US Hemp Roundtable Warns Senate Hemp Legislation Could Devastate Industry

On November 10, 2025, the US Hemp Roundtable published a press release reacting to new language from the Senate that would negatively affecting the $28.4 billion hemp industry in the US and affect the 300,00 jobs for farmers and entrepreneurs (1). In efforts to reopen the government, the Senate had passed a minibus on Sunday, November 9, the US Hemp Roundtable explained, which had included the legislation regarding hemp (2).

The legislation would decimate 95% of businesses, the press release explains, referencing data from the Whitney Economics 2023 National Cannabinoid Report, and cost $1.5 billion in lost tax revenue. A major argument in the statement is that most of the hemp-derived CBD products contain more than the proposed limit of 0.4 mg of THC per container, affecting those who depend on the products for their wellbeing.

Emergency Amendment to Remove the Language

The press release also noted an emergency amendment filed by Kentucky Senator Rand Paul that would remove the language concerning hemp regulations. The aim of the amendment is, “To strike a provision modifying the definition of hemp for purposes of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946,” (3).

“Our industry is being used as a pawn as leaders work to reopen the government,” stated Jonathan Miller, US Hemp Roundtable General Counsel, in its press release. “Recriminalizing hemp will force American farms and businesses to close and disrupt the wellbeing of countless Americans who depend on hemp. We support Senator Rand Paul’s efforts to push back on this language and will continue to fight alongside him for a regulated, safe, and robust hemp industry.”

The coalition had also explained that, in the event the legislation passes, during the proposed one-year moratorium, it would work to reverse the ban on hemp and work to promote regulations that support consumers, including minors, and promote manufacturing standards. The current legislation could encourage an illegal market for products, it added.

The US Hemp Roundtable is a coalition of organizations with the stated aim of promoting safe hemp and CBD products through education and action.

Effects of Hemp Regulation in the Long Run

On July 10, 2025, the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies Appropriations Act had been approved by the Senate Committee on Appropriations, and had included language that affected hemp (4). Its intent had been stated as closing the loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that had resulted in the proliferation of unregulated intoxicating hemp products.

Negotiation efforts that included Senator Paul had resulted in the removal of the language. The US Hemp Roundtable had applauded the development.

In response to the potential hemp ban, Kimberly Anzarut, CEO of Allay Consulting and author of the monthly Cannabis Science and Technology blog stated that hemp business should begin to prepare for eventual federal oversight (5).

“For hemp operators, the message is mixed: this time the ban didn’t stick, but the issue is far from resolved,” explained Anzarut in the September Stuck on Compliance blog. While Washington debates, states like Colorado have already taken action-either setting the standard for regulating intoxicating hemp themselves or banning it outright. For businesses, the message couldn’t be clearer: compliance isn’t optional, it’s survival… The smartest path forward is to prepare now. Adopt cGMP standards and get certification. Strengthen documentation. Treat compliance not as a burden, but as your business’s best insurance policy.”

References

1. US Hemp Roundtable. U.S. Hemp Roundtable Strongly Opposes Proposed Senate Language to Recriminalize Hemp. November 10, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251110779422/en/U.S.-Hemp-Roundtable-Strongly-Opposes-Proposed-Senate-Language-to-Recriminalize-Hemp (accessed Nov. 10, 2025).
2. US Hemp Roundtable. Critical alert: Hemp banning language has officially been added to the legislation to open the government. https://hempsupporter.com/news/%f0%9f%9a%a8critical-alert-hemp-banning-language-has-officially-been-added-to-the-legislation-to-open-the-government/ (accessed Nov. 10, 2025).
3. Amendment from Senator Rand Paul. https://hempsupporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PAT2595211263.pdf (accessed Nov. 10, 2025).
4. McEvoy, E. Senate Agriculture Bill Drops Hemp Ban After Negotiations. July 30, 2025. https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/senate-agriculture-bill-drops-hemp-ban-after-negotiations (accessed Nov. 10, 2025).
5. Anzarut, K. The Hemp Ban That Wasn’t (Yet): Why Federal Gridlock Makes Compliance More Important Than Ever https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/the-hemp-ban-that-wasn-t-yet-why-federal-gridlock-makes-compliance-more-important-than-ever (accessed Nov. 10, 2025).