New hemp bill could streamline federal policy, bring more clarity for consumers

(UPDATE: Adding quotes from Senator Merkley and video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- After weeks of confusion regarding the legality of hemp on a federal level, a new bill could bring clarity to consumers, producers, and dispensaries.

We've gone from "more relaxed" after 20-18, to an impending ban on hemp products in 20-25.

During the government funding bill votes, a provision was put in by Kentucky Republican Senator Mitch McConnell that would close the hemp loophole making it illegal.

Now both Oregon Senators are trying to keep the "more than one billion dollar industry" legal.

A new bill co-authored by Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden will create a federal framework to legalize hemp. 

Senator Merkley shares, the biggest concern is "Delta-8" that has circumvented other state's laws

"My hope is to have a nationally regulated, market that, avoids the abuses that have occurred with delta-8 and youth, and delta-8 being a replacement for marijuana in states that don't allow marijuana, which has made those states angry," Senator Merkley told KTVZ News. "We can fix those things, and preserve a very healthy, profitable hemp market."

The bill would also create guidelines on product and consumer safety, like making the federal legal age to be 21 like alcohol, and limiting its marketability to kids.

The bill would also create serving sizes for edible, inhalant, topical, and drinkable cannabinoids.

For example, edible cannabinoid products can not contain more than five milligrams of thc per serving, and a container can not have more than 50 milligrams. 

If it passes and becomes law, it'll benefit producers by creating a nationwide market place for hemp products.

On the consumer side, it would create a database, like what we have in Oregon, that can track the entire journey from seed to sale.