Navigating the Latest Hemp Bill Updates in Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Texas 

 Lawmakers across the U.S. are moving quickly to introduce legislation that could dramatically reshape the hemp industry. From restrictive THC limits to sweeping regulatory changes, these proposals threaten consumer access, stifle innovation, and could have far-reaching consequences for businesses and hemp enthusiasts alike. 

This week, we’re bringing you important updates from Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Texas, along with actionable steps you can take to protect the future of hemp. 

Georgia’s SB 254 and Regulatory Proposals 

Georgia’s SB 254 is making its way through the legislature, posing significant concerns. If enacted, it would impose harsh restrictions, such as banning hemp beverages entirely and implementing strict THC limits on gummies, tinctures, and topicals. For example:

• Gummies would be capped at 10mg of THC per serving and 150mg per package.

• Tinctures would be limited to a mere 1mg THC per serving with a maximum size of 60mL.

• Beverages would be completely banned. 

These measures would restrict consumer access and severely impact Georgia’s hemp businesses. Beyond SB 254, other legislative measures, such as SB 33 (amendments to the Georgia Hemp Farming Act) and HB 265, propose stricter testing and labeling requirements that could further complicate the regulatory landscape. 

Call to Action 

Georgia-based hemp supporters are urged to contact legislators through our State Action Center to oppose SB 254 and similar bills that harm the local hemp market. 

Kentucky’s SB 202 and Hemp Beverage Debate 

Recent efforts by Kentucky’s hemp industry advocates have successfully removed the proposed ban on hemp beverages from SB 202. However, the bill still poses challenges by:

• Prohibiting hemp product sales at restaurants and bars.

• Eliminating quality regulations established with the Department of Health and Family Services. 

Rather than enhancing safety, SB 202 risks undoing progress and introducing unnecessary barriers to the thriving hemp market. 

Call to Action 

Kentucky supporters—your efforts are needed now more than ever. Use our State Action Center to email your representatives and help steer the conversation toward fair and responsible regulation. 

Missouri’s Multiple Hemp Bills 

Missouri is seeing significant legislative activity with several bills under discussion, including the Missouri Hemp Consumer Protection Act and HB 393. 

• HB 696 & SB 518 propose logical age restrictions, testing requirements, and licensure rules to ensure product safety while introducing measures like limiting beverages to behind-the-counter sales. 

• HB 393, however, imposes arbitrary restrictions, such as:

• Gummies capped at 5mg of delta-8 or delta-9 THC per serving and 100mg per package.

• Beverages limited to 10mg delta-9 THC per serving with no more than 100mg per package.

• Tinctures capped at 90mg delta-9 or 150mg delta-8 THC per ounce. 

These restrictions are being evaluated in committee hearings, leaving room for public input and revisions. 

Call to Action 

Missouri residents can take advantage of our State Action Center to share their opposition to unscientific THC caps while promoting responsible, evidence-based regulatory frameworks. 

Montana’s HB 49 and Synthetic Cannabinoids Ban 

Montana’s HB 49 introduces sweeping limitations with immediate consequences for hemp businesses and consumers. Under this bill:

• Synthetic cannabinoids would be strictly banned. 

• Hemp products could not exceed 0.5mg of delta-9 THC per serving or 2mg of THC per package. 

While safety and transparency are important goals, these limits would drastically impair product availability and disrupt consumer access statewide. 

Call to Action 

If you’re in Montana, reach out to legislators through our State Action Center and urge them to reconsider the restrictive measures in HB 49. 

Ohio’s SB 86 and Dispensary Mandates 

Ohio’s SB 86 could force most hemp-derived products containing over 0.5mg of THC per serving to be sold exclusively in dispensaries. This would:

• Restrict consumer access through higher pricing and limited availability. 

• Potentially force legitimate hemp businesses out of the market. 

Another proposal, HB 160, introduces alternative measures, but it too lacks clarity for marginalized product categories like hemp beverages. These ongoing debates underscore the need for a fair, consumer-focused regulatory framework. 

Call to Action 

Ohio residents should voice their concerns regarding SB 86 using our State Action Center to advocate for a regulatory system that prioritizes transparency, affordability, and access. 

Texas’ SB 3 and Market Implications 

Texas’ SB 3 represents one of the most concerning proposals, advancing out of committee despite substantial opposition. This bill would ban all cannabinoids except CBD and CBG—which could eliminate 90–95% of the hemp market. 

Farmers and scientists alike have testified that such extreme THC limits are “unworkable” and would push consumers toward unregulated markets, undermining goals of consumer safety and legal compliance. 

Call to Action 

Texan hemp supporters have already sent over 2,000 emails to lawmakers. If you haven’t yet, now is the time to act—use the State Action Center to send your message and help safeguard the future of Texas’ hemp industry. 

Protect the Future of Hemp with Your Voice 

The wave of new hemp legislation in these six states could reshape the industry in ways that will echo across the country. While sensible regulations are necessary to ensure safety and transparency, unscientific caps and overly restrictive measures risk stifling both innovation and consumer choice. 

We encourage hemp business owners, consumers, and policymakers to work together for laws that enable the industry to thrive sustainably. 

Take action today by contacting your legislators through our State Action Center, sharing this information with your network, and staying alert for updates. Together, we can shape the future of hemp for the better.