AHAA Weekly Policy Report: February 4th, 2026
Each week, we deliver the latest updates on federal and state policy developments affecting the legal hemp industry.
This Week at a Glance
This week's tracking shows significant activity across federal and state levels. We monitored 4 Farm Bill related items, 43 hemp specific bills, 4 industrial hemp measures, and 70 marijuana related pieces of legislation.
Key developments include restrictive proposals in South Carolina, comprehensive hemp frameworks advancing in Indiana and Missouri, and hemp beverage bans gaining momentum.
Federal Activity
No new federal legislation filed this week. The Hemp Planting Predictability Act (HR 7024) remains in committee with industry advocacy intensifying as the November deadline approaches. The 2018 Farm Bill continues under continuing resolution with no announced timeline for reauthorization.
Critical State Policy Updates
South Carolina Hemp Beverage Ban:
Two companion bills advanced through committee with amendments on January 29. HB 4758 would ban all consumable hemp products containing THC and prohibit online sales. HB 4759 establishes a separate regulatory framework for intoxicating hemp beverages with $50,000 manufacturer licensing fees. Both bills have 95%+ likelihood of reaching floor votes.
Illinois - Chicago City Council Hemp Ban:
On January 23, 2026, Chicago City Council passed an ordinance banning all hemp-derived products unless sold through marijuana dispensaries. The next City Council meeting is set for February 18, 2026, giving advocates until February 17 to gather signatures supporting Mayor Johnson's veto of the ban ordinance. The sweeping ban will destroy local small businesses, eliminate consumer choice, and hand the legal market to dispensary insiders.
The ordinance requires age gating within 10 days and complete product removal by April 1. Hemp products remain legal under federal law, yet thousands of Chicago families who rely on hemp for wellness and hundreds of neighborhood retailers will be forced to close under this policy that protects corporate dispensaries rather than consumers.
Sign the petition to Stop the Chicago Hemp Ban
Indiana Comprehensive Hemp Framework:
SB 250 passed the Senate and moved to the House on January 29. The bill establishes comprehensive permitting requirements for hemp-derived cannabinoid manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and carriers, with enforcement by the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. Age restrictions limit sales to 21+ and prohibit minors from establishments selling THC products. Effective July 1, 2026.
Missouri Hemp Framework Bills:
Missouri filed three bills addressing hemp regulation. HB 2641 was reported "Do Pass" on January 28 and would require all hemp-derived cannabinoid activities within licensed marijuana facilities. SB 904 moved to the Senate floor calendar on February 2 with similar provisions. Both would effectively eliminate the independent hemp retail market. HB 2765 creates a separate licensing framework for hemp beverages with a 7% excise tax.
Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Hemp:
Multiple reform bills were introduced.
HB 3143 extends the moratorium on new dispensary, processor, and commercial grower licenses until August 1, 2028.
HB 3144 would cap commercial grower licenses at 2,550 starting November 1, 2026.
SB 2092 authorizes the ABLE Commission to regulate hemp beverages and allow licensed retailers to sell them to individuals 21+.
Tennessee Hemp Definition Alignment:
SB 1652 passed second consideration and was referred to Senate Judiciary Committee on January 21. The bill aligns state hemp definition with federal standards, specifying total THC concentration not exceeding 0.3% on dry weight basis.
Strong bipartisan support with 88% likely House floor vote and 85% likely Senate floor vote. Effective July 1, 2026.
Wisconsin Hemp Cannabinoid Regulations:
AB 747 and SB 682 gained cosponsors on January 20. The bills establish comprehensive regulations including age restrictions (21+), mandatory testing requirements, detailed labeling and child-resistant packaging standards, and THC limits of 10mg per serving for beverages.
Hawaii Hemp Industry Development:
SB 2712 would establish the Hawaii Hemp Fiber Special Fund with grants for producers and a pilot program for hemp paper packaging.
HB 2613 would permit sale of cannabinoid drinks containing up to 10mg hemp-derived cannabinoids to individuals 21+.
