Rand Paul introduces hemp legislation on U.S. Senate floor

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul introduced the Hemp Safety Enforcement Act, a bipartisan bill that empowers states to regulate the safety of hemp and hemp-derived products.

The bill, cosponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), hopes to prevent a looming federal crackdown from shutting down a thriving, multi-billion-dollar American hemp industry.

The hemp sector faces extinction because of a provision buried in the 2026 agricultural appropriations bill that effectively bans most hemp products nationwide.

“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.”

Under the Hemp Safety Enforcement Act:

--States can simply notify the federal government and take full control of hemp regulation.

--States choosing self-regulation must enforce a minimum age for buying hemp-derived cannabinoid products and keep the ban on synthetic cannabinoids that do not naturally occur in the hemp plant. While protecting kids from intoxicating synthetics is important, a blanket federal prohibition threatens legitimate farmers, small businesses, veterans, seniors, and millions of everyday Americans who rely on safe, non-intoxicating hemp-derived products for health and wellness.

--No state can block legal hemp or hemp-derived products from moving to or from other states that have also opted out.

--Consistent with President Trump’s Executive Order expanding medical cannabis and CBD research, it preserves access to beneficial products while cracking down on real dangers.


(AP file photo)