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The week of December 31, 2025, marks a significant transition period as states finalize year-end regulations and prepare for 2026 implementation deadlines.

American Healthy Alternatives Association (AHAA) and Standard Seed Corporation have formed a strategic collaboration designed to close that gap by connecting advocacy, large-scale real-world data, biological science, and responsible manufacturing into a single, credible framework policymakers can rely on.

With Schedule 3, the narrative around cannabis and hemp in America is changing. Science, experience, and common sense are finally being allowed back into the conversation. AHAA intends to make sure the voices of farmers, retailers, scientists, and consumers are heard as this next chapter is written.

This week's AHAA policy report covers major cannabis and hemp legislation across the United States. Hawaii advances comprehensive adult-use legalization with social equity provisions, Wisconsin and Michigan introduce strict hemp-derived cannabinoid regulations, and multiple states expand medical marijuana program eligibility. Discover key compliance requirements, passage forecasts, and important deadlines affecting the cannabis and hemp industries.

Hemp is federally legal, yet the industry is navigating one of the most confusing regulatory landscapes in its history. States are proposing bans, federal agencies are weighing new restrictions, and misinformation continues to shape policy debates. This moment will define the future of hemp in America. By staying engaged, informed, and united, we can secure fair, science-based rules that protect access, support small businesses, and strengthen a growing national industry.

This week brings major movement in hemp and cannabis policy as states tighten THC rules, introduce age restrictions, and expand medical frameworks. With a possible federal ban still on the table, consumers and businesses need to stay alert and take action to protect fair, accessible hemp regulation nationwide.

State lawmakers are moving aggressively toward total THC caps, new licensing systems, and age restrictions. Federal lawmakers are simultaneously debating national bans. Hemp is being targeted from both directions.

For years, opponents of hemp and other healthy alternatives have pushed the same tired narrative: cannabis is dangerous, hemp is a loophole, and anyone who chooses plant-based wellness must be naïve or reckless.

A break down of the latest federal signals, key state developments, and why a unified voice is now the single most important factor in preventing a nationwide ban.

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.

Lawmakers slipped new language into a federal spending bill that could ban most hemp-derived products—the very products that built the modern hemp economy, like Delta-8 and Delta-9 gummies, vapes, and infused drinks.

A new congressional funding package aimed at reopening the federal government now includes a provision that would dramatically reshape the legal hemp market. For small business owners, farmers, and retailers working under the promise of the 2018 Farm Bill, the stakes could not be higher.

FY2026 legislation would redefine hemp, ban products with "quantifiable" THC, and eliminate 95% of the industry. What you need to know and how to fight back.

This week brings several updates on federal and state policy involving farm legislation, hemp regulation, cannabis laws, and THC oversight.

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.

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.

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