In a significant announcement on November 14, President-elect Donald Trump named Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his pick to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This appointment places Kennedy in a powerful position with oversight of critical agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While Kennedy’s Senate confirmation hearing remains weeks away, the National Hemp Association (NHA) is already pushing its agenda to ensure hemp becomes a priority.
Advocating for Hemp in the U.S.
The NHA wasted no time in presenting its case to Kennedy, who they expect will advocate for their industry if confirmed. Geoff Whaling, Chair of the NHA, outlined the organization’s four key demands during an interview with Cannabis Business Times. These initiatives aim to address regulatory gaps and unlock growth potential for the hemp industry in the U.S.
- Hemp as Animal Feed Whaling’s first request involves clearing the way for hemp grain to enter the domestic animal feed market. Currently, while hemp products are safe for human consumption, regulations prevent their use in animal diets. “I can eat hemp today, but I can’t feed it to my dogs or my fish,” Whaling explained.
Allowing hemp grain in animal feed could significantly boost demand, creating a multi-billion-dollar market for farmers and bolstering the agricultural economy.
- Expanding FDA Resources for Hemp Approval The NHA called for increased staffing at the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine to expedite approvals for hemp-based animal feed. Whaling highlighted the inefficiency of the current system, noting it took four years and hundreds of thousands of dollars to gain approval for hemp feed for egg-laying hens. With approvals needed for up to 100 animal categories, the process is unsustainable under current resources.
- Grandfathering Hemp as a Commodity Another demand focuses on establishing hemp as a grandfathered commodity under FDA rules, aligning it with standards applied to other products since 1958. Whaling argued that this move could simplify regulations and ease market entry barriers for hemp producers.
- Regulatory Framework for Cannabinoids Finally, the NHA emphasized the need for clear legislative and regulatory frameworks for cannabinoids, including minor cannabinoids with untapped market potential. Whaling expressed optimism about Kennedy’s potential to advance this cause, given his track record on dietary supplements and public health issues.
Why Hemp Needs Unified Federal Support
The hemp industry continues to grapple with the legacy of prohibition, despite its legalization under the 2018 Farm Bill signed by President Trump. Whaling reflected on the limitations of the current administration’s support, noting its focus on existing programs rather than transformative action.
The fragmented regulatory environment compounds the issue. For instance:
- The FDA recognizes hemp hearts as safe for human consumption.
- The Department of Defense, however, prohibits hemp-based products for military personnel, deeming them illegal.
This disjointed approach undermines efforts to scale the hemp industry. Whaling described the need for a “Whole-of-Government” strategy that aligns federal policies to eliminate contradictory regulations and accelerate industry growth.
A Glimpse at Future Opportunities
Despite political differences, Whaling expressed optimism about the Trump administration’s potential to champion hemp. He pointed to the biomanufacturing opportunities hemp offers, which align with the administration’s focus on boosting domestic industries. Whaling believes that Kennedy’s leadership at HHS could pave the way for meaningful progress.
As the industry awaits Kennedy’s confirmation hearing, the NHA’s proactive stance underscores its determination to shape federal policy. By addressing the challenges outlined in their four requests, they aim to create a regulatory landscape that fosters innovation and opens new markets for hemp producers nationwide.
Maria Garcia is an award-winning author who excels in creating engaging cannabis-centric articles that captivate audiences. Her versatile writing style allows her to cover a wide range of topics within the cannabis space, from advocacy and social justice to product reviews and lifestyle features. Maria’s dedication to promoting education and awareness about cannabis shines through in her thoughtfully curated content that resonates with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
