Lawmakers Just Voted to Ban All Hemp Products With THC — Here’s What That Means for You

A controversial new bill could wipe delta-8, THCA flower, and other hemp-derived THC products off shelves nationwide. Here’s what you need to know about the proposed ban on hemp products with THC — and how it could impact your health, your business, or your freedom to choose.

A Political Shake-Up That Could Change Hemp Forever

In June 2025, a Republican-led House subcommittee approved an amendment in the Agriculture Appropriations Bill. On the surface, it seemed like a technical update. But the fine print? It could redefine hemp and criminalize almost every THC-containing product made from it.

This means no more delta-8 gummies. No more “legal weed” from hemp. No more gray area.

The goal? Lawmakers say they’re targeting unregulated, intoxicating substances. But critics argue this move threatens wellness access and a multibillion-dollar industry.

This legislation could lead to a nationwide ban on hemp products with THC, raising concerns among consumers and businesses alike.

What Is the “Hemp Loophole” — and Why Are They Closing It?

Let’s rewind to 2018. That’s when Congress passed the Farm Bill, legalizing hemp federally — as long as it contained no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight.

That seemed simple… until science stepped in.

Chemists began extracting or synthesizing cannabinoids like delta-8 THC, delta-10, HHC, and THCA from legal hemp. These compounds can mimic the effects of marijuana but slip through the legal cracks. The result? A booming industry of intoxicating hemp products sold online, in gas stations, and in shops across the country.

Lawmakers now call this the “hemp loophole.” This new bill? It’s their attempt to close it.

What Would This Hemp THC Ban Actually Do?

The amendment would change the federal definition of hemp. No longer would “0.3% delta-9 THC” be the only threshold. Instead, any measurable amount of any form of THC — including THCA — would be banned.

That includes:

• Delta-8 THC
• Delta-10 THC
• THCA (which becomes delta-9 when heated)
• Synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoids made from hemp

In effect, this law would prohibit any consumable hemp product with intoxicating potential — even if it’s naturally derived.

Who Would Be Most Affected?

This bill doesn’t just hit stoners. It affects real people and real businesses.

• Veterans using THCA flower to manage PTSD
• Parents giving their children cannabinoid tinctures for epilepsy
• People in non-legal cannabis states using hemp-derived THC for pain or anxiety
• Small hemp farms and local wellness companies
• Legal consumers who want cannabis alternatives without stepping into a dispensary
  

In short, millions of Americans could lose access to products they rely on — all in the name of closing a loophole.

Why Are Lawmakers Pushing for a Ban?

Supporters of the bill say the hemp-derived THC market is dangerous and unregulated. Their concerns include:

• Products being sold to minors
• No mandatory lab testing or safety standards
• Intoxicating products being mislabeled
• Increasing reports of hospitalizations related to synthetic cannabinoids
  

Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), the amendment’s sponsor, called the industry “a public health crisis waiting to explode.” Supporters argue the only way to solve it is with a full federal ban.

What the Hemp Industry Is Saying

To say the industry is alarmed would be an understatement.

The U.S. Hemp Roundtable — one of the biggest national advocacy groups — labeled the proposal “devastating” and “irresponsible.” Farmers say it would erase years of investment. Retailers warn of layoffs and closures.

But beyond the business side, advocates emphasize one thing: regulation makes more sense than prohibition.

Many are calling for:

• Minimum age limits (21+ only)
• Licensed retail and distribution
• Clear, tested labeling requirements
• Limits on synthetic processing
  

Banning everything, they argue, would push consumers toward unregulated or black-market options — and that’s far riskier.

How Does This Compare to State Laws?

Some states are already moving in different directions.

Texas recently passed legislation that could ban all THC-containing hemp products, depending on the governor’s signature. Alabama, on the other hand, implemented a regulation framework — allowing certain hemp cannabinoids with restrictions and safeguards.

This patchwork of laws is confusing for consumers and chaotic for businesses. A federal ban would override all of it — creating uniformity, but also erasing more progressive state systems.

What Happens Next?

The bill isn’t law yet — but it’s moving.

Here’s what comes next:

1. Full House Appropriations Committee reviews and votes
2. Floor vote in the U.S. House of Representatives
3. Senate consideration and reconciliation
4. Potential inclusion in the final 2026 Agriculture Appropriations Bill
5. Signature or veto from the President
   

If passed, enforcement could begin as soon as late 2025.

THC in Hemp Products Could Soon Be Illegal Nationwide

Hemp products that contain THC—such as delta-8 and THCA—have grown into a booming industry, expected to reach billions in value. But the rapid rise in popularity has also led to legal challenges.

Several states have stepped in with their own regulations. Some, like Minnesota, Iowa, and Kentucky, have chosen to regulate these products. Others—such as New York, Delaware, and Colorado—have banned them entirely. In Texas, lawmakers are also working to restrict or remove these products from the market.

Now, a federal proposal could go even further. A new bill proposes a nationwide ban on hemp products with THC. This would override state laws and close the legal loophole created by the 2018 Farm Bill, which allowed certain hemp-derived cannabinoids to be sold legally.

Not surprisingly, the proposal has sparked pushback from the hemp industry.

Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, said the group is “deeply disappointed” in the effort, which he believes would hurt farmers and small businesses. He criticized Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), who leads the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, for trying to include the ban in a larger spending bill.

The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) has also spoken out. The group says that a ban on hemp products with THC would be harmful to legal businesses and could increase demand for unregulated, black-market alternatives.

What Can You Do About It?

You’re not powerless — not even close. Whether you’re a hemp consumer, retailer, or farmer, here’s how you can take action:

• Call your Congress members – Make your voice heard. Share your personal or professional story.
• Support advocacy groups – Organizations like the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and local coalitions are fighting for your rights.
• Stay informed – Monitor the bill’s status, and educate others about what it means.
  

Passionate people built the hemp industry. It can also be protected by them.

Final Thoughts: Smarter Regulation or Overreach?

There’s no question: the hemp market needs clearer rules. Unregulated intoxicants in corner stores are a bad idea. But this bill may go too far.

By banning all hemp-derived THC — even those with medical uses or safe formulations — Congress risks eliminating affordable, accessible wellness options for millions.

The right path probably isn’t a ban. It’s smart, science-based regulation that protects consumers and preserves freedom of choice.

Let’s hope lawmakers listen.