Senate Funding Bill Includes Temporary Extension for Hemp

Today, Senate leaders released a continuing resolution (CR) to keep government operating that includes some great news: if passed, the moratorium on the hemp ban would be extended from November 12 to December 11. The latter date is when the new CR expires and government funding would need to be extended once again so that expiration would provide another opportunity for a more extensive hemp fix. Only a ban on pure synthetic products will go into effect in November — welcome news for hemp farmers, small businesses, retailers, manufacturers, and consumers across the country. Here’s a link to the language. 
 
We are grateful to bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who worked to ensure the hemp industry was not left behind in these critical funding negotiations.  We are also thankful to President Trump, whose White House has been supportive of this dialogue. This action provides Congress with additional time to develop a thoughtful, long-term approach to hemp policy rather than allowing a sweeping ban to take effect without fully considering its impact on American agriculture, small businesses, and consumers.
 
But let us be clear: this is not a permanent solution.Both the Senate and the House must still approve the funding package, and the temporary extension means the hemp industry’s future will soon return to the congressional agenda. The coming weeks will be critical as lawmakers continue debating how hemp should be regulated moving forward. For now, we celebrate this important step forward and thank the elected officials who recognized the need to protect America’s hemp farmers and businesses.
 
Want the latest insider updates on these federal negotiations? Join us for an exclusive USHR member and Hemp Supporter+ subscriber webinar at 4pm ET tomorrow, Monday, August 3. U.S. Hemp Roundtable experts will provide the latest information on the continuing resolution, congressional negotiations, and our strategy for securing a long-term legislative solution. 
*This webinar is available exclusively to Hemp Supporter+ subscribers. After subscribing, you’ll find the registration link on your member dashboard, along with additional advocacy resources and member benefits.
 
Stay tuned. This week, we expect to launch an advocacy campaign to help secure congressional approval and continue building support for a lasting legislative solution. When the time comes, we’ll need your voice.
Together, we’ve taken steps to avert an immediate crisis. Now let’s finish the job.