US Government Shutdown Ends with Redefinition of Hemp | Cannabis Science and Technology

The Government Reopens

It’s official, the longest government shutdown in the history of the US has ended after 43 days (1). Last night time, the Senate voted and handed the FY26 Agriculture Appropriations Bill which included a provision that redefined hemp as banning any product that contained more than 0.4 mg total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (2,3).

The hemp provision was spearheaded by Senator Mitch McConnell (4). NORML outlined the invoice as “federally legal hemp products as only those containing no more than either 0.3 percent or 0.4 milligrams of THC or other cannabinoids that produce similar effects, including THCA,” (4). The laws additionally included criminalization’s of “’any intermediate hemp-derived cannabinoid products which are marketed or sold as a final product or directly to an end consumer for personal or household use’ as well as products that are produced following chemical synthesis, such as those high in delta-8 THC content.”

In the hashish plant, delta-8 THC is produced naturally (4), however is created in further quantities by means of chemical synthesis the place producers are in a position to remodel hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) into delta-8 THC.

NORML reported that (4), “While the revised language is not explicitly intended to target hemp-derived CBD products marketed as non-intoxicating products, some industry advocates fear that these products will also ultimately be banned by the legislation because many of them contain trace levels of THC.”

Senator Rand Paul had led an effort hoping to “strike the amended language” from the invoice but it surely didn’t go on the Senate flooring. Another effort that mirrored Senator Rand Paul’s revision, additionally failed on the ground of the Senate (4).

With the invoice now signed by President Donald Trump, the revised laws will go into impact in a single yr from when it was handed (4).

Cannabis and Hemp Organizations Speak Out Against the Senate’s Reopening Government Bill

Cannabis and hemp organizations have been voicing their very own statements relating to the redefining hemp revision positioned within the invoice to reopen the federal government.

“Last night’s Senate vote underscores the significant risk facing the hemp-derived cannabinoid industry and the broader promise of the hemp plant. We are at a critical moment: much of the innovation and normalization that has been built over the past several years is now vulnerable,” stated Kim Sanchez Rael, Azuca CEO and co-founder, in an emailed assertion. “For farmers, brands, and consumers who embraced full-spectrum hemp, adult-use cannabinoid beverages and edibles, the potential outcome represents more than regulatory change, it’s a setback for consumer choice, progress and opportunity. But this moment also reminds us what we’re fighting for: a smarter, sustainable regulatory framework that prioritizes access and safety. We believe the path forward lies in regulation, not prohibition — one that reflects the “one plant” actuality and honors hemp and hashish as half of the identical evolving business.”

“Federally recriminalizing the hemp-derived marketplace will neither reduce consumers’ demand for these products nor increase consumers’ safety,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano stated (4).

The US Hemp Roundtable issued their own statement earlier right now the place they voiced their issues (5).

“Businesses are deeply disappointed by the decisions of Congress and their openness to receiving false information so easily,” shared Art Massolo, US Hemp Roundtable President and Cycling Frog VP of Business Development (5). “The next year will be critical in determining the future of hemp. As a significant American industry, we are committed to sharing with Congress the real story about hemp. Because the truth is that good actors in the industry have created a self-regulation authority to protect consumers. But we need Congress’ help to keep the bad actors out. Hemp is here to stay – let’s do it right.”

“Time and time again, American farmers have proven to be resilient, and hemp is no different,” stated Ken Meyer, Complete Hemp Processing co-owner and co-chair of US Hemp Roundtable’s Farmer Advisory Council (5). “The 2018 Farm Bill gave us a chance to embrace innovation and invest in a profitable crop. Our focus now is education of Congress and building a path that secures hemp for future generations and keeps farmers in business.”

“The US Hemp Roundtable is eager for the year ahead and the opportunity to right the course for the industry. The support of Senator Rand Paul has afforded our industry the opportunity to ensure our products are around for the seniors that struggle with pain or the veterans that battle anxiety and PTSD,” stated Jonathan Miller, US Hemp Roundtable General Counsel (5). “We are grateful for leaders that understand the true value of hemp and who will continue to advocate for responsible regulations that protect consumers and a uniquely American industry.”

References

1. Government shutdowns within the United States https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_shutdowns_in_the_United_States (accessed Nov 13, 2025).
2. Colli, M. Study reveals low-THC hemp drinks lower alcohol consumption as senate hemp laws looms https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/study-shows-low-thc-hemp-beverages-decrease-alcohol-consumption-as-senate-hemp-legislation-looms (accessed Nov 13, 2025).
3. McEvoy, E. US Hemp Roundtable warns Senate hemp laws may devastate business https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/us-hemp-roundtable-warns-senate-hemp-legislation-could-devastate-industry (accessed Nov 12, 2025).
4. Norml. Congress approves invoice limiting gross sales of hemp intoxicants https://norml.org/news/2025/11/13/federal-lawmakers-approve-funding-bill-restricting-sales-of-certain-hemp-derived-intoxicating-products/ (accessed Nov 13, 2025).
5. U.S. Hemp Roundtable: Industry Setback Leads to 365-day Mission to Regulate https://hempsupporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hemp-365-Release-11.13.25.pdf (accessed Nov 13, 2025).