Congress Passes Bipartisan Bill Delaying Federal Hemp Ban

The United States Congress passed a bipartisan bill to delay a federal ban on most hemp-derived THC products until December 11, 2026. The legislation, which now awaits the signature of President Donald Trump, provides a temporary reprieve for a $33 billion industry that emerged from a 2018 Farm Bill loophole allowing cannabis products with less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC.

The measure began as a Continuing Resolution passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate to extend the timeline for updating the Farm Bill's definition of hemp. Under the new schedule, synthetic cannabinoids that cannot be produced naturally by the hemp plant will become federally illegal on November 12, 2026, while naturally derived hemp products remain legal through December.

Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, and Rand Paul collaborated on the provisions to secure the delay, arguing that the original ban would have harmed farmers, breweries, and small businesses. Industry advocates from the ONE HEMP coalition stated the extension allows lawmakers to develop a science-based regulatory framework that distinguishes therapeutic wellness products from intoxicating or synthetic versions. The action follows the FY 2026 Agriculture Appropriations Act, which had previously included provisions that effectively banned most therapeutic hemp products.