Hemp Legally Speaking

Jonathan Miller interviews Austin, Texas lobbyist Frank Santos, about the ever-changing state of play for hemp policy in Texas. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What is Senate Bill 3 and how did it pass the legislature?How will Governor Abbott treat Senate Bill 3 now that it has reached his desk?  Is a veto possible?If the Governor doesn't veto Senate Bill 3, what are the legal options?If the Governor does veto Senate Bill 3, what are next steps?Why did Lt. Governor Patrick invest so many political capital into banning hemp?What was the role of the alcohol industry in passage of Senate Bill 3 and in the veto efforts?How can a TX resident urge the Governor to veto Senate Bill 3?

Jonathan Miller interviews Anthony Newby, CEO of Cultivated CBD, about issues of justice and equality in the hemp and cannabis industries. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: Why have the hemp and cannabis industries been at the center of the national discussion about justice and equality?What work is being done by the US Hemp Roundtable to address injustice and promote small and disadvantaged businesses?How should an economically disadvantaged entrepreneur approach success in the hemp industry?How has Minnesota emerged as ground zero of the hemp beverage industry and what is the status of efforts there?What are the prospects for the US Hemp industry on issues relating to justice and equality?

Jonathan Miller interviews Brandon Pollock, CEO of Theory Wellness, about how more marijuana companies are getting into the business of hemp. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: How are marijuana companies navigating the challenging legal and regulatory landscape?Why are more and more marijuana businesses transitioning into the hemp industry?How is the hemp beverage space opening up new opportunities for cannabis entrepreneurs?What does the future look like for the hemp beverage industry?What advice would you share with entrepreneurs looking to succeed in cannabis and hemp?

Jonathan Miller interviews Chris Fontes, President of the US Hemp Authority about that organization's ongoing adult product certification program. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: Why did the US Hemp Authority decide to implement an adult product certification program?How is the program working over its first several months?What is the import of the April 20 (4/20) discount deadline for application into the program?Why should a brand owner choose to certify their products through the program?Why is the program significant in efforts to legalize and regulate adult hemp products?

Jonathan Miller interviews Clifford Starke, Chair of Hampstead Private Capital and CEO of Flora Growth, about the economic climate for investing in the hemp and cannabis industries. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: How did you get involved in the hemp and cannabis space?What is the current economic climate for investors in the hemp industry?What advice would you give to an entrepreneur who is seeking capital to grow their business?How would you advise Congress and state legislatures to protect the hemp industry?What are your short term and long term outlooks for the success of the hemp industry?

Jonathan Miller interviews Jena Murray, the newly elected President of the US Hemp Roundtable, about policy challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. hemp industry. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: Who is Jena Murray and what was her path to becoming President of the US Hemp Roundtable?How has Medterra made the transition from non-intoxicating CBD to adult hemp products?What is your vision about the future of U.S. hemp policy with today's Congress and White House?As a California company, how concerned are you about state policy on hemp products?What other states are of greatest concern for the hemp industry?

Jonathan Miller interviews Craig Katz, Government Relations Manager of CBD Kratom, about policy challenges and opportunities facing the hemp industry in Illinois and Missouri. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What is CBD Kratom's role in the US hemp industry?Given the opposition of Governor JB Pritzker, what's the status of legislative policy in Illinois?With the support Mayor Brandon Johnson, how are regulatory efforts proceeding in Chicago?How is the hemp industry navigating legislative battles with Big Marijuana and divisions among themselves in Missouri?Having served in the legislative trenches where the sausage is made, what are your general feelings about the future of US hemp policy?

Jonathan Miller interviews Scott Selix, Founder and General Counsel of Climbing Kites, about policy challenges and opportunities facing the hemp beverage industry in the upper Midwest. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What's the history of Climbing Kites in the hemp space?How does Climbing Kites ensure the quality and safety of its products and why is it certifying with the US Hemp Authority?How has hemp policy transformed in Iowa?What is the status of efforts to ban hemp products in Nebraska?How bullish are you about the future of hemp products, particularly beverages?

