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As we head into the final weeks of 2025, the biggest threat to hemp is not coming only from the states. In Washington, several lawmakers are still pushing for federal language that would ban most hemp-derived products nationwide.

Their seminar, “Reality Check: Federal Threats and Upcoming State Fights,” broke down what is coming, what is already in motion, and what every company needs to understand if this industry is going to survive the next two years. JD and Drew stressed that Washington responds to unity, resources, and simple, defensible messaging.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.