US Congress Moves to Ban $28B Hemp THC Industry
Lawmakers closed a 2018 farm bill loophole that allowed intoxicating hemp products to spread nationwide, delaying enforcement to Dec. 11.
KEY POINTS
- Congress voted to ban intoxicating hemp THC products, threatening a $28 billion industry.
- The 2018 farm bill's 0.3% delta-9 THC threshold allowed potent products to be sold legally.
- President Trump signed a funding bill delaying the ban from Nov. 12 to Dec. 11.
- Sen. Mitch McConnell supported closing the loophole he originally championed.
- Products were sold unregulated in gas stations and convenience stores, accessible to teens.
A multibillion-dollar market for intoxicating hemp-derived THC products faces potential elimination after Congress voted to close a federal loophole. The 2018 farm bill legalized industrial hemp with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by weight, but manufacturers exploited the definition to create potent gummies, beverages, and smokable flowers sold in gas stations and retailers like Target.
A short-term funding bill signed by President Donald Trump last month pushed the ban's effective date from Nov. 12 to Dec. 11. This delay gives Congress additional time to consider regulating the products instead of an outright prohibition. Industry advocates and some lawmakers are lobbying for a regulatory framework.
“You worked 100 hours a week for the past four years, and, yeah, you made some money. But now you might have nothing to show for it.”
Senator Mitch McConnell, who championed the 2018 hemp legalization, supported closing the loophole he helped create. Business owners like Nicholas Hohns of North Carolina warn they could lose everything after years of investment. The products have raised safety concerns due to a lack of testing and age restrictions.
2 more sources below
COMMENTS (0)
No comments yet. Be the first.
RELATED STORIES
Bolu Municipality Affiliates Raided Over 24M Lira Mushroom Tent Fraud
Nine suspects detained in probe alleging used mushroom tents were sold as new, causing 24 million lira in public losses.
Indonesian Police Chief Suyudi Orders Major Reshuffle of 88 Senior Officers
National Police Chief General Suyudi Ario Seto rotated 88 high- and mid-ranking officers days after his inauguration, affecting 19 regional police chief posts and key headquarters positions.
Delhi Police Detain Hundreds Protesting Election Chief
Opposition parties and student groups demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over alleged voter roll irregularities.
- Latvia Votes Amid Russia Security Fears and Economic Strain
- Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro close 2026 campaigns in Sao Paulo
- Brazil TSE Blocks Deltan Dallagnol Senate Candidacy
- Trump Announces $90 Medicare Payments, Promises $5,000 Checks if GOP Wins
- Dodgers-Braves NLDS Opener Played in Record Heat, Low Ticket Prices
This page was compiled with AI assistance from the outlets named above and passed an automated language check before publication. Montegre has no reporters of its own; the byline names the outlets the story was compiled from. Method and editorial standards