SB 3206 limits manufactured hemp products to 5mg THC per serving.
Virginia Hemp Enforcement Framework:
SB 543 establishes enforcement mechanisms allowing the Board to deny or revoke industrial hemp registrations for Cannabis Control Act violations and impose civil penalties. The bill advanced from committee on January 23.
New Hampshire Hemp Definition Update:
SB 461 amends hemp's definition to specify total THC concentration cannot exceed 0.3% on dry weight basis including THCA. Committee recommended "Ought to Pass with Amendment" on January 28.
Positive Development
South Dakota Hemp Intoxicant Ban Defeated:
SB 61 failed in the Senate on January 22 (14 YEAS, 19 NAYS). The bill would have banned hemp-derived intoxicants and limited total THC per container to 0.4mg. The defeat preserves South Dakota's current hemp-derived cannabinoid market.
Industrial Hemp Updates
South Dakota Hemp Revisions:
SB 39 received Agriculture Committee "Do Pass" on January 22. The bill revises transport documentation requirements, clarifies cultivation licensing, establishes a Hemp Regulatory Fund, and sets licensing fees. Bill forecast shows 95% floor vote probability in both chambers.
Oregon Hemp Testing Protocols:
Oregon Health Authority finalized comprehensive regulations for marijuana and industrial hemp-derived product testing with final notice published February 1. Regulations establish rigorous sampling protocols, chain of custody requirements, and specific contaminant limits.
State Cannabis Developments
Nebraska Medical Cannabis Taxation:
LB 1235 filed Kauth FA895 on January 22. Creates registry system with Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission oversight. Establishes tax rates with revenue supporting program administration. Bill forecast shows 78% Legislature floor vote with 95% passage.
Washington Cannabis Reform:
Multiple bills continue advancing. HB 2315 and SB 6195 address cannabis oversupply through revenue thresholds and retail license limits. SB 6204 would legalize home cultivation (up to 6 plants per person, 15 per housing unit).
Vermont Cannabis Expansion:
S 278 was referred to committee on January 21. Eliminates THC concentration limits for flower, increases concentrate limit to 70%, raises retail transaction limit to two ounces, reduces excise tax from 14% to 10%, and creates new permit types.
Mississippi Medical Cannabis:
HB 1152 received "Title Sufficient Do Pass" on January 22. The Right to Try Medical Cannabis Act expands access for chronic, progressive, or terminal illnesses. HB 513 diverts 12.5% of medical cannabis fees to Public Health Trust Fund beginning July 1, 2026.
Iowa Medical Cannabidiol:
HF 990 received subcommittee recommendation for passage on January 21. Increases licensed medical cannabidiol dispensaries with potential expansion to ten locations.
Key Compliance Deadlines
April 13, 2026: New Jersey hemp inventory liquidation deadline
July 1, 2026: Indiana SB 250, Tennessee SB 1652, Mississippi HB 513 effective dates
November 1, 2026: Oklahoma HB 3143, HB 3144 effective dates
November 12, 2026: Federal hemp ban effective unless HR 7024 extends deadline
What You Can Do
Federal Advocacy Priority: Contact your Representative and Senators supporting HR 7024 (Hemp Planting Predictability Act). With 290 days until the November federal deadline, concentrated advocacy remains critical.
South Carolina: Contact state representatives immediately to oppose HB 4758 and HB 4759. Take action with our South Carolina chapter (SCHAA)
Chicago:
Missouri: Engage with legislators regarding HB 2641 and SB 904. Support HB 2765 as the most viable pathway for continued hemp market participation.
Indiana: Monitor SB 250 advancement and prepare for July 1, 2026 compliance deadline.
All Members: Stay informed and ready to act. Sign up for AHAA weekly updates here.
Looking Ahead
With 290 days until the federal deadline, state legislative activity continues accelerating. Missouri's three-bill approach illustrates the range of frameworks under consideration. The next several months will determine state regulatory frameworks for the coming decade.
Thank you for your continued support of AHAA's mission to protect legal hemp commerce and consumer access to safe, tested products.
