INDUSTRY UPDATES

April 28, 2026

State Hemp Policy Update: Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Missouri, and Virginia

Take Action Now: Use our State Action Center to contact lawmakers and protect the future of hemp in your state.

As state lawmakers across the country are considering legislation affecting hemp-derived products. Below is a state-by-state summary of key bills we are supporting, opposing, or monitoring, along with opportunities to engage where action is needed. Be sure to check back next week for updates on these bills and others, and as always, please share any bills you are hearing about across the states that aren’t mentioned here.

Colorado

SB26-164 (Support)
As we reported last week, SB26-164 would establish a clear regulatory framework for hemp-derived THC beverages in Colorado by defining lawful THC beverages as nonalcoholic hemp products containing up to 10 milligrams of THC per serving and creating a regulated pathway for these products to be sold through traditional retail and hospitality channels.

This legislation reflects the type of thoughtful regulatory model USHR has encouraged states to adopt. Rather than pursuing prohibition, Colorado is working to create clear, enforceable standards that preserve consumer access while supporting businesses operating in compliance with the law. If enacted, this bill could serve as a strong model for other states and demonstrate to Congress that regulation, not prohibition, is the right path forward.

Colorado Residents: Take Action: Contact lawmakers and urge them to support SB26-164.

Colorado Action Center

Connecticut

H.B. 5350 (Monitoring)
We reported on this bill last month. Last week, H.B. 5350 passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration. The legislation makes broad changes to Connecticut’s cannabis, hemp, and infused beverage framework, including expanded retail pathways for hemp beverages and increasing allowable THC limits to 5mg per container in package stores and 10mg per container in dispensaries and retailers.

The bill also includes new standards related to testing, labeling, manufacturing, and enforcement. While Connecticut appears to be pursuing a regulatory framework rather than outright prohibition, USHR is closely monitoring the legislation to ensure lawful hemp businesses maintain access to the marketplace and that cannabinoid definitions are not overly broad in ways that could unintentionally restrict compliant products.

No action requested at this time. We will continue monitoring.

Delaware

HB 373 (Oppose)
HB 373 has been introduced in Delaware, and it would unnecessarily limit market access and harm existing businesses.

While the bill allows beverages containing up to 10 milligrams of Delta-9 THC per container and includes reasonable product testing, labeling, and youth access safeguards, it restricts sales to package stores and marijuana retailers while imposing new taxes, licensing fees, and operational burdens on businesses. USHR supports reasonable regulation of hemp beverages, but Delaware should not create a system that unnecessarily limits consumer access and shuts out broader retail participation. Lawmakers should pursue a more balanced framework that protects consumers without creating unnecessary barriers for lawful businesses.

Delaware Residents: Take Action: Contact State lawmakers and urge them to vote NO on HB 373.

Delaware Action Center

Missouri

HB 2641 (Oppose – Signed Into Law)
Governor Mike Kehoe has now signed HB 2641 into law. As we recently reported, the legislation reclassifies hemp-derived cannabinoid products as marijuana and limits manufacturing, distribution, and sales to Missouri’s existing marijuana license holders.

The law also includes a 0.4mg total THC per container limit, which will effectively eliminate most products currently sold in compliance with federal law. This new law is expected to significantly disrupt Missouri’s hemp market, forcing many existing businesses out of the industry while reducing consumer access to lawful products.

USHR remains deeply concerned that Missouri chose market consolidation over reasonable regulation and will continue monitoring for improvements in the state.

Virginia

SB 542 / HB 642 (Oppose – Urgent Veto Request)
SB 542 (previous report) and HB 642 have been returned to Governor Abigail Spanberger without incorporating her proposed amendments to the bill. Consequently, she is now faced with the decision to either sign the bill in its current form or veto it.

Both bills pose a significant threat to the Virginia hemp industry by imposing a 2mg THC limit per package and establishing a retail cannabis market in which the Virginia government will exercise control over market participants. If enacted, these bills would have a profoundly negative impact on numerous beneficial natural hemp wellness products currently available in Virginia, effectively shutting down the hemp industry in the state.

Furthermore, these bills would contribute to a heightened police presence in the cannabis sector within the Commonwealth and represent a step backward for cannabis rights in Virginia while primarily benefiting corporate interests from outside the state.

For these reasons and others, USHR is urging Governor Abigail Spanberger to veto these bills and instead support a free-market approach for the emerging hemp and cannabis industry.

Virginia Action Center

Visit our State Action Center to see active campaigns across the country!

State Action Center

Check out the latest hemp and CBD updates from across the states!