Jonathan Miller interviews Jonathan Black, CEO of Cheech & Chong's, about efforts in California to restore the sale of hemp products at retail. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What's it like to work with icons Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong?Why was California Governor Newsom so animated about banning the sale of all hemp products?What was the effort to bring together dozens of brands from both the marijuana and hemp industry to build consensus on a legislative agenda?How bullish are you on the prospects of legislation in California to restore the retail sale of hemp products?What is the future of the hemp product industry, particularly hemp beverages?

Jonathan Miller interviews Art Massolo, Vice President for Business Develop of Cycling Frog, about policy challenges and opportunities facing the hemp beverage industry. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: Why have hemp beverages become the fastest growing segment of the hemp industry?How does the hemp beverage space compare with the alcohol industry?What kinds of regulatory changes are necessary to ensure a successful industry?How should beverage brands interact with the rest of the greater hemp industry in terms of pursuing policy solutions?What should a prospective hemp beverage consumer know about products?

Jonathan Miller interviews Aaron Nosbisch, the CEO of Brez, about the exciting new category of hemp beverages, the challenges and the opportunities. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What are the factors behind the recent surge of the hemp beverage industry?What are the typical demographics of hemp beverage consumers?Why do you oppose limiting the sale of hemp beverages to marijuana dispensaries?How is the direct-to-consumer market growing in the hemp beverage space?Should the three-tier regulatory model for alcohol apply to hemp beverages as well?

Jonathan Miller interviews Boone Cutler, the chairman of Spartan Sword, a veterans' advocacy organization, about continuing battles our nation's veterans face in ensuring access to hemp and CBD products for health and wellness purposes. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What is Spartan Sword, and how does the organization advocate for the interests of U.S. veterans?Why is access to hemp, CBD and cannabis important for our nation's veterans?What role has the U.S. Veterans Administration played in the provision of hemp and cannabis products to veterans?What policy changes are needed to better provide access to veterans of needed hemp and cannabis products?

Jonathan Miller interviews Gillian Schauer, Executive Director of the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA), and Jessica Burgess, Deputy General Counsel of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, about hemp policy from the purview of state regulators. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com.Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What is the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) and what is its role in developing national and state hemp policy?What has CANNRA recommended to Congress in terms of the federal regulatory treatment of hemp products?How does CANNRA work to provide consistency among state hemp regulatory approaches in the absence of federal regulation?What is the legal status of products containing CBD and THC in Massachusetts?How can the hemp industry better promote diversity and equitable treatment of individuals within the industry? 

Jonathan Miller interviews Robert Hoban, a leading national attorney in the hemp and cannabis space, about the brewing policy conflict emerging between the hemp industry and its cousins in the cannabis industry. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com.Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What is the war between hemp and marijuana and how did it get started?What do leading cannabis associations say about the rise of hemp products that are potentially impairing?Is there any common ground between the hemp and marijuana industries on the issue of adult cannabinoids?What is the legal and regulatory future for intoxicating hemp products and how should companies in the space be prepared?

Jonathan Miller interviews Rod Kight, one of the nation's leading hemp attorneys, on the optimal path forward for the regulation of adult hemp cannabinoid products. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com.Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: How did the adult cannabinoid product market emerge and what is its current status?What is Kight's suggested "three pillar" approach for regulating cannabinoids?What is THC-A and how should it be treated under federal and state law and regulation?How important is self-regulation to the industry and what's the role of the US Hemp Authority? 

Jonathan Miller interviews Chris Fontes, President of the US Hemp Authority about that organization's upcoming adult product certification program. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: Why did the US Hemp Authority decide to implement an adult product certification program?What does the current marketplace look like for hemp products that potentially impair consumers?How is the adult certification program different from the current non-intoxicating certification program?How will this program help keep adult products out of the hands of children?Why should a brand owner choose to certify their products through the program?How should state and federal regulators take notice?

