In a move that has stirred discontent among local hemp industry supporters, the federal government's latest legislative maneuver is causing a ruckus in Colorado. Governor Jared Polis has openly criticized a decision stemming from a Congressional vote that imposed constraints on the hemp sector, a sector tethered to Colorado's economic well-being and innovative spirit. The Governor labeled this action as a step back from potential job growth and progressive industry advancements.
Referring to the historical affiliation of hemp with American heritage, Polis expressed his dismay at the direction chosen by the federal authorities. "Hemp is a symbol of the American spirit, George Washington grew hemp and Betsy Ross sewed some of the first American flags out of Hemp fiber. It's disappointing to see the federal government leading with fear rather than a vision for the future, and cutting off access to a variety of hemp-based products," Polis stated, as per the Colorado Governor's Office. The Governor highlighted Colorado as a frontrunner in responsible hemp regulation and voiced dissatisfaction with what he perceives as an anti-business stance from the federal side.
The contentious provision, now part of the Continuing Resolution (CR) that ended the recent government shutdown, was passed despite opposition from local advocates. Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper were recorded voting against the inclusion of the hemp amendment in the Senate’s CR package. In contrast, a split was observed among the state's representatives in the House, with Gabe Evans, Jeff Crank, Lauren Boebert, and Jeff Hurd voting in favor of the bill, while others, including Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen, stood in opposition.
