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President Trump signed a government funding bill on Nov. 12 that, while ending the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history, also dealt a devastating blow to the intoxicating hemp industry. Buried in the 141-page agriculture spending section is language that will make most hemp-derived THC products federally illegal starting Nov. 13, 2026, including delta-8 THC, HHC, and products over 0.3% total THC. Critics say this provision threatens an entire U.S. industry built on innovation, jobs, and consumer choice, punishing farmers and small businesses that have embraced hemp’s full potential.
Hemp advocates and industry leaders warn that this move undermines years of progress. Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie called the legislation “devastating,” noting that farmers are now left with uncertainty and no clear path forward. Groups like the U.S. Hemp Roundtable argue that over 95% of current hemp products could be wiped out, while innovation in adult-use cannabinoid beverages, edibles, and other low-dose products faces a near-certain freeze. Experts emphasize that the real solution is regulation, not prohibition—age-gating, testing, and labeling could ensure safety without destroying the market.
The federal government’s approach to cannabis is all over the place. Intoxicating hemp is now treated like marijuana, even in states with clear laws. CEOs from Wynk, Azuca, and Cann warn this ban punishes responsible businesses, kills innovation, and threatens jobs. They argue for a unified, science-based regulatory system that treats hemp and cannabis as one plant—ensuring safety while preserving consumer choice and market opportunity. Read the full story.
Referenced article written by Tony Lange. Published on November 13, 2025 by Cannabis Business Times.
