Hemp has been cultivated for centuries for its fibers used in the manufacture of ropes and textiles. However, in 1937, the Marijuana Tax Act was passed, making it difficult for farmers to produce hemp and thus, declaring it illegal. This was due to hemp being guilty by association with its identical twin, marijuana. Despite this, hemp production is now being legalized in certain states, such as North Carolina.
The Drug Enforcement Administration has granted several dozen permits to grow hemp in nine states, including Kentucky. The Farm Bill legalizes hemp but does not create a system where people can grow it freely. It outlines actions that are considered violations of federal hemp law and states that hemp cannot contain more than 0.3 percent THC. The Farm Bill does not create a completely free system in which individuals or companies can grow hemp whenever and wherever they want.
In addition, the bill does not legalize CBD in general. It is true that section 12619 of the Agricultural Act removes hemp-derived products from their Schedule I status under the Controlled Substances Act, but the legislation does not legalize CBD in general. McConnell is seen as a hemp hero due to his role in the Farm Bill, but he remains a staunch opponent of marijuana reform and his role in the Senate could be an obstacle to legislation passed by Democrats in the 116th Congress. In conclusion, hemp was declared illegal because it was guilty by association with marijuana. It outlines actions that are considered violations of federal hemp law and states that hemp cannot contain more than 0.3 percent THC.
