Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin are spearheading an initiative with 18 other states and the District of Columbia. They aim to urge Congress to amend the 2018 Farm Bill, which they argue has been misused by some to introduce unregulated intoxicating hemp products into the market.
"This legislation was supposed to boost industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity," stated Attorney General Rokita. He emphasized that Hoosiers support this goal, noting the plant's potential applications in making auto parts, biodegradable plastics, biofuel, paper, textiles, and other products.
The current language of the bill is seen as providing loopholes that allow for the sale of THC-based products previously restricted by federal law. These products often appear as edibles that resemble candy and appeal to children and adolescents.
"The intent of these federal hemp provisions was never to expand the availability of intoxicating products," Attorney General Rokita remarked. He highlighted concerns about a "$28 billion grey market" filled with unregulated potent items that pose risks to consumers across all age groups.
States have reported cases where consumers were harmed by inadequately produced goods with misleading labels. Illicit sellers have exploited popular THC-infused edibles by imitating legitimate packaging for candies or snacks, posing significant dangers when accessed by children.
"By rewriting this legislation, Congress can support farmers’ ability to capitalize on the industrial-hemp market without opening the door to dangerous intoxicants," said Attorney General Rokita. The coalition calls on Congress to address these issues through legislative revisions.
An attached letter detailing their concerns has been sent to Congress. Additionally, a headshot of Attorney General Rokita is available for download.