Critical Updates
News
Hemp Industry News & Policy Updates | American Healthy Alternatives Association
News
Emergency: Lawmakers Are Moving to Ban Hemp Nationwide, ACT NOW
on Oct 28 2025
The hemp industry is more threatened at the federal level than ever before. After months of coordinated misinformation campaigns, aggressive lobbying from alcohol and marijuana corporations, and a growing effort in Congress to ban hemp-derived products, the future of this industry and the hundreds of thousands of American jobs it supports is on the line.
The American Healthy Alternatives Association (AHAA) has been working side-by-side with state and federal advocacy groups to push back against these attacks. But following a recent meeting with Senator Rand Paul and other industry leaders, one thing is clear: the time for action is now.
Why This Fight Matters
If a legislator tells you they only represent voters in their home state, remember this—members of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees make funding and policy decisions that affect the entire nation, not just their state. Every American who depends on hemp whether for wellness, agriculture, or small business survival—has a voice in this fight.
Hemp has created a lifeline for farmers, built a new generation of small businesses, and provided millions of Americans with safe, plant-based alternatives. Allowing Congress to erase that progress benefits only corporate interests and entrenched monopolies.
What You Can Do Right Now
Three ways to take action:
1: SEND AN EMAIL:
CLICK HERE or SCAN QR code below to send your message to senators now
2: SHARE THE LINK WITH FRIENDS:
https://bit.ly/helpsavehemp
3: CALL
Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your Senators’ offices. If you’re not sure who they are, the operator will tell you and connect you directly.
Suggested call script:
“Hello, my name is [Your Name] from [Your City/State]. I’m calling to ask Senator [Name] to oppose any legislation that would ban hemp products. Hemp supports farmers, jobs, and small businesses in our state and across the country. Thank you for representing our interests and for your leadership on this issue.”
Every call matters. Your voice can help protect American hemp, small businesses, and consumer choice.
Senator
Office Phone
Katie Britt
202-224-5744
Christopher Coons
202-224-5042
Richard Durbin
202-224-2152
Gerald Moran
202-224-6521
Mitch McConnell
202-224-2541
John Kennedy
202-224-4623
Susan Collins
202-224-2523
John Hoeven
202-224-2551
Debra Fischer
202-224-6551
Jeanne Shaheen
202-224-2841
John Thune
202-224-2321
Mike Rounds
202-224-5842
Bill Hagerty
202-224-4944
Patty Murray
202-224-2621
Shelley Capito
202-224-6472
Stand With Hemp. Stand With America.
This fight isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting American agriculture, innovation, and access to safe, legal alternatives. If we don’t act now, we risk losing one of the most promising and patriotic industries this country has ever built.
Make your voice heard today. Share your story, make a call, and help stop Congress from banning hemp.
News
Congress Is Still Trying to Kill Hemp Here’s What You Need to Know
on Oct 23 2025
We’ve fought this fight before, and we’ll fight it again because the future of hemp is on the line.
While headlines focus on the government “shutdown,” Congress is quietly advancing legislation that would eliminate the legal hemp industry nationwide. Buried deep inside a federal funding package is Section 759 of the House FY26 Agriculture–FDA Appropriations bill, a dangerous clause that would rewrite the legal definition of hemp and wipe out nearly every product on the market today.
This provision would:
Undo the 2018 Farm Bill, invalidating compliant hemp genetics
Ban state-regulated hemp products, even in programs with strict testing and labeling standards
Cut off markets for American farmers who rely on hemp as a profitable crop
Destroy more than 300,000 jobs across manufacturing, retail, and agriculture
Let’s be clear, this isn’t about safety. It’s about control.
Instead of addressing FDA’s years-long failure to regulate hemp properly, a handful of lawmakers are trying to hand the market to a few well-funded marijuana corporations while crushing small businesses and entrepreneurs who built this industry from the ground up.
The Real Story Behind Section 759
Section 759 doesn’t fix problems. It creates new ones. By redefining hemp, it would make legal, compliant products instantly illegal even those tested, labeled, and regulated under existing state frameworks. It would leave consumers without access to the hemp products they trust and businesses without a legal path to operate.
Every hemp farmer, retailer, and manufacturer in America would feel the impact.
What You Can Do Right Now
Congress has had years to act on FDA’s inaction. Instead of creating smart federal oversight, they’re trying to end the industry outright. We can’t let that happen.
Take two minutes today to tell Congress to remove Section 759 from the federal appropriations bill. Your voice matters and your action could be the difference between a thriving hemp economy and a total shutdown.