Jonathan Miller interviews Nolan Jackson, partner at Frost Brown Todd and regulatory counsel to the US Hemp Roundtable, about major legislative and regulatory changes being made at the state level during 2024. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What is the impact of new laws passed by state legislatures in CT, SD, FL, GA, IA and TN?What is the impact of new regulatory and administrative actions taken in DC, KY, and MD?What is the status of legislation pending in CA, IL, LA and OH?How can an individual or company keep apprised of the detailed changes being made on a regular basis in the states?

Jonathan Miller interviews Bill Bookout, President of the National Animal Supplements Council, about an exciting new study on the impact of hemp and CBD on household pets. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What is the current marketplace for hemp supplements for pets?How are pet owners finding value for administering hemp and CBD?What were the results of the new study NASC commissioned on the use of hemp and CBD for pets?How will this study shape future regulatory action from the FDA?What advice do you give to pet owners on hemp and CBD pet products?

Jonathan Miller interviews Uttam Dhillon, the former Acting Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration and current partner at Frost Brown Todd, about federal law enforcement views of hemp and cannabis, and the potential rescheduling and descheduling of cannabis. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: As the DEA head when hemp was legalized, why was the agency so concerned about hemp prior to legalization?What are the prospects of rescheduling cannabis, and what would serve as the regulatory framework?Why is law enforcement so generally opposed to cannabis legalization?Why does the DEA care about hemp/cannabis when there are so much more dangerous drugs affecting the country like heroin or fentanyl?What are the most common misperceptions about DEA agent and their motivations?

Jonathan Miller interviews Jim Carroll, the former White House "Drug Czar" and current partner at Frost Brown Todd, about federal law enforcement views of hemp and cannabis, and the potential rescheduling of marijuana. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: How does federal law enforcement view cannabis and its potential legalization?Are there more nuanced views toward hemp and CBD at the federal level?What is the status of the Biden Administration's potential efforts to reschedule cannabis at Schedule 3, and what would it mean?What would be an appropriate regulatory regime for cannabis under Schedule 3?How should the cannabis industry prepare for rescheduling?How would rescheduling impact hemp and hemp extracts?

Jonathan Miller interviews Deb Hackathorn, Frost Brown Todd principal and the U.S Hemp Roundtable's lobbyist in Columbus, about legislative efforts to ban certain hemp products in the Buckeye State. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: Ohioans passed a referendum in November to legalize adult-use marijuana.  What was the reaction of the Governor and legislature on its implementation?What was the nature of legislation proposed in December that could have posed severe restrictions on hemp products in Ohio?How did the hemp industry secure defeat of provisions that could have devastated Ohio farmers?What are the Governor and legislature planning to do in the new year on these issues?How can citizens make their voices heard in a meaningful way on this issue?

Jonathan Miller interviews CMDMd's Chief Science Officer Sibyl Swift and General Counsel Lance Blundell on the safety and future regulation of CBD.  If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode:  Is CBD safe?  From a legal perspective? From a scientific point of view? Why does the FDA continue to caution the public about the safety of hemp extracts like CBD? What are the steps Congress needs to take to ensure safe regulation of CBD? How should Congress approach the issue of potentially-impairing cannabinoids like delta-8 THC? What does Dr. Swift have to say about the growing #Swiftie movement?

Jonathan Miller interviews Rand Martin, the U.S Hemp Roundtable's lobbyist in Sacramento, about ongoing legislative and regulatory efforts to support (and burden) hemp products in California. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode:  What was in AB 45, the legislation that legalized CBD products in California, and how did it finally secure final passage? How has the hemp smokable ban been addressed (or fail to be addressed) since passage of AB 45, and what are its prospects for the future? How did recently introduced AB 420 intend to permit cannabis licensees to sell hemp products and what was the level of support for such a proposal? When did AB 420 get enmeshed in the national debate over THC milligram limits on hemp products and what was the end result of the discussions? What is the future of legislative and or regulatory policy when it comes to the treatment of full spectrum hemp products in California?

