Hemp producers have been keeping a close eye on the funding bill's status in Washington, hoping the four-week reprieve on new federal hemp regulations would survive.
And it did make the cut Tuesday.
A deadline is nearing for a provision in last year's signature GOP tax and spending bill that lowered the amount of allowable THC in hemp-derived products.
While producers say the amount is unreasonably small and will take most products off the shelves, proponents, including Sen. Mitch McConnell, say it's necessary to protect children. Asked about the possibility of a federal delay on the new rule last week, Gov. Andy Beshear said a balance needs be struck.
"Do we need to make sure that children are protected from the Delta 8 or other products? Yes. But we, as a government, ought to be able to do that," Beshear said. "The current (federal policy) would decimate the hemp industry. I do not support it. Give states the ability to fully and fairly regulate it. We'll protect kids or put a reasonable structure in place."
The goal of the delay is to allow time for Congress to decide whether it wants to create a federal framework surrounding intoxicating hemp products or give states a way to preempt federal laws by creating their own regulations.
Congressman Rand Paul and Thomas Massie have been supportive of a compromise deal.