👉 ACT NOW: Stop the Federal Hemp Ban
AHAA is standing with farmers, retailers, and consumers across the country to protect the future of hemp. Together, we can make sure lawmakers hear it loud and clear:Hemp is here to stay, and Americans won’t stand by while Washington tries to take it away.
News
The Next Front in the Hemp Fight: Executive Bans and Overreach
on Oct 20 2025
Ohio’s hemp industry now finds itself in the crosshairs of both executive orders and sweeping legislative proposals. Let’s push back. Hold lawmakers accountable. The road ahead is uncertain but our voices can make the difference.
News
The President Acknowledges Hemp: A Step Forward, But the Fight Continues
on Oct 07 2025
Quick Answer: The American Healthy Alternatives Association (AHAA) welcomes any public acknowledgment of hemp’s role in American healthcare and the economy. President Donald Trump’s recent mention of hemp is progress: it shows the issue is breaking through at the highest political levels. But while this visibility matters, we must proceed with caution. The fight to protect hemp from federal restrictions is far from over, and AHAA’s advocacy remains critical in shaping the path forward.
Key Takeaways
Trump’s video marks progress: hemp is part of the national conversation.
Public awareness is increasing, but harmful congressional proposals remain active.
The hemp market has grown from $200M in 2020 to $3.5B in 2024 (Brightfield Group).
Multiple threats—from Farm Bill amendments to appropriations riders—could wipe out most hemp products.
AHAA is leading efforts in Washington DC to ensure regulation protects access instead of banning products.
Historical Context: From the 2018 Farm Bill to Today
Historical Context: Hemp’s Journey to the Spotlight
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and sparked rapid industry growth, building a $3.5 billion marketplace by 2024 according to Brightfield Group. But ever since, lawmakers and regulators have pushed back. Proposals like the Mary Miller Amendment and appropriations riders have sought to redefine hemp in ways that would ban most cannabinoids. AHAA and industry allies mobilized to stop these threats, generating thousands of constituent messages to Congress.
Why We Must Proceed With Caution
While it is progress to see hemp acknowledged publicly, that visibility doesn’t guarantee safety for the industry. In fact, it can invite renewed scrutiny and political maneuvering. Agencies like the FDA and DEA continue to create uncertainty, refusing to regulate CBD as a dietary ingredient and attempting to stretch the definition of THC beyond what Congress wrote in 2018.
Court rulings in the Ninth Circuit and Fourth Circuit have pushed back, affirming that hemp-derived products remain legal under the current framework. But Congress could change that with a single amendment.
The Road Ahead: The 2026 Farm Bill
The reauthorization of the 2026 Farm Bill will be the defining moment for hemp’s future. Lawmakers have already shown a willingness to slip in language that would decimate the industry. AHAA is working every day to educate members of Congress, present economic impact data, and ensure hemp is seen as an industry worth protecting.
Recognition from political figures may help, but it will not stop attempts to ban hemp products. Only continued pressure from farmers, business owners, and consumers will.
Call to Action
As political momentum builds, it’s critical to ensure lawmakers hear from the people who depend on hemp.AHAA calls on business owners, healthcare professionals, and consumers to stay engaged.
Take action today to tell Congress: protect hemp, expand access to CBD, and support sensible regulations that put public health and small businesses first.
Sources Used for This Article:
Brightfield Group Hemp-Derived THC Market Analysis 2024Ninth Circuit Hemp RulingFourth Circuit Hemp Ruling
News
Inside DC: How AHAA Protects Hemp From Federal Restrictions
on Sep 25 2025
AHAA's ongoing advocacy in Washington DC protects the $3.5B hemp market from federal restrictions. Latest congressional developments and regulatory updates.
News
Hemp Industry Under Threat and Comer Seeks Support
on Sep 23 2025
At a recent congressional hearing on cannabis policy, Rep. James Comer (R-KY) made one thing clear: the FDA’s refusal to regulate CBD is hurting farmers, entrepreneurs, and consumers. Without federal clarity, the hemp industry has been forced to operate in uncertainty, leaving responsible businesses at risk while opening the door for bad actors.
News
Ohio’s SB 266 Puts Hemp Access at Risk
on Sep 17 2025
On September 16, 2025, Ohio lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 266 (SB 266), “Regards the sale and testing of intoxicating hemp products.” If passed as written, this bill could severely restrict access to hemp-derived products in Ohio, threatening small businesses, consumer choice, and patients who rely on these alternatives.