Jonathan Miller interviews his Frost Brown Todd colleague, Nolan Jackson, who serves as Regulatory Counsel for the US Hemp Roundtable, and the two discuss new state laws and regulations that have imposed restrictions on hemp and CBD products. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode:  Why are states beginning to impose THC milligram limits on hemp-derived CBD products? What does the new New York regulatory regime mean for both the Empire State and the nation? What other states are imposing THC milligram caps on CBD products and how do these states differ from each other? Why is there a new trend to impose age restrictions on CBD products, and which states have implemented new laws or regulations in this space? What should CBD manufacturers do to comply with these new state laws? What are the prospects for state action in 2024?

Jonathan Miller interviews Rayetta Henderson, Senior Managing Scientist at Tox Strategies about her research and her testimony before the House Oversight Committee on the safety of hemp-derived CBD. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode:  What were the results of your toxicology studies on the safety of CBD isolate? How were thise results different from the studies championed by FDA concerning pharmaceutical-grade CBD found in the prescription drug Epidiolex? Why are studies of rodents applicable to the experience of humans? Have there been enough studies of CBD for FDA or Congress to be able to establish appropriate limits if CBD in dietary supplements and food/beverage? What counsel to you give to Congress as they go about the process of drafting legislation to regulate CBD?

Jonathan Miller interviews Andrew Bish, President of the Hemp Feed Coalition about the challenges and opportunities of federal policy concerning the use of hemp seed for animals. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode:  What is hemp feed and how is it used by farmers with their animals? How is hemp feed different from CBD products for pets? What is the current legal status for hemp feed in the US and the states? What is the status of efforts by industry to secure a regulatory pathway through FDA? How is the Farm Bill potentially being used as a vehicle to secure congressional support for hemp feed?

Jonathan Miller interviews Rob Pero and Mary Jane Oatman, the President and Executive Director of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association, about the development of the hemp industry among Native American tribal organizations and on Indian reservations. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode:  What's the history of hemp and cannabis in our U.S. tribal communities? How have Native Americans been disproportionately impacts by the War on Drugs? How has the 2018 Farm Bill impact hemp growth and development on Indian reservations? What projects and programs are Tribal organizations working on to build the domestic hemp industry? What is the Native American community looking for in the drafting of the 2023 Farm Bill? What is your 20-year vision for the development of the hemp industry among tribal communities?

Jonathan Miller interviews Nolan Jackson, regulatory counsel to the US Hemp Roundtable, about state legislative efforts to prohibit intoxicating cannabinoids and define "intoxicating" in unfair, restrictive ways. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What is the "War on Hemp" in the states, and who is waging it? How does the hemp industry approach the regulation of intoxicating cannabinoids? What is the new Kentucky model for regulating Delta-8 and how will it be implemented in the months ahead? What legislation has been introduced in Virginia, Maryland, Florida, and Arkansas that can impose havoc on the hemp industry? What can advocates do to support the hemp industry's efforts? What should product manufacturers do to prepare for upcoming regulations?

Jonathan Miller interviews Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles, a national leader on hemp policy, about the impact of FDA's actions and inaction and the rise of intoxicating cannabinoids such as Delta-8 THC. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What has FDA inaction on CBD and other hemp extracts wrought on the industry and Kentucky hemp farmers? When you recently met with FDA senior official, Janet Woodcock, what was your message and her response? What should Congress do to ensure that hemp-derived products like CBD are adequarely regulated? What has the rise of Delta-8 meant to Kentucky hemp farmers and consumers? What's the appropriate approach to regulate intoxicating cannabinoids like delta-8? As marijuana is legalized across the country, what's the proper role for hemp farmers? How bright is the future for hemp growing in Kentucky and across the nation?

Jonathan Miller interviews Vince Sanders, CEO of American Shaman, about FDA's actions and inaction and the impact on the future of the hemp and CBD industries. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: How does American Shaman operate a franchise CBD store business operation and what's been the progress of this model? How has FDA's inaction on CBD regulations impacted the retail marketplace? What has been American Shaman's response to the growth of minor cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC? What was the content of FDA's Warning Letter to American Shaman, and how has the company responded? How concerned should we be about the future of the hemp and CBD industries?

