I can’t remember the Star Tribune ever worrying about business and jobs as much as they do in the triple-bylined story “Federal shutdown deal could kill Minnesota’s hemp-derived THC market.” The three reporters covering the story put the problem this way: “Minnesota’s pioneering hemp-derived THC industry could collapse if a provision included in the deal to end the federal government shutdown becomes law.” I take that as good news, but opinions differ.
The reporters explain that the bill “includes language that would effectively ban hemp products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. That limit would outlaw intoxicating hemp-based products in Minnesota, which allows edibles containing up to 5 milligrams of THC per serving and beverages containing up to 10 milligrams.” The intoxicating hemp products are the base of a “growing” business in the state. The tone of the Star Tribune story suggests that a great depression will ensue if the ban isn’t lifted in the year before it is to take effect.
The provision would have been stripped by Kentucky Senator Rand Paul’s proposed amendment. Paul’s amendment was supported by Minnesota Dem Senators Klobuchar and Tina Smith. Their devotion to libertarian dogma must be limited to abortion and hemp. Paul’s bill failed on a 76-24 vote. Paul was the only Republican who voted in favor of his amendment. The roll call is recorded here.
Late last month Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joined a statement suporting the hemp ban. He must have been high at the time. The Star Tribune reports:
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison last month signed a letter with 38 other state and territory attorneys general calling on Congress to effectively ban intoxicating hemp products. After receiving backlash, Ellison clarified in a social media post that his office did not intend to shut down Minnesota’s state-regulated hemp industry.
Maine U.S. Sen. Susan Collins made reference to the letter from the attorneys general when speaking to reporters in Washington on Monday, saying there is “strong support” for the proposed hemp restrictions.
A spokesman for Ellison did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.
As Jack Benny put it in his most famous joke, he’s “thinking it over.”
