Inside DC: How AHAA Protects Hemp From Federal Restrictions

Quick Answer: The American Healthy Alternatives Association (AHAA) continues its critical advocacy work in Washington DC as Congress debates the future of hemp-derived cannabinoids. With the hemp-derived THC market reaching $3.5 billion in 2024 and supporting thousands of businesses nationwide, AHAA's ongoing hemp industry advocacy efforts focus on preventing restrictive federal proposals while promoting sensible regulations. Recent legislative threats demonstrate why coordinated hemp lobbying in Washington remains essential for protecting market access.

Key Takeaways

• The hemp-derived cannabinoid market reached $3.5 billion in 2024, up from just $200 million in 2020, according to Brightfield Group market analysis
• The Mary Miller Amendment to the 2024 Farm Bill threatened to ban 90-95% of hemp products, mobilizing industry opposition
• Senator Ron Wyden's Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act offers a regulatory framework that has gained industry support as an alternative to prohibition
• Federal agencies including FDA and DEA continue to create regulatory uncertainty for the 6,919 businesses operating in the hemp industry
• Congressional debates over hemp regulations federal oversight will continue through the 2025 Farm Bill reauthorization process

The battle for hemp legislation DC has intensified as federal lawmakers grapple with regulating a market that exploded beyond anyone's expectations. Following the 2018 Farm Bill's legalization of hemp, the industry transformed from a $200 million sector in 2020 to a $3.5 billion market by 2024, according to Brightfield Group's comprehensive market analysis. This growth allowed hemp-derived products to proliferate nationwide.

AHAA's role in monitoring and responding to federal hemp legislation has become increasingly vital as multiple threats emerge simultaneously. The organization tracks committee hearings, agency dockets, and legislative proposals daily, identifying risks before they become law. This proactive approach to hemp lobbying in Washington helps protect businesses from sudden regulatory changes that could eliminate entire product categories overnight.

The Farm Bill Amendment Crisis: The Miller Proposal

The most significant threat to the hemp industry since 2018 came through Representative Mary Miller's (R-IL) amendment to the 2024 Farm Bill, which would have redefined hemp to exclude any products containing "intoxicating cannabinoids." According to House Agriculture Committee records, the amendment was adopted as part of an en bloc package during the May 23, 2024 markup hearing, sending shockwaves through the industry.

Miller's amendment specifically proposed changing the definition of hemp to include only "naturally occurring, naturally derived, and non-intoxicating cannabinoids." This language would have effectively banned Delta-8 THC, Delta-10, HHC, THCa products, and potentially even CBD isolates, according to industry analysis. The Congressional Research Service confirmed that this amendment would prohibit production and sale of most hemp-derived cannabinoids currently on the market.

The hemp industry protection response was swift and coordinated. AHAA immediately mobilized its members, generating thousands of constituent contacts to House members. Our work included providing economic impact data showing how the amendment would affect each congressional district. According to IBISWorld industry data, the U.S. hemp production industry includes 6,919 businesses as of 2024, many of which would have been forced to close under the Miller amendment.

Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) emerged as an unlikely ally during the markup hearing, stating on the record that while he understood the intent to limit accessibility to children, "Congress inadvertently created this problem in the 2018 Farm Bill... There are now tens of thousands of Americans who have created different businesses, including several in my district now, that are using this process to feed their own kids." This perspective from a Republican member helped shift the narrative from prohibition to regulation. Join AHAA as a member to support continued advocacy efforts.

Senator Wyden's Alternative: The Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act

While House members pushed for prohibition, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework that gained widespread industry support. The Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA), introduced September 25, 2024, establishes national standards without banning products outright.

The CSRA would require manufacturers to register with the FDA, test products for safety, and implement age restrictions of 21 for purchase. According to Senator Wyden's official statement, the legislation addresses concerns about youth access while preserving the legitimate hemp industry. "Just like the tobacco industry marketing cigarettes to young people, nobody should be slapping fun cartoons and glitzy candy wrapper packaging on cannabis products meant for adults," Wyden stated.

AHAA's hemp advocacy organization efforts helped secure endorsements from major industry groups for the Wyden bill. The National Cannabis Industry Association supported the measure, with CEO Aaron Smith noting it "solves this problem by implementing commonsense safeguards to ensure intoxicating hemp products are tested, properly labeled, and not made available to minors."

The legislation's 80-page text includes provisions for facility registration, product identification systems, testing requirements, and criteria for determining when products are adulterated or misbranded. This comprehensive approach to hemp regulations federal oversight would provide the clarity businesses desperately need. The American Herbal Products Association noted that the bill would give FDA authority to remove dangerous products while protecting legitimate businesses operating in compliance.

