Donald Trump Signs Bill Banning Most Hemp Product
Donald Trump has signed a new law that ends the longest government shutdown in U.S. history and reinstates a ban on most hemp-derived products. The Senate and House both approved this important spending package. This bill not only funds essential government operations but also marks a major change in drug policy.
The new hemp rules give the hemp industry one year before most of its products are classified as illegal marijuana under federal law. Although the government shutdown is over, the fight over hemp regulation is just beginning.
What Did Congress Just Ban?
The recent spending bill includes a significant change to the legal definition of hemp. Starting one year from now, any product with more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container will be illegal under federal law.
It's important to understand that this limit applies to the entire container, not just to a single serving.
The new law also prohibits:
- Any cannabinoid made outside of the hemp plant.
- Any cannabinoid that does not naturally occur in Cannabis sativa L.
- Any products sold directly to consumers that are not in their final form.
- Any cannabinoid marketed as having effects similar to THC, as determined by federal health officials.
This new definition of “total THC” includes THCA, delta-8, delta-10, and other variations. This change will impact many products like tinctures, gummies, seltzers, vapes, infused drinks, and low-dose items that became popular after the 2018 Farm Bill.
The 1 Year Delay
The ban on hemp products won't take effect immediately. Congress has set a one-year delay between when the law is signed and when it starts being enforced. After that, many businesses might find themselves unable to sell their products.
The Kentucky Divide
Two Kentucky senators have played a large role in shaping hemp policy but now disagree on these new restrictions. Senator Mitch McConnell helped legalize hemp in 2018 and supports this new legislation. He believes the original Farm Bill was not meant to create a wide market for low-dose hemp products.
In contrast, Senator Rand Paul has argued against the ban. He warns that these new regulations could harm the growing hemp industry. Paul proposed an amendment to remove the prohibition but the amendment failed as the need to reopen the government took priority.
In the House, Representatives James Comer, Andy Barr, and Thomas Massie expressed frustration, saying the process felt rushed and unfair. However, the ongoing shutdown left little room for discussion.
Despite objections, the bill moved forward and was signed, starting the countdown.
What Are The Reasons for the Law?
The rush to pass this law stems from policy discussions. Some believe that by linking the prohibition to a vital funding bill, those opposing it could only vote for the package to avoid a continued government shutdown. This single vote not only reopened the government but also led to the ban on hemp.
How Has The Hemp Industry Reacted?
Hemp advocates plan to push for a new regulatory framework during the one-year delay. He is hopeful that Congress can act before time runs out.
The U.S. Hemp Roundtable has also expressed its concerns. They state that the new law could ban over 95% of hemp extract products and threaten a multibillion-dollar industry built by small farms and responsible businesses. Their statement says, "Businesses are deeply disappointed. In conclusion, this law marks a significant change in hemp policy.
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Liz Filmer
