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Ohio’s hemp industry now finds itself in the crosshairs of both executive orders and sweeping legislative proposals. Let’s push back. Hold lawmakers accountable. The road ahead is uncertain but our voices can make the difference.

CBG reduces anxiety 26.5% without intoxication. CBN improves sleep quality. THCA offers neuroprotection. Science-backed guide to hemp-derived cannabinoids and why legal access matters.  

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

AHAA's ongoing advocacy in Washington DC protects the $3.5B hemp market from federal restrictions. Latest congressional developments and regulatory updates.

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.

On September 16, 2025, Ohio lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 266 (SB 266), “Regards the sale and testing of intoxicating hemp products.”  If passed as written, this bill could severely restrict access to hemp-derived products in Ohio,  threatening small businesses, consumer choice, and patients who rely on these alternatives.

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.

Spice is a fully synthetic chemical blend with unpredictable effects. Hemp-derived cannabinoids, by contrast, start with a natural crop and can be manufactured and regulated responsibly.

For centuries, hemp has been an American agricultural staple, valued for its fiber, food, and wellness benefits. Yet because of outdated laws and fear-driven narratives, hemp was lumped into marijuana prohibition and driven out of legitimate commerce for decades. Now is the time to replace outdated fears with evidence-based policies that protect consumers and strengthen the hemp industry. Anything less simply repeats the failures of the past.

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.

Behind every hemp policy debate are real people whose lives have been transformed by these natural products. Read five compelling stories that show why protecting hemp access matters for health, wellness, and quality of life across America.  

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.

Hemp-derived products have transformed millions of lives, but access isn't guaranteed. Discover how AHAA membership protects your freedom of choice through powerful advocacy, exclusive benefits, and collective action that shapes hemp policy across America.  

While HB 328 threatens to ban much of the hemp industry, SB 265 offers a balanced, safety-first approach to protect consumers, farmers, and small businesses.

HB 328 may appear to protect youth, but hidden clauses threaten the very survival of North Carolina's hemp economy. From felony penalties to sky-high license fees, here’s what lawmakers aren’t telling you.

Texas lawmakers are proposing two bills—SB 3 and HB 28—that could severely limit the hemp industry. From banning most cannabinoids to criminalizing online sales, these measures threaten businesses and consumer access. Learn what’s at stake and how you can take action.

Hemp laws are shifting fast across the U.S. This blog breaks down major legislative developments in Alabama, California, Connecticut, and Texas—plus how you can take action to protect the industry.

Lawmakers in Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, and Texas are pushing new hemp regulations that could impact businesses, consumers, and the industry as a whole. Learn about the latest updates and how you can take action to protect the future of hemp.

Hawaii's cannabis reform efforts hit a roadblock as the Senate rejects a proposal to increase possession limits from 3 grams to 15 grams. The decision sparks debate over fairness, practicality, and the state’s stance on meaningful cannabis policy reform.

The Florida House of Representatives has announced a Combined Workgroup on Hemp to navigate the complexities of hemp regulation. With multiple hemp-related bills expected this session, this workgroup could play a key role in shaping the industry's future. What do you think about this initiative? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!