Weekly Policy Report – November 18, 2025
Policy Update: Federal Threat to the Entire Hemp Industry and State Actions Shaping Hemp’s Future
November 18, 2025
A Federal Ban Is Still on the Table. Our Community Must Act Now.
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. These proposals would wipe out family farms, close thousands of small businesses, and block millions of adults from choosing natural alternatives. Decisions being made before the end of the year will influence the entire future of this industry.
This is the moment when unity matters. Washington responds to organized communities with clear, consistent messages. If we want fair, science-based regulations instead of blanket bans, we must show lawmakers that this industry is made up of real Americans: farmers, manufacturers, retailers, scientists, veterans, parents, and consumers in every region of the country.
AHAA was created for moments like this. We are urging every business and every consumer who relies on these products to stand together, speak up, and push for rules that protect public safety without destroying access. The next few weeks will decide what 2026 looks like for all of us.
Pennsylvania Opens Grant Funding for Hemp and Other Specialty Crops
Pennsylvania launched its 2025-2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which includes hemp as an eligible crop. The state will distribute $460,000 to support projects that strengthen specialty crop competitiveness, sustainability, and market development. Applications are open through December 19, 2025, and funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2029.
More details:
https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol55/55-45/1667.html
Massachusetts Moves Forward on Urban Agriculture and Hemp Beverage Rules
Two significant bills advanced in Massachusetts.
Tax Relief for Urban Agriculture
The first bill, “An Act to promote urban agriculture and horticulture,” would let municipalities offer up to a 100 percent property tax exemption for small agricultural properties, including rooftop and container farming. This bill continues to move through the House.
Bill text:
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3130
A New Framework for Hemp-Derived Beverages
Massachusetts is also advancing a bill that would regulate hemp beverages through licensing, product registration, excise taxes, and strict testing and labeling rules. Local boards of health would receive funding to enforce these standards.
Bill text:
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2663
Wisconsin Weighs Major Policy Changes
Wisconsin lawmakers are reviewing two different proposals that would impact the agricultural and hemp sectors.
Food Assistance Purchases from Wisconsin Growers
One proposal would invest $30 million in the 2025-2026 fiscal year to help food banks purchase locally produced foods. This could expand opportunities for growers producing grain, fiber, or food-grade hemp products.
Assembly bill:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/AB386
Senate companion:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/SB408
A New Definition of Hemp with Stricter Limits
A separate bill would redefine hemp to include total THC (including THCA) capped at 0.3 percent. It also adds definitions for hemp-derived cannabinoid products, outlines new testing requirements, and supports academic research.
Bill text:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/AB503
Alabama Introduces One of the Toughest Restrictive Bills in the Country
Alabama’s new proposal would classify all psychoactive hemp derivatives including Delta-8, Delta-9, and Delta-10 as Schedule I controlled substances. Only licensed pharmacies could sell nonpsychoactive ingestible hemp products. All consumable hemp used in products would need to be grown in Alabama, and the bill includes extensive testing, inspection, and seed-to-sale tracking requirements.
This bill would remove nearly all independent hemp retailers from the state.
New Hampshire Prepares to Tighten Hemp Access
New Hampshire released two new Legislative Service Requests indicating plans to restrict access to certain hemp-derived products and revise the definition of hemp. Full text is not yet available.
LSR links:
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/lsr_search/LSR_Results.aspx
New York Considers Limits on Hemp Beverages
A new bill in New York would define cannabinoid hemp beverages as liquids with no more than 0.5 percent THC and cap each container at 5 milligrams of total THC. Sales would be restricted to licensed retailers, and delivery would be allowed only for adult-use dispensaries. A 10 percent distributor tax would apply.
Bill text:
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8575
Assembly site:
https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=S8575&term=2025&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Committee%20Votes=Y&Floor%20Votes=Y&Memo=Y&Text=Y
New Jersey Updates Its Intoxicating Hemp Framework
New Jersey is updating its intoxicating hemp law to fix constitutional issues highlighted by a federal court. The bill clarifies definitions so that compliant hemp products are not treated as marijuana, and it preserves municipal authority to apply transfer taxes. This is an example of a state adjusting its rules rather than banning access entirely.
Bill text:
https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4509
What This Means for the Industry
Federal and state pressures are building at the same time. Some states are working toward balanced, science-based frameworks while others are pursuing bans that would shut down local businesses and restrict consumer access. The next few weeks will define the future of hemp nationwide.
Take Action
This industry survives only when the people in it stand together. Contact your lawmakers through the AHAA Action Center and add your voice to the push for fair, science-driven regulations.
Join the movement. Protect access, protect small businesses, and protect consumer choice.
