 representatives urging chamber leaders to reject language included in an appropriations bill that would crack down on sales of hemp-derived products such as delta-8, arguing it would “deal a fatal blow to American farmers supplying the regulated hemp industry and small businesses, and jeopardize tens of billions of dollars in economic activity around the country.”
U.S. Reps. Brett Guthrie and Hal Rogers did not sign the letter. A representative for Guthrie did not respond to a request for comment, while Rogers’ spokesperson said he “understands the issues addressed in the letter” but “shares law enforcement concerns about hemp products, like Delta-8 THC, that have ended up in the hands of high school students.”
Hemp is big business in the Bluegrass State. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported Kentucky is one of the nation’s biggest producers of industrial hemp, with the state reporting 2,560 harvested acres in 2024.
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