U.S. Hemp Roundtable Hits Capitol Hill with Strong Message: Regulate, Don’t Ban Hemp!

This week, members of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable traveled from across the country to Washington, DC, to meet directly with lawmakers and advocate for the future of hemp. Over the course of a single day, USHR representatives met with more than 25 congressional offices, including key Senate allies and congressional leaders, to advance a common message: America needs a long-term regulatory framework for hemp that provides certainty for businesses, protects consumers, and supports American farmers.

Our meetings included offices from both parties and a wide range of states, demonstrating the growing interest in finding a responsible path forward for hemp. Lawmakers heard directly from hemp stakeholders about the importance of preserving consumer access to hemp products while establishing clear, science-based safeguards.

These conversations come at a critical moment for the hemp industry. While Congress recently extended current hemp provisions, a federal ban on the vast majority of consumable hemp products is now scheduled to take effect in December unless lawmakers act. The USHR’s message on Capitol Hill was clear: Congress must enact a workable regulatory framework before the December deadline to avoid devastating consequences for farmers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers who rely on hemp products every day.

Among the offices we met with were those of Senators Dan Sullivan (AK), Jeff Merkley (OR), Ted Budd (NC), Tim Scott (SC), John Cornyn (TX), John Curtis (UT), Mitch McConnell (KY), Raphael Warnock (GA), Rick Scott (FL), Ted Cruz (TX), Tammy Baldwin (WI), Eric Schmitt (MO), Ron Wyden (OR), Jon Ossoff (GA), Michael Bennet (CO), Ashley Moody (FL), Amy Klobuchar (MN), Tommy Tuberville (AL), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Rand Paul (KY), Ron Johnson (WI), John Hickenlooper (CO), David McCormick (PA), Tim Sheehy (MT), and Speaker Mike Johnson (LA).

We are grateful to the USHR members who took time away from their businesses and families to participate in this fly-in and share their stories with policymakers. Their voices make a difference, and their advocacy is helping build support for a long-term solution that protects consumers while preserving a thriving hemp industry.

Thank you for standing with us as we continue the fight for regulatory certainty and a sustainable future for hemp.
 
Check out some of the great photos of the day below!