McConnell Champions Children’s Health and Industrial Hemp on the Senate Floor – NKyTribune

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell recently spoke on the Senate floor about protecting children’s health, particularly concerning hemp and CBD products. He highlighted findings from the University of Kentucky that showed a 43% rise in cannabis-related poisonings among minors in the state from 2023 to 2024. Emergency room visits are also climbing, with calls to the Poison Control Center more than doubling in five years. Alarmingly, over 40% of these calls involve children under the age of 12.

McConnell reflected on the journey of hemp legislation, noting that he played a key role in its legalization through the 2018 Farm Bill. While hemp has become a valuable crop in Kentucky, some companies have taken advantage of this law. They use legal amounts of THC derived from hemp to make intoxicating products resembling candy, packaging them to attract children. Many kids mistake these items for regular snacks, unaware they can be harmful.

He emphasized the urgency of regulating these products, revealing that they can be even more potent than traditional marijuana. Despite previous calls to action, the FDA has not yet stepped in. McConnell proposed language in an appropriations bill to restrict these dangerous products while ensuring the hemp industry remains viable for farmers.

He countered claims that his proposals would harm the hemp industry, noting that hemp currently comprises a minuscule fraction of U.S. farming. McConnell expressed his dedication to supporting farmers, citing his long tenure on the Agriculture Committee and various initiatives benefiting agricultural communities.

As discussions on hemp regulations continue, one must consider the broader implications of unregulated products. Recent trends on social media have sparked debates on the safety of hemp-derived products, with parents expressing concerns over easily accessible, potentially harmful snacks for their children.

In related news, surveys indicate that 70% of parents are worried about the impact of cannabis products on children. The need for responsible legislation and oversight is critical to ensure both the safety of children and the prosperity of Kentucky’s farmers.

For more information on the complexities of hemp legislation, check out this report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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