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Senator Rand Paul Pushes Back on Hemp Ban Proposals

By Shadd Dales On Sep 18, 2025

Senator Rand Paul is stepping into the center of the hemp and cannabis debate in Washington. The Trade To Black Podcast powered by Dutchie with host Shadd Dales and co-host Anthony Varrell digs into cannabis issues with Senator Paul. He explains why he fought to strip hemp-ban language from the agriculture spending bill, putting himself at odds with Senate leadership, and how Kentucky’s hemp market could be a model for the rest of the country.

Hemp has been a recent hot topic in the industry in states throughout the US, but especially in Texas. On one side, licensed cannabis operators argue hemp products are exploiting loopholes and undercutting the regulated market. On the other side, hemp farmers say these products are their livelihood and need a clear framework to survive. Everyone agrees on the need for rules — the question is whether Congress will settle on sensible oversight or move toward an outright ban.

Senator Paul addresses concerns over recent proposals in Washington, including language pushed by Senator Mitch McConnell and California Governor Gavin Newsom. These proposals highlight concerns over candy-like hemp products with high levels of Delta-8 THC being sold to minors. Paul argued that instead of age restrictions or product-level regulations, current drafts risk “killing the industry” by redefining hemp to exclude “quantifiable amounts” of THC. It’s a definition that could effectively mandate zero THC.

Not only do we discuss the agriculture spending bill, Senator Paul also talks about his HEMP Act of 2025, which raises the THC threshold to 1 percent, shifts testing to finished products, and aims to protect farmers while setting consumer expectations. The conversation goes further than hemp. We look at where Senator Paul stands on synthetics like Delta-8, how hemp policy connects to broader cannabis reform, and whether rescheduling could finally give the SAFER Banking Act momentum. For anyone following both industries, this interview lays out the risks and opportunities facing operators, farmers, and investors in 2025 — and what’s at stake if Congress gets the rules wrong.

Tune in for this important interview with the Senator.

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Shadd Dales

Shadd Dales is the Founder and President of The Dales Report and has an extensive background in the business media industry.

His work translates into over 15 years in mainstream media that included roles with BNN Bloomberg, CTV Properties and the iHeart Radio Network.

Shadd is considered one of the leading on air talents in both the cannabis and psychedelic space and has interviewed some of the most notable CEO names in the industry.

Shadd’s vision is to establish a content platform that is equivalent to a mainstream broadcast produced in a format that is relevant for today’s investor.