Why it Matters

The U.S. Hemp Roundtable, the nation’s leading hemp advocacy group, has switched lobbying firms after eight years, now opting for Williams & Jensen PLLC after previously collaborating with Frost Brown Todd LLC. This strategic move occurs as Congress engages in significant debates concerning hemp’s regulatory future, highlighting a critical need for clarity amidst ongoing discussions around THC limits.

By the Numbers

Historical spending: $2.19 million on lobbying since 2017, all with previous firm Frost Brown Todd.

New lobbying team: Susan B. Hirschmann (former House Republican Whip Chief of Staff) and Daniel A. Ziegler (former Speaker Policy Director).

Focus areas: Agriculture policy, budget appropriations, and the hemp regulatory environment.

Client portfolio shift: The new lobbying firm represents major corporations like Pfizer Inc., Dell Inc., and Comcast Corp..

Broader Context

The debate surrounding hemp regulation is intensifying within Congress, with many lawmakers scrutinizing the 2018 Farm Bill, which introduced what is now seen as a loophole for hemp-derived THC products. Recent House Oversight hearings aim to address the proliferation of illicit products.

The Agenda

The Roundtable plans to lobby on “hemp agriculture, its regulatory environment, and the annual appropriations process,” taking a broad approach rather than targeting specific legislation. Their past efforts concentrated on the Farm Bill provisions, USDA regulations, and the FDA’s oversight of CBD products.

Competitive Landscape

Numerous organizations are actively lobbying Congress about hemp-related issues. The Coalition for Access Now advocates for FDA regulation of CBD supplements, while the Midwest Hemp Council Inc. prioritizes education regarding the Farm Bill. Other entities, such as 3Chi Corp. and the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, are specifically focused on hemp-derived intoxicants.

Between The Lines

Republican lawmakers demonstrate a divide on hemp regulation methods. Sen. Rand Paul has successfully blocked attempts for federal THC bans in spending bills, whereas Sen. Mitch McConnell supports prohibiting intoxicating hemp products. Meanwhile, Rep. Mary Miller advances legislation to ban hemp-derived THC, contrasting with Rep. Morgan Griffith‘s proposal to regulate rather than enforce outright bans.

Pending legislation includes Paul’s S.2112 – HEMP Act, which aims to raise THC thresholds to 1%, and the bipartisan H.R.2935 – PREPARE Act, which would establish a federal cannabis regulation commission.

The Bottom Line

The recent firm switch indicates the hemp industry’s concerns regarding regulatory uncertainty. With strong connections among Republican politicians, Williams & Jensen may provide essential support as GOP lawmakers deliberate on differing regulatory strategies.

All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!

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