Jonathan Miller interviews Jason Amatucci about legislative efforts in the Virginia General Assembly that could crush the state's hemp industry and serve as a negative model for the nation. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com.Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What's the modern history of hemp in Virginia? How has the medical marijuana industry grown in recent years and how has it emerged as a threat to the state's hemp industry? What legislation is pending in the Virginia General Assembly and what is its status? What elements of the pending legislation threaten to severely undermine opportunities for hemp growers and small businesses? How can listeners intervene to promote the interests of the hemp industry?

Jonathan Miller interviews John Harloe, General Counsel of Balanced Health Botanicals, about Colorado's efforts to develop laws and a regulatory regime concerning intoxicating cannabinoids. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com.Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: In last year's Colorado General Assembly, how was the issue of intoxicating cannabinoids raised, and how was it resolved? What were the key issues in controversy dividing the hemp and marijuana industries? Through your service on the Task Force created by the legislature to address these issues, what did you learn about the various segments of the cannabis industry? What were the key items debated by the Task Force and how were they resolved? Where did the Task Force land on issues such as THC potency, sale of delta-8 products, and container limits? What are now the next steps as the General Assembly review the Task Force's recommendations?

Jonathan Miller interviews Patrick Atagi, President and CEO of the National Industrial Hemp Council, about the promotion and marketing of U.S. hemp internationally. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com.  Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode:1.     What is the National Industrial Hemp Council, and what is its role in promoting U.S. hemp into international markets?2.     From the perspective of attending a hemp conference in Bangkok, Thailand, what are the prospects for international hemp trade between those two countries?3.     What other nations pose the most promising partners for international hemp trade, and where should U.S. farmers and businesses aim their promotion?4.     Chinese hemp imports have long reached the U.S. and have often been considered substandard.  What does the future look like for hemp trade between our two nations, and will it help improve the quality of the biomass and products?5.     What is the Federation of International Hemp Organization, and what is it doing to promote consistent standards and regulations across borders?

Jonathan Miller interviews Jody McGinness, Executive Director of the Hemp Industries Association (HIA), about the HIA's past, present and future agenda. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode:  1. What is the history of the Hemp Industries Association (HIA), the granddaddy of all hemp organizations in the United States? 2. How has HIA's litigation against the federal government shaped the industry and laid the groundwork for the crop's full legalization? 3. How has HIA transitioned from a rough period for the organization concurrent with the downturn of the industry and the rise of COVID? 4. When will HIA return to hosting its popular national conventions? 5. What are HIA's policy priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill and beyond?

Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: How will the House Oversight and Reform Committee approach the issue of FDA's inaction on regulating hemp and CBD? What will be different about your committee's approach than Congressional efforts over the past several years to demand FDA's action? Are challenges with the administrative state mostly political in nature or are they more related to the behavior of entrenched career bureaucrats? What will be the other priorities for the committee in 2023? Where will there be opportunities for bi-partisan action to promote stronger government agencies?

Jonathan Miller interviews Illissa Nolan, Executive Director of the Texas Hemp Coalition, to discuss evolving policies on hemp and CBD in the Lone Star State. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: How has Texas public policy evolved over the years in terms of cannabis in general? How successful has Texas' hemp pilot program been in providing alternatives for the state's farmers? What was the nature of the dispute between state legislators and hemp activists during the 2021 General Session about intoxicating cannabinoids? What are your expectations for the development of policies about hemp during the 2023 General Session? What is your opinion on the future of the hemp industry in the Lone Star State?

Jonathan Miller interviews Morris Beagle, CEO of We Are for Better Alternatives and the NOCO Hemp Expo, an OG of the hemp movement, about his forecast for the future of the industry. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com.Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What is WAFBA, and how did the NOCO Hemp Expo grow to be such a mammoth event? What is the future of intoxicating cannabinoids vis a vis non-intoxicating hemp products? What applications for hemp fiber have the most economic viability? How will the hemp industry take advantage of the nation's focus on sustainability? What should we expect the hemp industry to look like 10 years from now?

