GOP Senators Want Investigation of Chinese Criminal Ties to American Cannabis and Hemp Industries

Four U.S. Senate Republicans, Sens. Tom Cotton (AR), Pete Ricketts (NE), Susan Collins (ME), and Ted Budd (NC), 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 wrote Wednesday in a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanch that criminals from China “are exploiting vulnerabilities in federal law to operate expansive illicit drug enterprises that threaten our communities and national security.”

“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.” — Excerpt from the letter

Intoxicating hemp products in the U.S. are set to be banned by the end of this year.

Each of the four senators opposed legislation last month that delayed the ban by one month, until December 11. They say that closing the “hemp loophole” will be key to preventing Chinese criminals from accessing and influencing the U.S. cannabinoids industry.