Steve Bevan, a key figure in drafting the federal hemp legalization law during President Donald Trump’s first term, clarified that it is a misconception that Congress accidentally created a “loophole” for intoxicating cannabinoid products.
Bevan explained that the ongoing debate over the hemp THC market is a result of lawmakers' and regulators' inaction, not a legislative error. This situation could be addressed without banning these products entirely, despite some GOP proposals advocating prohibition.
Bevan, who collaborated with former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to draft the hemp provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill, emphasized the following in a letter to Republican committee leaders:
"Proponents of re-criminalizing intoxicating cannabinoid products claim it’s about protecting children from dangerous products, yet simple age gating and responsible consumption resolve this."
Steve Bevan asserts that the federal hemp law was intentionally crafted, and the challenges with intoxicating hemp products stem from regulatory gaps rather than accidental legislative loopholes.
Author's summary: The legalization of intoxicating hemp products was deliberate, with current market issues arising from regulatory inaction rather than an accidental loophole in the law.