The Senate Passes a Coronavirus Relief Bill for the Hemp Industry

Farmers have recently secured help in the form of a loan program amidst the coronavirus reports Marijuana Moment. To be more specific, it has been revealed that the Senate has approved a coronavirus relief bill which is meant to help farmers get back on their feet, as the pandemic continues to have a large impact on them.

The program under which farmers finally get help is called the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). As per the claims made, hemp industry advocates voiced their opinion on farmers’ positions in a written communication sent to the SBA head – especially considering the fact that the industry has only been eligible for natural disasters-related programs in the past.

Non-profit organization, Vote Hemp shared the news to supporters via email that read, “We are excited that our advocacy efforts yielded real results for hemp farmers.” The Hemp Roundtable also appreciated the efforts taken by supporters in advocating for SBA another email.

While farmers are now expected to receive some aid through EIDL, the group is hoping to get them the maximum possible relief, particularly eyeing the USDA’s Food Assistance Program.

On that note, this gives rise to another industry that may require just as much help, and it is none other than the marijuana industry. In fact, assistances for the marijuana industry and medical marijuana are currently being backed for by a number of leaders.

As per the news outlet, on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, 10 senators have since sent out a letter urging the body to grant marijuana companies access to SBA in future coronavirus legislation. Furthermore, some House members and Colorado Governor Jared Polis (D) supposedly made a similar (separate) request.

In addition to the aforementioned, Reps. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and Joe Kennedy III (D-MA) are hoping that business owners who’ve gotten caught for simple marijuana-related convictions will be included in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program.

Finally, it has been informed that Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) led a letter in which members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation requested the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to permit doctors to provide unwritten guidance for medical cannabis amid this unexpected pandemic.