Congress Wants to “Fix” Hemp… A.K.A. Wreck the Industry
There’s a New Storm Brewing in D.C.—And This One’s All About Hemp-Derived THC
There’s a new storm brewing in D.C., and this one’s all about hemp-derived THC: delta-8, THCA flower, infused seltzers, gummies…all of it.
Some lawmakers want to redefine hemp so that anything that can get you high no longer counts as hemp. Sounds simple, but the fallout would be massive, and millions of small businesses could disappear overnight.
what’s happening
Right now, hemp is federally legal as long as it contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC.
That little loophole opened the door for other cannabinoids like delta-8 and THCA, compounds that can still get you high but technically meet the legal definition of “hemp.”
Sen. Rand Paul, also from Kentucky, is fighting to keep hemp-THC products alive—and using every procedural trick he’s got to block a ban.
Why it matters
Banning “intoxicating hemp” would gut a multi-billion-dollar industry that’s kept a lot of small and minority-owned businesses afloat, especially in states where cannabis is still restricted.
And let’s be real: people aren’t going to stop using these products. A federal ban would just drive them underground, where testing and safety go out the window.
The bigger picture
All this is happening while the federal government is partially shut down, which means the fight is temporarily on pause.
But when Congress reopens the books (likely in a few weeks), this debate will be back, either in a new funding bill or next year’s Farm Bill.
So yeah…we’re not done here.
What brands and retailers should do right now
Get compliant…like, yesterday.
Make sure every product has updated lab results, QR codes, batch testing, and age verification.Diversify your lineup!!
Have plenty of non-intoxicating options (CBD, CBG, wellness blends) and prepare for dispensary-compliant products if you’re in legal states.Join the fight.
Connect with credible trade groups, advocacy orgs, and policy coalitions. Be part of the conversation, not the aftermath.Have a backup plan.
If intoxicating hemp sales freeze for 60–90 days, how will that hit your cash flow, payroll, and vendors? Map it out now.
For consumers
Buy from trusted brands.
Look for QR codes that link to real lab tests, not screenshots.Start low, go slow.
Hemp-derived THC hits differently depending on the product and cannabinoid.Stay informed.
If Congress changes the definition, your favorite gummy or drink could vanish overnight. Follow credible cannabis news (like the Cutie 👋🏽) to stay ahead.
The bottom line
Hemp doesn’t need to be banned, it just needs to be regulated better.
We can protect consumers and keep small businesses alive with better testing, labeling, and age restrictions. A smart fix beats a blunt ban every time.
Bless the blunt
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