Appropriations Battle: The FY2026 Spending Bill Threat

Following the Farm Bill amendment's inclusion, Representative Andy Harris (R-MD) incorporated similar language into the FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations Bill. According to Cannabis Business Times reporting, the provision appeared on page 113 of the 138-page spending bill, attempting to redefine hemp to ban products with any "quantifiable" level of THC.

The House Appropriations Committee voted along party lines, 35-27, to approve the spending bill on June 23, 2024, including the hemp provisions. Harris stated during the markup: "This bill closes the hemp loophole from the 2018 Farm Bill that has resulted in the proliferation of intoxicating cannabinoid products, including delta-8 and hemp flower being sold online and in gas stations nationwide."

AHAA's response included coordinating with state-level organizations to demonstrate local economic impact. The hemp industry congressional updates provided to members showed that appropriations language could eliminate products generating billions in revenue. According to market research, the hemp-derived THC sector alone reached $2.8 billion in 2023, with Delta-8 THC comprising 44% of sales.

The appropriations threat highlighted the importance of hemp consumer rights protection, as millions of Americans rely on these products for various purposes. AHAA's advocacy emphasized that prohibition would push consumers toward unregulated markets rather than solving safety concerns. Stay informed about legislative developments through AHAA's policy news hub.

DEA's Evolving Position on Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

The Drug Enforcement Administration's stance on hemp-derived cannabinoids continues to create uncertainty for businesses. In February 2023, DEA confirmed that THC-O acetate and similar synthetic cannabinoids are Schedule I controlled substances, even when derived from legal hemp.

DEA's Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section Chief Terrence Boos has stated that "all synthetically derived tetrahydrocannabinols remain schedule I controlled substances." However, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals challenged this interpretation in 2024, ruling that DEA's classification wasn't entitled to deference given the unambiguous language of the 2018 Farm Bill.

The court's decision aligned with an earlier Ninth Circuit ruling that hemp-derived products are legal under the Farm Bill if they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, regardless of whether cannabinoids are naturally occurring or synthesized from hemp. This judicial pushback against DEA interpretation provides some protection for the industry, though enforcement remains inconsistent.

AHAA's hemp political action efforts include monitoring DEA communications and alerting members to potential enforcement shifts. The organization has documented how DEA's position on THCA has created confusion, with the agency claiming that THCA must be included in total THC calculations for determining hemp legality. This interpretation would affect thousands of products currently on the market.

State Attorneys General Coalition Pressure

A coalition of 22 state attorneys general wrote to Congress in March 2024, demanding action on what they termed a "$28 billion gray market" created by the 2018 Farm Bill's ambiguity. Their letter emphasized concerns about youth access and product safety, adding pressure for federal hemp law reform.

The attorneys general specifically called for closing the "loophole" that allows intoxicating hemp products to be sold in gas stations and convenience stores. Their coordinated effort represents state-level frustration with the patchwork of regulations currently governing hemp products. Some states have banned Delta-8 THC entirely, while others have implemented age restrictions and testing requirements.

AHAA's response to state pressure includes working with local chapters to ensure state regulations don't exceed federal authority. The organization has provided model legislation that addresses safety concerns while preserving market access. This state-by-state approach to hemp industry lobbying efforts has prevented several proposed bans from advancing.

The variation in state approaches creates compliance challenges for businesses operating across state lines. AHAA advocates for federal standards that would preempt conflicting state regulations, providing consistency for the industry. Support national hemp advocacy with a membership to strengthen these efforts.

FDA's Continued Inaction and Industry Frustration

Despite repeated congressional directives, the FDA maintains that CBD cannot be lawfully added to food or marketed as a dietary supplement. This position, based on CBD being an active drug ingredient in the approved medication Epidiolex, has stalled mainstream retail adoption.

The agency's refusal to establish a regulatory pathway has forced the industry into legal limbo. According to FDA's own statements, the agency needs additional authority from Congress to regulate CBD products effectively. This circular logic — FDA won't act without Congress, and Congress expects FDA to use existing authority — has frustrated stakeholders for years.

AHAA's advocacy includes pushing for legislative solutions that would explicitly authorize FDA to regulate hemp-derived products. The organization has provided testimony showing how regulatory uncertainty limits investment and innovation in the sector. Market research indicates that CBD sales declined from $3.8 billion in 2023 to $3.4 billion in 2024, partly due to regulatory confusion.

