By Senators Request Federal Investigation
Four U.S. Senate Republicans this week called for an investigation into claims that Chinese criminal networks have infiltrated the American cannabis and intoxicating hemp markets, The Hill reports. The senators are Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, Susan Collins of Maine, and Ted Budd of North Carolina.
The lawmakers sent a letter Wednesday to Attorney General Todd Blanch. In the letter, they argued that criminals from China “are exploiting vulnerabilities in federal law to operate expansive illicit drug enterprises that threaten our communities and national security.”
The senators described specific tactics they say these organizations use. “These organizations purchase and lease American land for illegal grow operations, traffic foreign workers, and use toxic pesticides and fertilizers shipped from China, including chemicals banned in the United States,” the letter states.
Connection To The Hemp Loophole
The senators linked their request to the ongoing debate over intoxicating hemp products. They say that closing the “hemp loophole” will be key to preventing Chinese criminals from accessing and influencing the U.S. cannabinoids industry.
Intoxicating hemp products in the U.S. are currently set to be banned by the end of this year. However, legislation passed last month delayed that ban by one month, until December 11.
All four senators opposed the delay when it came before the Senate last month. Their votes aligned with their position that federal hemp policy has created an opening for foreign criminal enterprises.
What Comes Next
The letter asks the Department of Justice to open a formal probe into the alleged criminal activity. As of now, there is no public indication of how the attorney general will respond to the request.
The senators’ letter adds pressure on federal agencies to act before that deadline arrives.
The request also signals continued Republican attention to foreign involvement in the U.S. cannabis and hemp markets. The four senators represent states with varying levels of cannabis legalization, from Maine’s regulated market to Nebraska’s more restrictive approach.
