Drafted by Senators Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, and Jeff Merkley, Democrat of Oregon, the bill provision [3] aims to amend the hemp law established in the 2018 farm bill to prevent the sale of hemp-based intoxicating products. However, the changes would be implemented over the course of one year.
The one-year delay would allow current hemp farmers to finish this year’s crop under existing rules while giving lawmakers time to discuss and finalize new regulations to ensure a smoother transition without disrupting ongoing farming, according to Senator Merkley’s Thursday hearing.