MoHempTrade distances itself from U.S. Hemp Roundtable after new restrictive policy
The Missouri Hemp Trade Association (MoHemp Trade) is distancing itself from the United States Hemp Roundtable (USHR) following the national organization’s recent decision to support limiting hemp products to a maximum of 5 milligrams of delta-9 THC and to withdraw support for all other cannabinoid products, including hemp-derived flower.
In a statement released today, MoHemp Trade said the new USHR position does not reflect the values, goals, or direction of Missouri’s hemp industry, nor does it align with the association’s mission to protect the state’s farmers, manufacturers, and retailers.
The association made clear that it would not support the USHR’s stance and encouraged Missouri hemp businesses to do the same.
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable is one of the largest national advocacy organizations for the hemp industry, historically representing a broad coalition of farmers, manufacturers, and retailers. The group has played a major role in shaping federal hemp policy, including the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized industrial hemp nationwide.
MoHemp Trade leadership says this new position marks a significant shift away from the Roundtable’s prior commitment to advancing the full hemp industry.
Two MoHemp board members who also serve on the USHR board, Craig Katz of CBD Kratom and Vince Sanders of American Shaman, voted against the policy change.
Their opposition, MoHempTrade said, underscores Missouri’s commitment to defending access to lawful hemp products and maintaining a full spectrum of industry participation.
Katz called for clarity in the organization’s response, emphasizing the need to separate MoHemp Trade’s position from that of the USHR. “Any communication should clearly spell out our support for this Board and our opposition to the USHR policy position,” Katz said.
Board member Jay Patel echoed that sentiment, calling for industry-wide unity against the restrictions. “I want people in Missouri to know we do not support this at all,” Patel said. “We encourage all individuals and businesses engaged in the hemp industry to stand with MoHemp and not support the USHR in light of this restrictive policy.”
MoHemp Trade said policies that eliminate hemp flower and restrict cannabinoids could have widespread consequences for small businesses, local farmers, and consumers who rely on federally lawful hemp products. The group also predicted pushback from other state hemp associations as they learn of USHR’s new direction.
The Missouri organization reaffirmed its dedication to defending the legality of compliant hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids, supporting Missouri’s small businesses, protecting consumer access and safety, and promoting a fair, science-based regulatory framework that encourages growth and innovation.
“MoHemp will continue to advocate for a fair, science-based regulatory framework that supports growth, safety and innovation rather than limiting consumer choice and harming local economies,” the statement said.