News
AHAA Monthly Impact: Aug-Sept 2025 | How AHAA Stopped Hemp From Getting Sidelined This Month
on Sep 15 2025
This August, the fight for hemp played out in quiet but powerful ways in Washington. While the headlines focused on Congress scrambling to pass a continuing resolution, AHAA was working behind the scenes to make sure hemp didn’t get caught in the crossfire.
News
Hemp's Hidden Enemy: How the 2026 Farm Bill Threatens Legal Cannabis
on Jul 31 2025
The hemp industry faces an existential threat hidden within the FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations Bill. Proposed changes would redefine hemp, ban key cannabinoid products, and transfer enforcement to hostile agencies, effectively dismantling the industry. With just 60 days to act, this is a critical moment for small businesses, consumer choice, and fair competition.
News
The 2026 Farm Bill: A Backdoor Ban That Could Kill Hemp Forever
on Jul 24 2025
The hemp industry faces its greatest existential threat since prohibition. Hidden within the FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations Bill lies language that could eliminate legal hemp products overnight—not through public debate, but through bureaucratic sleight of hand. This legislation threatens jobs, tax revenue, and consumer access to safe alternatives, all while benefiting corporate marijuana monopolies. Time is running out to act.
News
SB 265: A Smarter Path Forward for North Carolina Hemp Regulation
on Jul 15 2025
While HB 328 threatens to ban much of the hemp industry, SB 265 offers a balanced, safety-first approach to protect consumers, farmers, and small businesses.
News
HB 328: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing – Why Hidden Provisions Threaten NC’s Hemp Industry
on Jul 10 2025
HB 328 may appear to protect youth, but hidden clauses threaten the very survival of North Carolina's hemp economy. From felony penalties to sky-high license fees, here’s what lawmakers aren’t telling you.
News
How Texas’ SB 3 and HB 28 Could Reshape the Hemp Industry
on Apr 09 2025
Texas lawmakers are proposing two bills—SB 3 and HB 28—that could severely limit the hemp industry. From banning most cannabinoids to criminalizing online sales, these measures threaten businesses and consumer access. Learn what’s at stake and how you can take action.
News
Key Updates on Hemp Legislation Across Alabama, California, Connecticut, and Texas
on Mar 26 2025
Hemp laws are shifting fast across the U.S. This blog breaks down major legislative developments in Alabama, California, Connecticut, and Texas—plus how you can take action to protect the industry.
News
Navigating the Latest Hemp Bill Updates in Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Texas
on Mar 11 2025
Lawmakers in Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Texas are pushing new hemp regulations that could impact businesses, consumers, and the industry as a whole. Learn about the latest updates and how you can take action to protect the future of hemp.
News
Hawaii Senate Rejects Proposal to Increase Cannabis Possession Limits
on Mar 06 2025
Hawaii's cannabis reform efforts hit a roadblock as the Senate rejects a proposal to increase possession limits from 3 grams to 15 grams. The decision sparks debate over fairness, practicality, and the state’s stance on meaningful cannabis policy reform.
News
Florida House of Representatives Establishes Combined Workgroup on Hemp Regulation
on Feb 27 2025
The Florida House of Representatives has announced a Combined Workgroup on Hemp to navigate the complexities of hemp regulation. With multiple hemp-related bills expected this session, this workgroup could play a key role in shaping the industry's future. What do you think about this initiative? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!
News
Empowering the Hemp Industry: The Vital Role of American Healthy Alternatives Association Membership
on Feb 21 2025
In an ever-changing regulatory landscape, hemp industry stakeholders must unite to protect market freedom and fair regulations. The American Healthy Alternatives Association (AHAA) plays a critical role in advocating for hemp store operators, farmers, manufacturers, distributors, and consumers. By becoming a member, you support lobbying efforts that keep hemp accessible, sustainable, and profitable.
News
Hemp Legislation Updates Across the U.S.: What You Need to Know
on Feb 09 2025
Hemp legislation is evolving rapidly across the U.S., with states like Florida, Ohio, and Nebraska introducing new laws impacting hemp-derived products. Learn about these updates, including THC limits, retail regulations, and opportunities for farmers and businesses. Stay informed and discover how advocacy can shape the future of hemp policy.
News
January Hemp Legislation Updates
on Jan 31 2025
In January 2025, several U.S. states introduced new legislation impacting hemp and industrial hemp industries. These updates include regulatory changes, sales restrictions, licensing requirements, and sustainable initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth and consumer protection.