2018 Farm Bill bridges divides, low-dose cannabis success
The 2018 Farm Bill, signed into law by former President Donald Trump, was a groundbreaking bipartisan achievement that legalized hemp – cannabis sativa plants with less than 0.3 percent THC – and de-scheduled low-dose THC from the Controlled Substances Act.
This legislation not only paved the way for a thriving national market for low-dose cannabis products, but also, as I jokingly call it, legalized “MAGAjuana.” The term reflects the transformative power of low-dose cannabis legalization under Trump’s leadership, a move that has energized local economies, empowered farmers, and brought cannabis into mainstream consumer markets.
However, recent legislative efforts in Ohio, such as Senate Bill 326, introduced by Sen. Steve Huffman, risk undermining the progress made by this historic law and jeopardizes the success of MAGAjuana. Lawmakers must focus on regulating the industry, not detonating it with overly restrictive policies.
The 2018 Farm Bill created a framework for low-dose cannabis products that appeal to consumers seeking therapeutic benefits without significant intoxication. This innovation has sparked economic growth and demonstrated the potential of rational cannabis regulation:
Economic growth: States like Minnesota have capitalized on the opportunity, establishing a regulated market for low-dose THC beverages capped at 5 milligrams per serving. This approach has generated $200 million in revenue in just two years while maintaining consumer safety.
Consumer benefits: Low-dose cannabis products, such as beverages and edibles, provide mild therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory relief, without the intensity of high-THC cannabis.
Hospitality industry boost: Minnesota’s model has integrated hemp-derived THC products into restaurants, taprooms and bars, allowing low-dose cannabis to be served alongside alcohol. This has created new revenue streams for the hospitality industry, benefiting local businesses statewide.
Bipartisan achievement: The 2018 Farm Bill, or the dawn of MAGAjuana, united red and blue states, proving that cannabis policy can transcend political divides to create economic opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs and communities.
Despite the success of MAGAjuana, Ohio Senate Bill 326 proposes to severely restrict the low-dose THC market by banning products containing more than 0.5 milligrams of delta-9 THC per serving, or 2 milligrams per package.
This limit is far more restrictive than Minnesota’s 5-milligram cap and threatens the success of Ohio’s hemp-derived cannabis market:
Stifling progress: By capping THC at 2 milligrams per package, SB 326 would drastically reduce the appeal of low-dose cannabis products, potentially driving consumers and businesses to neighboring states, like Minnesota.
Contradicting MAGAjuana’s legacy: The bill directly undermines Trump’s intent with the 2018 Farm Bill to legalize and support a robust low-dose cannabis industry.
Economic consequences: Instead of fostering growth, the bill risks transferring the success of MAGAjuana to more progressive states, leaving Ohio behind in the cannabis economy.
The success of MAGAjuana demonstrates that thoughtful regulation can foster innovation and economic growth. Ohio lawmakers should adopt the mantra “Regulate, don’t detonate” to ensure the state’s hemp industry thrives. Overregulation, like the limits proposed in SB 326, risks blowing up the progress made under the 2018 Farm Bill and undermining a key piece of Trump’s legacy.
By adopting reasonable THC caps and clear safety standards, Ohio can follow Minnesota’s lead and create a balanced, sustainable low-dose cannabis market that benefits consumers, businesses and communities alike.
Learning from Minnesota’s model
Minnesota has embraced the principles of MAGAjuana, proving that rational regulation can address public health concerns while fostering economic growth:
Balanced THC caps: A 5-milligram THC limit has ensured that Minnesota’s low-dose products remain safe, consumer-friendly, and economically viable.
Hospitality integration: Low-dose cannabis beverages have become a staple in Minnesota’s restaurants, breweries and bars, significantly boosting the hospitality industry.
Public safety and trust: Clear labeling, rigorous testing, and robust regulatory oversight have made Minnesota a model for other states, including Ohio.
The actions of Ohio Republicans under SB 326 raise a critical question: Will they honor Trump’s legacy of MAGAjuana by fostering the success of the low-dose cannabis industry, or will they stifle progress and transfer this economic opportunity to states like Minnesota?
Trump’s 2018 Farm Bill was a historic bipartisan achievement that set the stage for a thriving national cannabis market. Now, it’s up to Ohio lawmakers to decide whether they will build on that success or detonate it with overly restrictive measures.
MAGAjuana is a shining example of what can be achieved when bipartisan collaboration prioritizes innovation and economic growth. By fostering this industry, states like Minnesota have demonstrated how low-dose THC markets can benefit consumers, businesses and entire industries, such as hospitality.
Ohio lawmakers should embrace the principles of MAGAjuana by adopting reasonable THC caps and thoughtful regulation. If Ohio imposes unnecessarily restrictive limits, like those in SB 326, it risks losing out on the economic and cultural benefits of low-dose cannabis, effectively transferring the success of MAGAjuana to other, more forward-thinking states.
MAGAjuana is more than just a clever term – it’s a testament to the transformative potential of bipartisan policymaking, economic opportunity and consumer innovation.
