releases: https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riggleman-sends-letter-dea-support-hemp-industry
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://riggleman.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-riggleman-sends-letter-dea-support-hemp-industry | Congressman Riggleman Sends Letter to DEA in Support of Hemp Industry | 2020-10-20 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | House | VA | Denver Riggleman | R000611 | riggleman.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Denver Riggleman, along with eight of his House colleagues,sent a letter to acting Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Administrator Timothy Shea to protect hemp producers and clarify hemp regulations due to discrepancies in the DEA Interim Final Rule (IFR). The letter, led by Rep. David Joyce (R-OH-14), asks Administrator Sheato address the discrepancies between the 2018 Farm Bill and the DEA Interim Final Rule which was issued in August 2020. The IFR issued specific restrictions regarding hemp derived material that appears to contradict the legalization of hemp and hemp derivatives under the 2018 Farm Bill.According to the newly released IFR, provisions of the Farm Bill can result in criminal liability. "The DEA must specify their requirements and streamline hemp directives by clarifying the legal means of processing hemp products, said Congressman Riggleman. The Farm Bill created new venues of business in this country, and weneed to ensure that our hemp farmers have clear directives when it comes to their products." The 2018 Farm Bill is a critical piece of legislation that opened the door for hardworking hemp farmers by legalizing hemp and hemp derivatives so long as they contain less than 0.3% of THC on a dry weight basis. This bill has allowed states across America to start to build a new industry in hemp production, and expand their markets to CBD products and other related material. The DEA must revise the IFR to protect hemp farmers from overly harsh regulationand ensure that the hemp industry is safeguarded. Background: Congressman Riggleman has foughtfor hemp producers throughout his time in Congress. He is a lead supporter ofthe U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program and has worked with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to expand economic opportunity for hemp farmers in the 5th District and beyond. Earlier this yearhe also introduced the Hemp Opportunity Zone Act which would designate certain low-income areas as opportunity zones and provideeconomic incentives to grow the hemp industry and encourage long-terminvestment in rural communities. The hemp industry has the potential to be a game changer for farmers in America and the 5th District can lead this effort. Learn more about the industrial hemp industry from the USDA here. Learn about how a new hemp processing facility will strengthen the economy and bring more than 20 new jobs to South Boston, VA here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |