James Comer’s Failed Hemp Deal and GOP’s Cannabis Politics
GOP Rep James Comer Imported Chinese Hemp Tested as Cannabis, The Daily Beast Reveals.
- GOP Representative James Comer imported Chinese hemp that was tested as cannabis, The Daily Beast uncovered.
- The GOP has undermined the legal cannabis industry while giving strength to the hemp industry in a whole different way, in a whole different light, Anthony Varrell said.
- Anthony Varrell’s observation that “all roads lead to Kentucky and Mitch McConnell being the champion of the 2018 Farm Bill”
The revelations about GOP Representative James Comer’s involvement in a failed Chinese hemp deal underscore a deep-rooted hypocrisy within the Republican Party regarding cannabis regulation. The Daily Beast uncovered that Comer, as Kentucky’s Agriculture Commissioner, imported Chinese hemp seeds that were ultimately tested as cannabis. This incident shrouded in secrecy and lacking transparency, reflects poorly on the GOP’s cannabis stance.
Anthony Varrell, co-host of “Trade to Black” podcast said, “This is just another piece on the board showing how the GOP has undermined the legal cannabis industry while giving strength to the hemp industry in a whole different way, in a whole different light.” The GOP’s support for hemp, contrasted with their opposition to legal cannabis, raises questions about their true motivations. Hemp and cannabis come from the same plant, yet the GOP appears to manipulate the distinction to suit their interests, often linked to powerful donors and political allies.
Despite the illegal THC levels found in the Chinese hemp, records show no clear evidence of the plants’ destruction. Instead, there were attempts to suppress the information, instructing officials to block any external testing requests. Varrell highlighted this deceit, stating, “If anyone is to inquire about testing any of the plant matter related to this business that obtained the seeds, they are to be told to go pound sand.”
The implications extend beyond James Comer. The involvement of influential figures like Mitch McConnell, who has received significant donations from companies benefiting from the hemp program, further illustrates the murky waters of GOP cannabis politics. Varrell’s observation that “all roads lead to Kentucky and Mitch McConnell being the champion of the 2018 Farm Bill” emphasizes the systemic nature of this issue.
This scandal not only exposes the GOP’s double standards but also their exploitation of regulatory loopholes to favor hemp over cannabis. It’s a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in the cannabis sector, ensuring that legal cannabis is given a fair chance to thrive without being undermined by political interests.