Jonathan Miller interviews Andrea Steel, Member of Frost Brown Todd's Houston office and a leader of its cannabis industry team, about new legal and regulatory developments concerning intoxicating cannabinoids, such as delta-8 THC. If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com. Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What has the FDA done in recent months to share its opinions on the development of intoxicating cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC? What does the highly-publicized death of a Virginia child, apparently from the consumption of delta-8 THC signal about future laws or regulations? What are states doing to address the growing intoxicating hemp market, and what are the variances among states such as Oregon and Minnesota. What's on the agenda of the Texas legislature when it comes to hemp and intoxicating cannabinoids? How do you advise clients in this space to navigate the gray and changing legal and regulatory frameworks? How you do advise consumers on accessing these products in the marketplace?

Host: Jonathan Miller Guest: Eric Wang, CEO, Ecofibre, Georgetown, KY Blog: Hemp Legally Speaking Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What applications for hemp fiber is EcoFibre working on from its Kentucky and North Carolina facilities? Why is hemp considered a particularly sustainable crop? How does hemp compare to other fiber crops in terms of sustainability and contributing to environmental protection? What is the US Hemp Sustainability Foundation and what is that organization's mission? What is "greenwashing" and how can the hemp industry avoid it? What do federal and state policymakers need to understand about the future of hemp fiber?

Hemp Industry Episode Resources:Host: Jonathan MillerGuest: Bill Bookout, Founder and Chairman of the National Animal Supplement CouncilBlog: Hemp Legally SpeakingHemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What is the National Animal Supplement Council and how has it become involved in the hemp and CBD space? Why are regulatory standards for animal food often stronger than what's required for human ingestion? What states have developed strong regulatory framework standards for hemp and CBD in animal food? What is the challenge being faced by the industry in Idaho and why is this a concern for the nation? How should businesses respond to current regulations? What should consumers be looking for in purchasing products for their pets?

Hemp Industry Episode Resources:Host: Jonathan MillerGuest: Axel Bernabe, New York's Office of Cannabis Management Blog: Hemp Legally Speaking Hemp Industry questions covered in the episode: How did New York State approach regulating hemp cannabinoids vis a vis adult-use cannabis and industrial use hemp? What was New York's philosophy in developing a regulatory regime for CBD and other non-intoxicating hemp extracts? Why did New York allow hemp farmers to sell into the regulated cannabis market, and has it been successful? How does New York treat intoxicating compounds like Delta-8 THC, and how does the state anticipate drawing the line between non-intoxicating hemp and intoxicating adult-use cannabis? What's the future for hemp fiber in the Empire State?

Hemp Industry Episode Resources:Host: Jonathan MillerGuest: Congressman Ed Perlmutter Blog: Hemp Legally SpeakingHemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What kinds of problems are hemp and cannabis businesses facing when it comes to banking and financial transactions? What is the SAFE Banking Act and how would it assist hemp and cannabis farmers and businesses? What are the special hemp provisions that were developed in conjunction with Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) How does the legislation advantage small and minority-owned businesses? What are the prospects of passage of SAFE Banking and what can supporters do to help? 

Hemp Industry Episode Resources:Host: Jonathan MillerGuest: Wendy Mosher, President & CEO of New West GeneticsBlog: Hemp Legally SpeakingHemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What challenges are U.S. hemp farmers facing when it comes to hemp seed varieties that when used result in "hot hemp" production? What is certified seed, and what's the difference with uncertified seed? What is the "Value the Seed" initiative and how would it provide regulatory relief to U.S. hemp farmers? What is the difference between "Value the Seed" and the "Fiber/Grain Exception" proposal that has been introduced as a competing initiative? 

Hemp Industry Episode Resources: Host: Jonathan MillerGuest: Congressman Morgan GriffithBlog: Hemp Legally SpeakingHemp Industry questions covered in the episode: How did a conservative Republican from a rural area of the country become one of the strongest national advocates of hemp and CBD? What's in HR 841 and HR 6134 and what are their prospects for passage? Why is regulation so important, both to support farmers but also to protect consumers, especially children? How important to Members of Congress are communications from their constituents?

