By Geoff Whaling, Chairman, National Hemp Association
Over the past several months, I have received a number of comments from people who seem surprised, even shocked, that I am publicly advocating for cannabinoids, including low-dose hemp-derived beverages, as part of the policy framework contained within Pushing Progress and the Goodness of Hemp Act.
Allow me to clarify my position.
“I have never been opposed to cannabinoids.”
I have never been opposed to cannabinoids.
In fact, I was among those involved at the very beginning of the modern cannabinoid movement. Alongside Paige Figi, more than a decade ago, I helped establish the Coalition for Access Now, created to advance access to cannabinoid-based products for those who could benefit from them. Later, I served as the cannabinoid advisor to the Board of Directors of Canopy Growth Corporation, along with my roles as co-founder and President within what was, at the time, the largest cannabis company in the world.
My support for cannabinoids is neither new nor recent.
What is true is that approximately two years ago, the Board of Directors of the National Hemp Association made a deliberate decision to focus our advocacy efforts on industrial hemp fiber and grain. We did so, giving up a good portion of our membership, because American farmers, the original intended beneficiaries of hemp legalization, had become the forgotten segment of the industry.
While entrepreneurs and investors pursued opportunities in cannabinoids, fiber and grain producers struggled to gain access to markets, processing infrastructure, capital, and supportive public policy. At the same time, loopholes and manipulation of the 2018 Farm Bill allowed hundreds of largely unregulated products to flood the marketplace, creating confusion for consumers, challenges for regulators, and reputational damage for the broader hemp industry.
Respecting that decision, I focused my efforts on advancing NHA policies that would support American agriculture and help build a durable industrial hemp economy based on fiber, grain, food, feed, bioplastics, construction materials, textiles, and other sustainable products.
That has never meant being against cannabinoids.
In fact, it was at the suggestion of senior officials within the White House that a group of us returned to the cannabinoid discussion and helped develop a comprehensive, industry-driven framework that addresses the concerns of Congress, regulators, consumers, farmers, and businesses alike.
The result is Pushing Progress and, ultimately, the Goodness of Hemp Act.
Our objective is straightforward:
- Protect consumers through appropriate federal oversight and regulation.
- Eliminate synthetic and chemically altered intoxicating products masquerading as hemp.
- Create a responsible pathway for naturally occurring cannabinoids.
- Establish a regulated framework for low-dose hemp beverages.
- Restore certainty for farmers and manufacturers.
- Build a hemp economy that supports the entire supply chain, from seed to shelf.
Equally important, we must open and expand markets for hemp grain and animal feed while creating sustainable revenue streams capable of supporting ongoing research, innovation, infrastructure development, and farmer profitability. A successful hemp economy is not built on a single product category. It is built on diversified markets that create long-term value for agriculture, manufacturers, consumers, and rural communities alike.
“The future of hemp is not fiber versus cannabinoids. It is not agriculture versus consumer products. The future is creating a framework where all legitimate segments of the hemp industry can succeed while protecting consumers and respecting congressional intent.”
The future of hemp is not fiber versus cannabinoids. It is not agriculture versus consumer products.
The future is creating a framework where all legitimate segments of the hemp industry can succeed while protecting consumers and respecting congressional intent.
If you are interested in learning more about this effort, I encourage you to visit thegoodnessofhemp.org, review the proposal, and join us as we work to advance a practical, responsible, and durable future for hemp in America.
Hemp has always been bigger than any one product, company, or sector. Building a successful hemp economy will require farmers, manufacturers, consumer brands, retailers, policymakers, researchers, and advocates working together toward a common goal.
Goodness of Hemp Act represents an opportunity to create that future by supporting American agriculture, establishing responsible consumer protections, expanding markets for hemp grain, fiber, feed, and cannabinoids, and building a stronger hemp economy for everyone.
I invite you to be part of that effort.
Let’s get it done.
Geoff Whaling is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of The National Hemp Association (NHA) is a non-profit, grassroots, organization supporting all aspects of the hemp industry. NHA works to bring to life all of the potential this crop has to offer for farmers; for economic development in rural communities; for increased sustainability of products we all consume on a daily basis; and for American leadership in global industries and markets that are rapidly evolving to deliver the many valuable benefits of hemp to people all around the world.