US Government Shutdown Ends with Redefinition of Hemp

The Government Reopens

It’s official, the longest government shutdown in the history of the US has ended after 43 days (1). Last night, the Senate voted and passed the FY26 Agriculture Appropriations Bill which included a provision that redefined hemp as banning any product that contained more than 0.4 mg total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (2,3).

The hemp provision was spearheaded by Senator Mitch McConnell (4). NORML defined the bill as “federally legal hemp products as only those containing no more than either 0.3 percent or 0.4 milligrams of THC or other cannabinoids that produce similar effects, including THCA,” (4). The legislation also included criminalization’s of “’any intermediate hemp-derived cannabinoid products which are marketed or sold as a final product or directly to an end consumer for personal or household use’ as well as products that are produced following chemical synthesis, such as those high in delta-8 THC content.”

In the cannabis plant, delta-8 THC is produced naturally (4), but is created in additional amounts through chemical synthesis where manufacturers are able to transform hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) into delta-8 THC.

NORML reported that (4), “While the revised language is not explicitly intended to target hemp-derived CBD products marketed as non-intoxicating products, some industry advocates fear that these products will also ultimately be banned by the legislation because many of them contain trace levels of THC.”

Senator Rand Paul had led an effort hoping to “strike the amended language” from the bill but it did not pass on the Senate floor. Another effort that mirrored Senator Rand Paul’s revision, also failed on the floor of the Senate (4).

With the bill now signed by President Donald Trump, the revised legislation will go into effect in one year from when it was passed (4).

Cannabis and Hemp Organizations Speak Out Against the Senate’s Reopening Government Bill

Cannabis and hemp organizations have been voicing their own statements regarding the redefining hemp revision located in the bill to reopen the government.

“Last night’s Senate vote underscores the significant risk facing the hemp-derived cannabinoid industry and the broader promise of the hemp plant. We are at a critical moment: much of the innovation and normalization that has been built over the past several years is now vulnerable,” said Kim Sanchez Rael, Azuca CEO and co-founder, in an emailed statement. “For farmers, brands, and consumers who embraced full-spectrum hemp, adult-use cannabinoid beverages and edibles, the potential outcome represents more than regulatory change, it’s a setback for consumer choice, progress and opportunity. But this moment also reminds us what we’re fighting for: a smarter, sustainable regulatory framework that prioritizes access and safety. We believe the path forward lies in regulation, not prohibition — one that reflects the “one plant” reality and honors hemp and cannabis as part of the same evolving industry.”

“Federally recriminalizing the hemp-derived marketplace will neither reduce consumers’ demand for these products nor increase consumers’ safety,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said (4).

The US Hemp Roundtable issued their own statement earlier today where they voiced their concerns (5).

“Businesses are deeply disappointed by the decisions of Congress and their openness to receiving false information so easily,” shared Art Massolo, US Hemp Roundtable President and Cycling Frog VP of Business Development (5). “The next year will be critical in determining the future of hemp. As a significant American industry, we are committed to sharing with Congress the real story about hemp. Because the truth is that good actors in the industry have created a self-regulation authority to protect consumers. But we need Congress’ help to keep the bad actors out. Hemp is here to stay – let’s do it right.”

“Time and time again, American farmers have proven to be resilient, and hemp is no different,” said Ken Meyer, Complete Hemp Processing co-owner and co-chair of US Hemp Roundtable’s Farmer Advisory Council (5). “The 2018 Farm Bill gave us a chance to embrace innovation and invest in a profitable crop. Our focus now is education of Congress and building a path that secures hemp for future generations and keeps farmers in business.”

“The US Hemp Roundtable is eager for the year ahead and the opportunity to right the course for the industry. The support of Senator Rand Paul has afforded our industry the opportunity to ensure our products are around for the seniors that struggle with pain or the veterans that battle anxiety and PTSD,” said Jonathan Miller, US Hemp Roundtable General Counsel (5). “We are grateful for leaders that understand the true value of hemp and who will continue to advocate for responsible regulations that protect consumers and a uniquely American industry.”

References

1. Government shutdowns in the United States https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_shutdowns_in_the_United_States (accessed Nov 13, 2025).
2. Colli, M. Study shows low-THC hemp beverages decrease alcohol consumption as senate hemp legislation looms https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/study-shows-low-thc-hemp-beverages-decrease-alcohol-consumption-as-senate-hemp-legislation-looms (accessed Nov 13, 2025).
3. McEvoy, E. US Hemp Roundtable warns Senate hemp legislation could devastate industry https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/us-hemp-roundtable-warns-senate-hemp-legislation-could-devastate-industry (accessed Nov 12, 2025).
4. Norml. Congress approves bill restricting sales of hemp intoxicants https://norml.org/news/2025/11/13/federal-lawmakers-approve-funding-bill-restricting-sales-of-certain-hemp-derived-intoxicating-products/ (accessed Nov 13, 2025).
5. U.S. Hemp Roundtable: Industry Setback Leads to 365-day Mission to Regulate https://hempsupporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hemp-365-Release-11.13.25.pdf (accessed Nov 13, 2025).