Bipartisan Hemp Bill Offers Regulatory Path After Trump Ban

Two House lawmakers introduced legislation Thursday that would establish federal oversight for consumable hemp products—a marked departure from the outright ban on intoxicating hemp that President Trump signed into law in December's spending package.

Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, filed the bill alongside Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX). The Hemp Enforcement Act represents Congress's first major attempt to address the regulatory vacuum created by intoxicating hemp products since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production.

The timing matters. Trump's December ban—buried in a continuing resolution—sent shockwaves through the hemp industry, threatening to eliminate a market that industry analysts value at over $2 billion. That ban specifically targeted products containing detectable amounts of THC derived from hemp, effectively criminalizing delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and similar compounds that have proliferated in gas stations and smoke shops nationwide.

The Regulatory Framework

The Griffith-Veasey bill takes a different approach. Rather than prohibition, it would empower the Food and Drug Administration to regulate hemp-derived consumable products, establishing testing standards, labeling requirements, and potency limits. The legislation also includes provisions for age restrictions and packaging standards similar to those governing alcohol and tobacco.

"We need a regulatory framework that protects consumers while preserving legal hemp commerce," Griffith said in a statement accompanying the bill's introduction. The Virginia Republican has long advocated for hemp industry oversight, having previously held hearings on intoxicating hemp products.

The bill would require hemp products to undergo safety testing before reaching store shelves. It would also mandate clear labeling of THC content and prohibit marketing to minors—addressing concerns that have dogged the unregulated hemp market for years.

Industry Response

Hemp industry groups have rallied behind the legislation. The U.S. Hemp Roundtable, which represents hemp farmers and processors, called it "a sensible middle ground" between unfettered sales and outright prohibition.

But not everyone supports the regulatory approach. Some cannabis reform advocates argue that any distinction between hemp-derived and marijuana-derived THC is scientifically meaningless. "THC is THC, regardless of the plant it comes from," said one policy analyst who requested anonymity to speak candidly about the legislation.

State-licensed cannabis operators have mixed feelings. Many view intoxicating hemp products as competition that undercuts their heavily taxed and regulated businesses. Several state cannabis trade associations have lobbied for stricter hemp controls—or outright bans—arguing that hemp products circumvent the regulatory safeguards they must follow.

What Happens Next

The bill faces uncertain prospects. Trump's December ban doesn't take effect until later this year, giving Congress a window to act. But passing hemp legislation requires navigating competing interests: hemp farmers who want to preserve their market, cannabis operators who want to eliminate untaxed competition, and public health advocates concerned about product safety.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee would need to advance the bill before it reaches the floor. Griffith's position as subcommittee chairman gives the legislation a procedural advantage, but it would still need buy-in from committee leadership and the full House.

Veasey's co-sponsorship adds Democratic support, potentially broadening the bill's appeal. The Texas Democrat sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee, positioning him to champion the legislation through committee markup.

Meanwhile, hemp businesses are watching the clock. If Congress doesn't act before Trump's ban takes effect, thousands of hemp retailers could face sudden inventory losses and potential legal liability. Some companies have already begun reformulating products or exploring exit strategies.

The legislation also arrives as several states implement their own hemp regulations. California, Colorado, and Oregon have all passed laws restricting intoxicating hemp sales, creating a patchwork of state rules that complicates interstate commerce.

Whether federal lawmakers can craft a workable regulatory system—or whether they'll let Trump's ban stand—remains the hemp industry's biggest question heading into 2025.

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This article is based on original reporting by www.marijuanamoment.net.