Dr. Rand Paul Introduces the Bipartisan Hemp Safety Enforcement Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Dr. Rand Paul (R-KY) today introduced the bipartisan Hemp Safety Enforcement Act, a bipartisan bill that empowers states and Tribal governments to regulate and ensure the safety of hemp and hemp-derived products, preventing a looming federal crackdown from shutting down a thriving, multi-billion-dollar American industry.
The Hemp Safety Enforcement Act is cosponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA).
The hemp sector faces extinction because of a provision buried in the 2026 agricultural appropriations bill that effectively bans most hemp products nationwide.
“Half the states have already set up their own smart rules, THC limits, age restrictions, and safety standards that let hemp farmers grow, manufacturers innovate, and consumers stay safe,” said Dr. Paul. “Washington shouldn’t wipe out those efforts or destroy jobs and access to products that help our veterans, our elderly, and families across the country. This bill gives states the freedom to regulate hemp responsibly while keeping dangerous synthetics off the market and ensuring products can move freely between states.”
“I’ve heard loud and clear from brewers, farmers, and small businesses in Minnesota – a federal ban on hemp products will be devastating. Minnesota is a national leader in hemp products, and Congress should recognize that leadership and commitment to consumer safety. I appreciate Senator Paul for his continued partnership on this issue, and I will continue to push in the Senate for a solution that protects Minnesota’s small businesses and farmers,” said Sen. Klobuchar (D-MN).
The Hemp Safety Enforcement Act is endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Kentucky, U.S. Hemp Roundtable, Hemp Beverage Alliance, Hemp Industry and Farmers of America, and Cornbread Hemp.
Commander Nicole Horseman of the VFW Kentucky says, “From our perspective, a balance matters. A full ban risks cutting off access and slowing down research at a time when we should be learning more about what actually helps veterans, not less. The Veterans of Foreign Wars has been clear at the national level that we support continued research and access to alternative treatments, and we see your legislation as being consistent with that goal.
Jonathan Miller, General Counsel for U.S. Hemp Roundtable, says, “The U.S. Hemp Roundtable, indeed the entire domestic hemp industry, is deeply grateful to Senators Rand Paul and Amy Klobuchar for their introduction of legislation that would provide for the continued sale of valued hemp products in states with regulatory programs, despite the impending federal ban. This legislation would provide invaluable protection for farmers, small businesses, and consumers who rely on these products for their health and wellness. Senators Paul and Klobuchar continue to demonstrate their steadfast support for this promising agricultural industry.” –
Christopher Lackner, Founder and President of Hemp Beverage Alliance, says, “The Hemp Beverage Alliance applauds Senator Paul and Senator Klobuchar for standing up for the hemp industry. A majority of the states in the country already have a hemp regulatory framework in place to protect public health, with several other states currently working on creating their own regulations. This commonsense bill will allow those states to continue building a flourishing hemp market that creates jobs and generates much-needed tax revenue.”
Jim Higdon, Co-Founder and Chief Communications Officer of Cornbread Hemp, says, “As a Kentucky hemp company, we’re deeply grateful to Senators Rand Paul and Amy Klobuchar for legislation that protects the continued sale of hemp products in states with regulatory programs. Kentucky farmers and businesses like ours have built real value to the American economy — full spectrum CBD products that consumers depend on for their health and hemp beverages that many enjoy for wellness. This legislation will allow states to work together to get this right.” –
What the Hemp Safety Enforcement Act does:
- Gives states and Tribes an opt-out: Any state or Tribal government can simply notify the federal government and take full control of hemp regulation.
- Builds in real safety protections: States choosing self-regulation must enforce a minimum age for buying hemp-derived cannabinoid products and keep the ban on synthetic cannabinoids that do not naturally occur in the hemp plant. While protecting kids from intoxicating synthetics is important, a blanket federal prohibition threatens legitimate farmers, small businesses, veterans, seniors, and millions of everyday Americans who rely on safe, non-intoxicating hemp-derived products for health and wellness.
- Protects interstate commerce: No state can block legal hemp or hemp-derived products from moving to or from other states that have also opted out.
- Aligns with pro-research policy: Consistent with President Trump’s Executive Order on expanding medical marijuana and CBD research, the bill preserves access to beneficial products while cracking down on real dangers.
The Hemp Safety Enforcement Act will protect kids while allowing Kentucky farmers, American manufacturers, and consumers nationwide to benefit from hemp-derived products.
Read the bill here.
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