DENVER, CO — One Chance to Grow Up, a national parent-focused nonprofit advocating for youth safeguards in drug policy, is calling on the U.S. House of Representatives to swiftly pass the government funding bill just approved by the Senate. This legislation includes language closing the dangerous loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed the sale of intoxicating hemp-derived THC products, many of which have been marketed to children.
The crucial language in the Senate bill comes from advocacy by One Chance to Grow Up’s team and parental network, as well as public health allies across the country. The organization especially recognizes Senators Mitch McConnell, John Thune and Mike Crapo and House Representative Andy Harris for their leadership.
This long-overdue clarification to the definition of legal industrial hemp represents a monumental win for families, health experts, and communities who have been sounding the alarm. Hemp-derived THC products, synthesized from industrial hemp, have been linked with adverse outcomes for youth, including accidental ingestions, addiction, and ER visits. Additionally, products are being sold without safety regulations like age restrictions or potency caps in places like gas stations and online, where underage youth can easily access.
“Closing the hemp-derived THC loophole left open by the 2018 Farm Bill represents a critical victory for protecting kids from the harms presented by THC, especially deceptive and unregulated intoxicating hemp products,” said One Chance Co-Founder and Executive Director Henny Lasley. “One Chance to Grow Up has been urging federal lawmakers to address this issue and has made pivotal efforts to directly educate decision makers on the importance of protecting our youth by ensuring the hemp loophole is closed. We’re calling on the House to see this vital action through to the finish line by passing the budget bill and send it to the president’s desk without delay. Every day this loophole remains open, more kids get harmed. For their sake, we can’t afford to wait any longer.”
The organization urges members of Congress to prioritize public health and youth safety in regards to hemp-derived THC and vote “yes” on the budget bill to finally clarify the definition of industrial hemp.
About One Chance to Grow Up:
One Chance to Grow Up is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding kids from today’s dangerous and deceptive drugs through education, policy, and advocacy. We serve as a reliable resource for parents and policymakers, and all who care about youth.
For media inquiries, contact: Caroline Jordan at caroline@onechancetogrowup.org.
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