INDUSTRY UPDATES
November 13, 2025
It Ain’t Over for Hemp
As the immortal Yogi Berra quipped, “It ain’t over until it’s over.”
And it ain’t over for hemp.
Our new mission, friends: 365 days to regulate, NOT ban.
We took a deep blow this week. The bill to reopen government included language that will ban more than 95% of all hemp products. While it does allow sale of products less than 0.4 mg of total THC per container, those niche items are very rare.
We’re disappointed, but not defeated because with the help of Senator Paul we were able to win a major concession – 365 days before the language goes into effect.
We have until November 13, 2026 to help federal government understand how to regulate hemp and protect Americans, not ban hemp which is essential for the health and wellness benefits treasured by millions of Americans.
We are confident that the next 365 days can deliver a path forward for hemp.
Why? Two main reasons.
First, the harmful hemp language passed was fueled by misinformation and unrelated political maneuvering. U.S. Senators were promised that this bill protects non-intoxicating CBD products, which is manifestly untrue – the large majority of non-intoxicating CBD products on the marketplace feature more than 0.4 mg of THC per container. They were assured that this would crack down on fully synthetic products and copycat, high THC products that are marketed to kids – but prohibition without regulation will shift these products to the black markets. Senators were scared by claims that this hemp debate would lead to a longer and more painful government shutdown, forcing some of our good friends to vote against us to hurry the government’s opening. Once all of these dynamics are exposed, we believe that we can develop a political consensus on behalf of hemp.
Second, we have a strong gameplan to move forward. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) plans to soon introduce a bill that would replace a total ban with robust regulation of hemp products (exactly what we have been advocating for!), including requiring good manufacturing practices, truth in labeling, bans on synthetic THC, and strong measures to keep products out of the hands of children. As chairman of the powerful Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce committee, Griffith is perfectly positioned to secure a fair and just result. In the Senate, Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) will reintroduce their regulatory bill soon, for consideration by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee, where we expect action as well. The Roundtable will be furiously lobbying both committees and seeking your help to send emails and make phone calls to secure a positive result.
To the businesses that work with the industry, we ask for your patience – there is no need to overreact – we have a year to fix this, and you can help!
To the consumers of our products – especially seniors struggling with pain, and veterans dealing with anxiety and PTSD – we will do everything we can to preserve your access to these critical lifelines.
And to our Hemp Supporters: Please hold your head up high. The more than 100,000 emails and flooding of phone calls you made were heard by Congress. 24 Senators bucked their leadership, and all the misinformation, to stand with us.
We will grow that coalition in the weeks and months ahead – but only with your help. Stay tuned for specifics in the upcoming days.
Together, we will ensure a bright long-term future for the hemp industry.
For more on this, and to watch a quick video run down from the U.S. Hemp Roundtable General Counsel, Jonathan Miller, check out and share our socials:
