Congress Faces Challenges Over Hemp-Derived THC Ban

As Congress reconvenes after the August recess, House Republicans are gearing up to quickly pass stopgap funding legislation. However, they encounter a potential obstacle regarding hemp-derived THC products, similar to issues faced by the Senate. The funding bill proposes a delay in prohibiting most hemp-derived THC products for an additional month, until December 11.

Opposition from House Freedom Caucus

House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris (R-Md.) strongly opposes this provision. Although Harris has not explicitly stated he will vote against the continuing resolution, he has vowed to fight it. In an interview with a Fox affiliate in Baltimore, Harris criticized what he termed ‘gas station weed’ being sold in stores. He claimed these products are not hemp but closer to marijuana and are entirely unregulated, citing federal government’s failure to regulate them adequately. Harris aims to end this by serving as the chairman of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. He, alongside Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), was instrumental in the legislation that introduced the ban last year.

Impact of White House and Industry Groups

The White House influenced the addition of language to delay the ban in the Senate’s legislation, focusing on rectifying issues with the hemp ban. This delay is regarded as a victory by hemp industry groups and their allies, giving them more time to push for regulation instead of an outright ban. Earlier in the month, disagreements over the one-month delay complicated swift Senate passage of the funding bill. Opponents tried and failed to remove the delay provision. With a vote of 61-32, Senators opted to table an amendment from Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), which aimed to remove the delay and enforce the original ban. The opposition to that vote included a cross-party coalition of 21 Republicans and 11 Democrats. Republican senators have expressed intentions to attempt to maintain the ban’s original timeline in the fall and winter. The funding bill is effective until December 11, and White House officials have suggested they will not request another delay.

Healthcare Sector Updates

Recent policy moves impacting the healthcare sector include the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines address higher-risk individuals and set the stage for manufacturers to distribute them to pharmacies and medical offices. The approved vaccines include new formulations from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, as well as a non-mRNA vaccine from Sanofi, initially licensed to Novavax.

Additionally, prominent Trump administration health officials have raised questions regarding two deaths in Pennsylvania linked to measles. Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, stated on Fox Business that more information is needed to determine the exact cause of these deaths.

In political developments related to healthcare, South Carolina Senate Democratic nominee Annie Andrews dismissed ‘Medicare for All’ as outdated, signaling her pragmatic approach to policy as she strives to become the first Democrat to win a statewide race in South Carolina in over 25 years.

A Round-up of Local and National Health Headlines

• The FDA approves new COVID-19 shots for high-risk groups.
• Maryland declares measles outbreaks in three counties, prompting concerns over vaccination protections.
• Pennsylvania mothers boycott opioid settlement money discussions.
• An Idaho abortion rights group sues state officials over contested ballot language.

Other reports from various outlets note challenges in healthcare policies, including potential rollbacks of Medicaid cuts and controversies involving former top health officials.

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