GOP Lawmaker Claims White House Support for New Hemp Regulation Bill Amid Internal Policy Disputes

Representative Andy Barr (R-KY) has introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at maintaining the federal legality of various hemp-derived THC products while establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the industry. Although Barr’s office claims the legislation has White House backing, administration officials have remained non-committal, with reports suggesting internal concerns regarding provisions for inhalable products. The bill is a critical attempt to prevent the impending federal recriminalization of many hemp-derived cannabinoids scheduled to take effect this November.

Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), joined by cosponsor Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), introduced a 60-page measure designed to regulate the manufacturing, labeling, and taxation of hemp-derived products, including a federal age limit of 21. While Barr’s press release explicitly stated the bill is "backed by the White House," administration officials have provided more guarded responses, noting that President Trump’s only definitive positions are found in his December executive order and April social media statements. The legislation seeks to provide a permanent fix to a looming legal cliff created by recent legislation that would restrict hemp products to just 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container starting November 12.

Despite the administration's general desire to protect access to full-spectrum CBD, sources familiar with the negotiations indicate that the White House takes issue with Barr's inclusion of inhalable cannabis forms within the legal definition of hemp-derived products. In previous correspondence, White House aides Vince Haley and James Braid expressed appreciation for Barr’s work but emphasized the need to restrict products that pose "serious health risks." President Trump has publicly urged Congress to redefine hemp to avoid the "recriminalization" of therapeutic products, citing that one in five adults used hemp-derived CBD in the past year for conditions like chronic pain.

The debate occurs as the administration moves forward with initiatives like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) program, which covers up to $500 annually for hemp-derived products for eligible seniors. This program, championed by Dr. Mehmet Oz, allows for products with up to 3 milligrams of total THC per serving, highlighting a discrepancy between current administration programs and the stricter 0.4mg per-container limit set to take effect later this year. Industry advocates warn that without a legislative fix like the Barr bill, the market for popular full-spectrum CBD products could be decimated, impacting both consumers and the agricultural sector.