Spencer County Fiscal Court urges Congress to raise industrial hemp THC limit to 1%
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Summary
After a presentation from Martin Smith, the Spencer County Fiscal Court approved a resolution asking federal and state legislators to raise the allowable THC concentration in industrial hemp from 0.3% to 1.0% to increase yield and farm profitability; vote was 4‑0 with two abstentions.
Spencer County Fiscal Court on Dec. 16 approved a resolution urging Kentucky's legislative delegation and U.S. Congress to change the federal definition of industrial hemp, raising the allowable delta‑9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration from 0.3% to 1.0 percent.
Martin Smith presented information to the court on industrial hemp and potential economic benefits for Kentucky farmers. On a motion by Magistrate Beaverson, seconded by Magistrate Brewer, the court adopted the resolution asking Congress to amend 7 U.S.C. §5940 to allow up to 1.0% THC in industrial hemp. Four magistrates — Beaverson, Brewer, Riley and Travis — voted in favor; Magistrates J. Moody and M. Moody abstained.
The resolution states that increasing the allowable THC limit could increase per‑acre yield potential and profitability, and directs the clerk to deliver the resolution to Kentucky state legislative leaders and the county's U.S. congressional delegation.
The motion did not create local regulatory authority over hemp testing or licensing; it is an advocacy resolution intended for legislative consideration at state and federal levels. The court recorded the resolution in the meeting minutes and instructed staff to transmit it to state and federal delegates.