1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent provision in the government funding bill that imposes a 0.4 milligram THC cap per container on hemp-derived products. This restriction threatens to decimate the $28 billion hemp industry and jeopardize over 300,000 American jobs. As your constituent, I urge you to take immediate action to prevent this devastating blow to our economy and small businesses. The hemp industry has flourished since its legalization in the 2018 Farm Bill, championed by Senator Mitch McConnell. It has become a vital part of our agricultural and retail sectors, particularly in states like Kentucky, Texas, and Utah. The proposed ban would effectively eliminate 95% of the current hemp retail market, undoing years of economic progress and innovation. This sweeping prohibition is not the answer to concerns about hemp products. Instead, I implore you to support the development of federal standards, regulations, and age restrictions. These measures would address safety concerns while preserving a thriving industry that provides jobs and economic opportunities across the country. The ban is set to take effect in one year, giving us a critical window to act. I ask that you work with your colleagues to replace this harmful provision with sensible regulations that protect consumers without destroying an entire industry. We need your leadership to ensure that farmers, manufacturers, and retailers in the hemp sector can continue to contribute to our economy. Failure to act could have severe unintended consequences. Industry leaders warn that prohibition may fuel black market sales as consumer demand for these products remains strong. It's crucial that we maintain a regulated, legal market that ensures product safety and quality. Please stand up for small businesses, farmers, and the hundreds of thousands of Americans whose livelihoods depend on the hemp industry. Support efforts to implement federal testing and labeling requirements instead of this blanket ban. The economic future of many of your constituents hangs in the balance. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.