Farm Bill Disappointment, but U.S. Hemp Roundtable Thanks Reps. Comer and Griffith for Stirring the Pot for Hemp

As you are likely aware, House leaders decided not to address the impending hemp ban in the 2026 Farm Bill language it passed last week. However, the U.S. Hemp Roundtable is deeply grateful to Representatives James Comer (R-KY) and Morgan Griffith (R-VA) for bringing attention to this issue by introducing an amendment to the Farm Bill, and expressing their support for farmers, businesses and consumers.
 
In his testimony before the Rules Committee, Rep. Comer outlined what is at stake. He noted that the hemp industry supports “320,000 American jobs, generates $28.4 billion in market activity, and contributes $1.5 billion in state tax revenue,” and warned that without action, “an entire industry [could be] largely eliminated.” He also emphasized the need to give Congress additional time to develop a workable framework that protects jobs, addresses bad actors, and establishes clear standards for labeling and testing.
 
Rep. Griffith, a member of the Rules Committee and a co-sponsor of the amendment, reinforced the need for a thoughtful path forward. As reported by Marijuana Moment, he raised concerns about unregulated products in the marketplace, noting that there are hemp products “from overseas that has no third-party testing” and that “there’s all kinds of, frankly, garbage.” He also pointed to the need for federal oversight, stating that the Food and Drug Administration should regulate these products, while emphasizing that “we’ve got to we have to have time to adjust,” which the amendment was intended to provide.
 
Although the bi-partisan amendment – co-sponsored by Reps. Ilhan Omar and Kelly Morrison – was ultimately withdrawn and did not receive a vote (due to leadership opposition), it served an important purpose: It brought attention to the issue at a critical moment and made clear that farmers and hemp businesses need relief from the uncertainty created by the upcoming federal policy changes.