Advocacy

Championing responsible policy development for consumer protection, farmer support, and quality standards in the Medical-Grade hemp industry.

Why Advocacy Matters

The Medical-Grade hemp industry stands at a critical crossroads. Without thoughtful, science-based policy, consumers may face access barriers, farmers lack regulatory clarity, and the industry risks fragmentation.

AMHA's advocacy focuses on creating a balanced regulatory framework that:

  • Preserves over-the-counter access without prescriptions or physician gatekeeping
  • Protects consumers through quality standards, not access restrictions
  • Supports farmers with clear, achievable compliance pathways
  • Maintains hemp's agricultural status under Department of Agriculture oversight

Our Advocacy Principles

  • Quality standards, not access restrictions
  • Agricultural regulation, not pharmaceutical classification
  • Protection from prescription requirements
  • No patient registries or consumer tracking
  • Support for small farmers over corporate consolidation
  • Science-based standards grounded in evidence

Policy Priorities

Our advocacy focuses on key areas aligned with the Kentucky Medical Hemp Farmer Act model.

Consumer Protection

Enhanced quality standards, accurate labeling, independent testing, and traceability—without creating access barriers.

  • COA requirements
  • GMP standards
  • Clear labeling

Farmer Support

Clear regulatory pathways that allow hemp farmers to produce Medical-Grade products without excessive compliance barriers.

  • License accessibility
  • Monopoly protections
  • Rural economic development

Quality Designation

Establishing 'Medical-Grade' as a quality standard—not a medical classification—similar to USDA Organic.

  • Quality benchmarks
  • Market-based standards
  • Non-pharmaceutical

OTC Access Preservation

Protecting over-the-counter access without prescriptions, physician authorization, or patient registries.

  • No prescription requirements
  • No gatekeeping
  • Consumer choice

Agricultural Oversight

Ensuring hemp remains under Department of Agriculture jurisdiction, not medical or pharmaceutical agencies.

  • Agricultural status
  • Non-controlled substance
  • Farmer-friendly

Anti-Consolidation

Preventing market consolidation and ensuring small farmers can compete fairly in the Medical-Grade market.

  • No exclusive licenses
  • Fair competition
  • Small farm protection
HB 532Introduced 01/30/26

Kentucky Medicinal Hemp Farmers Act

26RS House Bill 532 • Sponsor: K. Moser • Status: To Committee on Committees (H)

A landmark bill relating to medicinal hemp products and declaring an emergency. This Act establishes quality assurance and safety protocols for medicinal hemp cultivation, handling, processing, and marketing—empowering Kentucky farmers while protecting consumers.

Key Provisions

  • • Amends KRS 260.850 to define medicinal hemp terms
  • • Grants KY Dept. of Agriculture regulatory authority
  • • Requires federal GMP standards for cultivators & processors
  • • Establishes quality assurance & safety protocols

What the Act DOES:

  • Maintains hemp as agricultural commodity
  • Preserves OTC access without prescriptions
  • Establishes enhanced quality standards
  • Protects farmers from regulatory overreach
  • Enables Medicare eligibility pathway
  • Requires independent laboratory testing

What the Act does NOT do:

  • Does NOT medicalize hemp
  • Does NOT require prescriptions
  • Does NOT create patient registries
  • Does NOT reclassify as controlled substance
  • Does NOT require physician oversight
  • Does NOT create exclusive licenses/monopolies

Action Center

Join the movement for responsible Medical-Grade hemp policy. Your voice matters.

Contact Legislators

Reach out to your representatives and share your support for responsible hemp quality standards.

Find Your Rep

Volunteer

Join our volunteer network and help advance Medical-Grade hemp advocacy in your community.

Get Involved

Spread the Word

Share educational materials and help combat misinformation about Medical-Grade hemp.

Access Resources

Support Responsible Hemp Policy

Your support helps AMHA continue advocating for quality-focused policies that protect consumers, support farmers, and maintain over-the-counter access.

Disclaimer: AMHA advocates for quality standards for hemp dietary supplements. Hemp products are not pharmaceuticals. "Medical-Grade" is a quality designation, not a medical classification. These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.