The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a short-term government funding bill on Tuesday, providing temporary relief for the intoxicating hemp industry as it faces an impending federal crackdown. This development offers the industry more time to lobby against a significant ban on its products.
The continuing resolution, which extends government funding through December 11, passed the House with a 370-48 vote. This includes opposition from 19 Republicans and 29 Democrats. The measure, having already passed the Senate decisively, is now awaiting President Trump’s signature.
The legislation delays a federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products, such as gummies and beverages, for one month. Industry groups view this postponement as an essential opportunity to persuade lawmakers to regulate instead of banning these products entirely.
This extension gives us one additional month, and we intend to make every day count. We will continue working with lawmakers and stakeholders to advance a comprehensive federal framework that protects consumers, prevents youth access to intoxicating products, provides certainty for farmers and businesses, and preserves access to lawful hemp products,
the U.S. Hemp Roundtable declared in a statement to its members.
It’s important to note that the delay does not include products with cannabinoids that cannot be naturally produced by a Cannabis sativa L. plant. These products, often illicit and sourced from China, will remain illegal as of November 12. However, cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and THCP, which can be naturally derived from hemp, are allowed to continue being sold in places like gas stations and convenience stores until at least December 11.
Advocates for maintaining the original ban highlight concerns over protecting children. They point to products marketed as hemp but containing high levels of synthetic THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana.
The White House has prioritized addressing or deferring the hemp ban. Consequently, there’s expected to be significant legislative efforts this winter to establish a regulatory framework. Administration officials have communicated to lawmakers that they will not push for another delay.
Stay tuned with Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi as they keep covering the latest developments affecting health care from Washington.
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