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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.

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

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.