White House Lobbies Congress to Delay Hemp Product Ban

The White House is lobbying Congress to delay a scheduled November 12 ban on potent intoxicating hemp products. The administration seeks to move the deadline to December 11 through a provision included in a bipartisan stopgap spending measure currently under Senate consideration.

Administration officials, including spokesman Kush Desai, argue the delay serves the best interests of patients and veterans. However, the move has drawn criticism from the regulated cannabis industry and several Republican lawmakers. Opponents characterize the effort as a "pay-to-play drug policy," pointing out that Bret Worley, the CEO of companies selling these products, is the son-in-law of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

Senator Ted Budd has announced his intention to introduce an amendment to strip the delay from the spending bill, arguing that any postponement endangers public safety. The provision was reportedly drafted with assistance from billionaire financier Howard Kessler. The final outcome remains uncertain as lawmakers attempt to resolve the dispute while avoiding a government shutdown at the end of September.