Key facts
- The House passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through December 11.
- This legislation delays a federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products by one month.
- The provision was included at the White House's request.
- Hemp industry groups view the delay as a win, providing more time to advocate for regulation.
- Some Republicans and representatives of the marijuana industry oppose the delay.
The House of Representatives has passed a short-term government funding bill, effectively delaying a federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products by one month. The continuing resolution, which funds the government through December 11, passed with broad bipartisan support, though some Republicans and Democrats voted against it.
The delay, which postpones the ban until December 12, was inserted into the legislation at the White House's request, a priority for the administration. Hemp industry groups, such as the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and the Hemp Beverage Alliance, view this extension as a significant victory, providing crucial time to lobby lawmakers for a comprehensive regulatory framework rather than an outright ban.
These groups aim to establish regulations that protect consumers, prevent youth access, and offer certainty to farmers and businesses. However, the delay is not universally welcomed. Some hard-line Republicans and representatives from the marijuana industry oppose the extension, arguing that the "hemp loophole" created by the 2018 Farm Bill empowers illicit actors and undermines existing state regulations. They are pushing for the ban to be enacted to curb the sale of untested, high-potency products.