The lack of FDA guidance particularly affects mainstream retailers who want to carry hemp products but fear enforcement action. Major chains like Amazon continue to prohibit CBD sales, limiting market growth potential. AHAA works to demonstrate that clear regulations would actually expand the market while improving safety.

Economic Impact Data That Moves Legislators

AHAA's effectiveness in hemp advocacy group DC efforts stems partly from its ability to present compelling economic data. The organization regularly commissions studies showing hemp's contribution to local economies, particularly in rural areas where traditional agriculture has declined.

According to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, hemp cultivation provides farmers with a valuable rotation crop that can improve soil health while generating income. The 2024 National Hemp Report documents how hemp acreage and production have evolved since federal legalization.

The industry's growth has created diverse employment opportunities beyond farming. Laboratory testing facilities, processing operations, product manufacturers, and retail establishments all contribute to job creation. While comprehensive employment data remains limited due to federal classification issues, industry estimates suggest tens of thousands of direct jobs have been created.

AHAA emphasizes that prohibition would not eliminate demand but would shift sales to illicit markets. This argument resonates with legislators who recognize the failures of cannabis prohibition. The organization's economic impact studies help lawmakers understand the stakes for their constituents. Access state-specific policy updates through AHAA's comprehensive coverage.

Coalition Building Beyond Traditional Hemp Stakeholders

AHAA's September advocacy successes reflect strategic coalition building with unexpected allies. Veterans' organizations have become powerful advocates after documenting how hemp products help members manage service-related conditions without bureaucratic hurdles.

Criminal justice reform groups highlight how hemp prohibition would disproportionately impact communities still recovering from marijuana enforcement. These social justice arguments reach legislators who might not prioritize business concerns but respond to equity considerations.

Agricultural organizations support hemp as a sustainable crop that can help farmers diversify revenue streams. The National Industrial Hemp Council and state hemp associations coordinate with AHAA to present a unified voice in Washington.

Environmental groups appreciate hemp's potential for carbon sequestration and its minimal pesticide requirements compared to other crops. These diverse perspectives strengthen advocacy efforts by demonstrating broad societal benefits beyond commercial interests.

The International Trade Dimension

Hemp regulations federal changes would affect not just domestic markets but also international trade opportunities. The global industrial hemp market was valued at $9.47 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $47.82 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights.

American hemp businesses could capture significant export opportunities if federal regulations provide clarity. However, the current ambiguity limits international partnerships and investment. Foreign companies hesitate to enter joint ventures when U.S. federal policy remains uncertain.

AHAA advocates for regulations that would position American hemp competitively in global markets. This includes harmonizing standards with international trading partners while maintaining quality and safety requirements. The organization emphasizes that clear federal rules would attract foreign investment and create additional jobs.

Trade considerations also influence congressional perspectives on hemp policy. Legislators interested in agricultural exports recognize hemp's potential contribution to the trade balance. AHAA leverages these economic arguments to build bipartisan support for reasonable regulations.

Looking Ahead: The 119th Congress and Beyond

With the 2024 Farm Bill extended through 2025, the 119th Congress will determine hemp's regulatory future. The change in congressional control presents both opportunities and challenges for the industry.

AHAA is preparing for renewed attempts to restrict hemp through both Farm Bill reauthorization and appropriations processes. The organization's strategy includes preemptive education of new members about hemp's economic importance and safety profile when properly regulated.

The possibility of comprehensive federal cannabis reform could also affect hemp policy. Some proposals would regulate all cannabinoids similarly, regardless of source. AHAA advocates for maintaining distinctions between hemp and cannabis while ensuring appropriate oversight for intoxicating products.

Industry consolidation continues as smaller companies struggle with regulatory uncertainty. The number of active CBD companies dropped from approximately 3,500 to less than 1,500 between 2020 and 2024, according to Brightfield Group analysis. This "survival of the fittest" environment favors well-capitalized companies that can navigate complex compliance requirements.

Action Steps for Industry Stakeholders

Hemp businesses must engage actively in the political process to protect their interests. AHAA provides tools and resources for effective advocacy, including template letters, talking points, and contact information for key legislators.

Companies should document their economic impact, including employment, tax revenue, and community contributions. This data becomes ammunition for advocacy efforts when legislators consider restrictive proposals. Personal stories from business owners and consumers also resonate with policymakers.

Building relationships with state and federal representatives before crises emerge proves more effective than reactive advocacy. Regular communication helps legislators understand the industry's challenges and contributions. AHAA facilitates these connections through organized fly-ins and district meetings.

Take action on current legislation through AHAA's Action Center. Every contact from constituents influences how legislators approach hemp policy. The industry's future depends on sustained engagement from all stakeholders.