Hemp Industry Episode Resources:Host: Jonathan MillerGuest: Andrew Brisbo, Director of Michigan's Cannabis Regulatory Agency, and the President of CANNRABlog: Hemp Legally SpeakingHemp Industry questions covered in the episode: Why did Michigan joining a growing trend of states to bring hemp and marijuana under the same regulatory agency? Should hemp farmers and businesses be concerned about regulations unfairly burdening hemp and the expense of marijuana? What is Michigan's philosophy on the treatment of hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids? How is CANNRA working to develop consistent regulations on hemp products across the country, avoiding a patchwork from state to state? What will CANNRA be doing to develop national standards on key issues such as the definition of “intoxicating”

Hemp Industry Episode Resources:Host: Jonathan MillerGuest: Dr. Robert KaufmanBlog: Hemp Legally SpeakingHemp Industry questions covered in the episode: What does the ValidCare study demonstrate about the safety of ingestible CBD? What did the study conclude about CBD's liver toxicity and how does this contrast with studies done on Epidiolex, the CBD drug used by children with rare forms of epilepsy? How does the study address concerns about drowsiness and low testosterone? Statistically speaking, how strong are the study's conclusions What's the message that Dr. Kaufman will be sharing with FDA in its upcoming meeting?

Hemp Industry Episode Resources:Host: Jonathan MillerGuest: Russell Coleman Blog: Hemp Legally SpeakingHemp Industry questions covered in the episode: How did an anti-cannabis advocate come around to supporting legalized hemp? Why did Mitch McConnell go all in on hemp? What did Congress intend by setting the definition for hemp at 0.3% or less delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis? How are delta-8 and other “hemp-derived THC” products being perceived by hemp's champions on Capitol Hill?

Hemp Industry Episode Resources:Host: Jonathan MillerGuest: Pete Meachum  Blog: Hemp Legally Speaking What's the status of federal legislation that would ensure that FDA regulates CBD as a dietary supplement and food and beverage additive? What is the legislative process that we should expect for these critical CBD bills? How can listeners influence federal policy on these and other matters? How important to Members of Congress are communications from their constituents?

Fred Cawthon and Developing a More Equitable Hemp Industry Episode Resources:Host: Jonathan MillerGuest: Frederick CawthonBlog: Hemp Legally SpeakingHemp Industry questions covered in this episode: How have Americans of color struggled over the past few centuries when it has come to issues of hemp and cannabis? What steps are the US Hemp Roundtable taking to redress these wrongs and promote justice and equality in the hemp industry? What legislation is being sponsored to promote hemp research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities? How does a person of color enter the hemp industry and overcome obstacles presented to small businesses?

Joel Stanley and the Birth of the CBD Industry Episode Resources:Host: Jonathan MillerGuest: Joel StanleyBlog: Hemp Legally SpeakingHemp Industry questions covered in this episode: Who was Charlotte Fygi, and what role did she play in the development of the hemp and CBD industries? When did medical marijuana pioneers, the Stanley Brothers, hit on the idea that hemp could be a solution both for ailing children as well as promoting wellness in healthy adults? What was behind the Stanleys' decision to take Charlotte's Web public, and how should we assess the progress? What's on the immediate horizon for the Stanleys in the health and wellness space?

Promoting Justice and Equality in the Hemp Industry Episode Resources:Host: Jonathan MillerGuest: Dr. Marielle WeintraubBlog: Hemp Legally SpeakingHemp Industry questions covered in this episode: Why did the hemp industry create the US Hemp Authority and what is its purpose? How does USHA develop standards, and who is involved in the process? How do farmers, processors, and manufacturers get certified in the program?  Why should they do so? How do consumers learn which products are USHA certified?  Why should they care? If you have questions about the episode or ideas for Hemp related topics, email us at hemplegallyspeaking@fbtlaw.com.