Congressional Hemp Ban Proposal: Stop the Attack on Legal Hemp!

Rep. Andy Harris is at it again, reviving his crusade to dismantle the hemp industry by quietly inserting harmful language into a federal spending bill. Buried on page 113 of the FY2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill is a provision that redefines hemp in a way that could ban the vast majority of safe, legal hemp-derived products sold nationwide – any product with any “quantifiable” level of THC. This language mirrors last year’s failed “Mary Miller Amendment.” In its press release, the committee states that the bill “closes the loophole that allows intoxicating hemp products to be sold,” signaling a direct attack on a lawful, federally regulated industry.

The bill will be considered in subcommittee tomorrow: Wednesday, June 5, at 10:30 a.m. Tune in here.
 
This isn’t Harris’s first attempt. In 2023, he spearheaded efforts to include similar language in the FY2025 Agriculture Appropriations bill, but the measure was ultimately defeated after widespread industry opposition and a national outcry.
 
It’s important to understand that Rep. Harris holds enormous influence as chair of this powerful appropriations subcommittee, known in Washington as a “Cardinal.” Cardinals control significant portions of federal spending, and their policy riders can have outsized impact.
 
That said, it’s not time to panic. This appropriations bill has not passed in the last several Congresses. However, we must stop this backdoor ban before it gains traction.

Here’s what you can do to help:

1. Participate in our email campaign: Use our Federal Action Center to quickly send a message to your member of Congress urging him or her to reject Rep. Harris’s anti-hemp language and protect the future of the legal hemp industry. 

2. Spread the Word: Share this urgent alert with your friends, family, and fellow hemp supporters. Read the Roundtable’s official statement and encourage others to join the fight to protect the hemp industry.

3. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest developments regarding hemp across the country. Sign up for our newsletter to receive timely updates and action alerts. 

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that the hemp industry remaings protected. Let’s stand united in defense of the future of hemp!