Story perspectives

Senate pushes hemp-derived THC ban to December

8/4/2026

Summary

Senate Delays Hemp

Senate leaders introduced legislation to postpone the federal ban on hemp-derived THC products.
The bill extends agency funding and shifts the ban deadline from Nov. 12 to Dec. 11.
Industry advocates cite the sector’s $28 billion value, 300,000 jobs, and $1.5 billion in state tax revenue as reasons for the delay.
Senator Ted Budd said he will offer an amendment to remove the extension and keep the Nov. 12 ban.

Summary

Federal Caps THC

A federal provision caps THC at 0.4 mg per container, making hemp-derived THC drinks and edibles illegal after Nov. 12.
Mike Smith of Herban Flow and Michael Pool of AstroBliss say their businesses will suffer, with Smith expecting 80 % of inventory to miss the limit, prompting layoffs, and Pool cutting marketing spend for losses.
Ellen Snelling, chair of the Hillsborough Anti-Drug Alliance, supports the limits, citing more children accidentally eating THC-infused candy.

History

Historical Context

The 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act, signed Dec 20 2018, removed hemp (<=0.3% THC) from Schedule I and tasked the USDA with oversight and the DEA with THC limits. After a multi-billion-dollar intoxicating-hemp market expanded, Congress in late 2025 passed a law redefining hemp by total THC, prompting today’s effort to delay the 2024 ban on hemp-derived THC drinks.

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Senate Delays Hemp

Senate leaders introduced legislation to postpone the federal ban on hemp-derived THC products.
The bill extends agency funding and shifts the ban deadline from Nov. 12 to Dec. 11.
Industry advocates cite the sector’s $28 billion value, 300,000 jobs, and $1.5 billion in state tax revenue as reasons for the delay.
Senator Ted Budd said he will offer an amendment to remove the extension and keep the Nov. 12 ban.

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