U.S. Hemp Roundtable: Industry Setback Leads to 365-day Mission to Regulate

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The U.S. Hemp Roundtable, the leading voice for robust hemp regulation to protect consumers and the industry, recapped for its members recent legislation that negatively impacts the industry and touted hope for the future. Despite the legislation, the group says they are positioned to spend the next year advocating for the industry – 365 days to regulate, not ban.

Below is a summary of the update shared with Roundtable members:

The bill to reopen the government included language that will ban more than 95% of all hemp extract products. While it does allow sale of products less than 0.4 mg of total THC per container, those niche items are very rare.

While disappointed, the hemp industry is not defeated. Hemp was able to secure a major concession – 365 days before the language will go into effect. The hemp industry now has until November 13, 2026 to help the federal government understand how to regulate hemp and protect Americans, not ban hemp which is essential for the health and wellness benefits treasured by millions of Americans.

The harmful hemp language passed was fueled by misinformation and unrelated political maneuvering. U.S. Senators were promised that this bill protects non-intoxicating CBD products, which is manifestly untrue – the large majority of non-intoxicating CBD products on the marketplace feature more than 0.4 mg of THC per container. They were assured that this would crack down on fully synthetic products and copycat, high THC products that are marketed to kids – but prohibition without regulation will shift these products to the black markets. Many Senators were scared by claims that this hemp debate would lead to a longer and more painful government shutdown, forcing some advocates to vote against hemp to hurry the government’s opening. As progress is made, the industry has reason to believe that a political consensus can be achieved on behalf of hemp.

“Businesses are deeply disappointed by the decisions of Congress and their openness to receiving false information so easily,” shared Art Massolo, U.S. Hemp Roundtable President and Cycling Frog VP of Business Development. “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.”

The U.S. Hemp Roundtable is supporting efforts led by Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) to introduce a bill that would replace a total ban with robust regulation of hemp products, including requiring good manufacturing practices, truth in labeling, bans on synthetic THC, and strong measures to keep products out of the hands of children. As chairman of the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce committee, Griffith is perfectly positioned to secure a fair and just result for the hemp industry. In the Senate, Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) are expected to reintroduce their regulatory bill soon, for consideration by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee.

“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 U.S. Hemp Roundtable’s Farmer Advisory Council. “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 U.S. 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, U.S. Hemp Roundtable General Counsel. “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.”

About the U.S. Hemp Roundtable:

The U.S. Hemp Roundtable is a coalition of dozens of leading companies and organizations committed to safe hemp and CBD products. We proudly represent the industry’s major national grassroots organizations and are leading the way forward for hemp and CBD products through education and action.