Repeal the Federal Ban on Hemp Products (UPDATED 8/8)

Updates

August 8, 2026: The Senate voted to maintain a one-month delay of the federal hemp ban in the government funding CR. The CR now goes to the House for approval. If passed, the forthcoming ban will now go into effect on December 11th.

August 4, 2026: The Senate is considering a provision in a government funding Continuing Resolution (CR) to delay the forthcoming prohibition of intoxicating hemp products until Dec. 11, 2026. The delay would offer lawmakers an additional month to develop a plan to regulate intoxicating hemp products instead of shutting down the $28 billion industry completely.

In November, Congress passed a federal funding package to end the government shutdown that included a provision that would functionally ban all hemp-derived THC products nationwide on Nov. 13, 2026. The language, tucked into the FY 2026 Agriculture appropriations bill, closes a 2018 Farm Bill loophole to address concerns about unregulated intoxicating hemp compounds in consumer products. Industry experts warn the provision’s cap on the allowable amount of THC in a product is drastically low and will outlaw 95% of all retail products, including gummies, drinks, and topical creams.

This provision threatens a $28 billion hemp industry, more than 300,000 jobs, and countless Americans who rely on hemp products for wellness, pain relief, and sleep support. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) called the legislation a “blanket ban” that will override the regulatory framework for hemp products already in place in many states and suffocate farmers’ livelihoods. Cannabis industry representatives warn the prohibition could lead to a rise in black-market sales of dangerously unregulated hemp products.

Congress must pass new legislation replacing this ill-conceived ban with clear and reasonable regulations, such as age restrictions, product safety testing, and labeling and licensing requirements. A responsible regulatory framework will protect consumers while still supporting legitimate farmers and businesses. Urge Congress to introduce and support federal legislation to regulate, not ban, hemp-derived products and prevent the destruction of an entire legal industry.