Higher THC limit a 'requirement' for stability in hemp industry
A higher THC limit on legal hemp in the United States is a “requirement” for stability in the hemp industry, according to the Hemp Industries Association (HIA).
HIA Executive Director Jody McGinness told Hemp Industry Daily that the group is excited about a bill from Kentucky Senator Rand Paul to change the definition of hemp. Currently, hemp is defined as Cannabis sativa containing up to 0,3% THC; Paul's bill would change this to cannabis containing up to 1% THC.
The Republican's bill would also raise the THC limit for hemp products such as extracted oils. Products with more than 1% THC would remain illegal as Schedule 1 substances.
Additionally, the proposal would allow farmers to test the finished hemp products, not the raw plant material, opening the door to controlling “hot” hemp.
“It's an exciting development,” McGinness said of the measure.
“The HIA clearly sees a higher limit as a requirement for farmers to have a clear market and the stability they need,” he said.
McGinness also noted the proposal's changes to sampling and testing, which would make the experience of growing hemp “more practical overall.”
No action is scheduled yet on Paul’s bill, which must pass both houses of Congress in a caretaker session. The Senate must also consider a proposal to remove all cannabis from the list of controlled substances, regardless of THC content. That proposal was approved by the House of Representatives earlier this month.