The Daily Punch The Readback: Kentucky Hemp Wars
Aug 2, 2025
Samantha Handler, a policy expert and author of the Portal newsletter, dives into the tensions surrounding Sen. Rand Paul's push to eliminate a hemp regulatory loophole in Kentucky's agricultural funding bill. She discusses the clash between Kentucky senators with conflicting views on hemp regulation and its impact on the state's industry. Additionally, Handler navigates the complex appropriations process and broader policy implications, all while sharing her passion for baseball and the importance of signing up for quick policy insights.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Kentucky Hemp Wars Reveal GOP Divisions
- The Kentucky hemp industry debate highlights political rifts even within the same party.
- Rand Paul removed language closing a hemp loophole despite Mitch McConnell's opposing stance to advance appropriations.
Hemp Loophole Complexity Explained
- The 2018 farm bill legalized hemp but unintentionally opened a loophole exploited by bad actors in intoxicating hemp products.
- McConnell insists the loophole should be closed carefully to protect Kentucky's hemp industry, a position contested by Rand Paul.
Appropriations Unveil Hidden Policy Battles
- Appropriations reveal smaller but impactful policy disputes that might otherwise be unnoticed.
- Issues like hemp regulation and FBI headquarters funding show how money flows shape real policy outcomes.