ADVOCATE FOR HEMP!
Federal rules affecting hemp access are changing, and enforcement of updated hemp definitions is scheduled to begin
November 12, 2026
These changes may impact the availability, formulation, and legality of many hemp-derived wellness products that millions of Americans use every day.
This page explains what’s changing, who it affects, and how you can make your voice heard.
THE CLOCK IS TICKING!
BUT FIRST... JANUARY 30TH
Congress must fix the language in the federal spending bill that would ban 95% of hemp products. The clock is ticking – on January 30th the continuing resolution passed to end the government shutdown expires, meaning Congress must pass a new spending bill.
✅ Already emailed and called? Do it again!
✅ If you haven’t - jump in now!
CALL & EMAIL
Calls count 1000 times more and only take 2 minutes to make. We love this resource provided by Charlotte's Web.
WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW!
WRITE YOUR STORY
Write down how hemp supports your daily life. How does it help you or your loved ones?
SHARE!
Share on social media and in person why access matters to your health, stability or family.
CONTACT OFFICIALS
Share your personal story with local, state and federal officials. They need to hear the human stories and not just from lobbyists.
FIND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES HERE!
Get the names and contact information for the people who represent you on the federal, state, and local levels. https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
If access to plant-based wellness has made your life safer, easier, or more manageable, now is the moment to say so. Policies are shaped by the voices that show up.
WHAT CHANGED?
In 2018, the U.S. established a legal definition of hemp that removed it from the list of controlled substances if it contained very low levels of delta-9 THC. Since then, federal interpretations have shifted toward a broader definition that includes total THC calculations and affects how products and ingredients are classified.
Under the updated interpretation, some products that have historically been considered legal hemp may no longer qualify — even if they contain only trace levels of THC or are non-intoxicating. This change influences:
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how products are legally defined
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how plants and extracts are tested
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which cannabinoids can be included
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how products reach store shelves
THE RESULT
Many formulations currently on the market may face new restrictions or reclassification when enforcement begins in late 2026.
WHAT'S AT STAKE?
Consumers
Hemp products are more than “wellness trends.” For many, they are medicine, relief, self-care, and survival.
Those at risk include:
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People managing chronic pain or inflammation
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Veterans or trauma survivors using hemp for PTSD or anxiety
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Patients relying on hemp/CBD for nausea, sleep, chronic illness, or cancer recovery support
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Older adults using hemp for joint pain, sleep, wellness
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People living in states without regulated cannabis markets — relying solely on hemp
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Parents and caregivers turning to hemp rather than pharmaceuticals
When hemp-derived cannabinoids go illegal, it isn’t just a product that’s lost. It’s access to relief, to safety, to health, to dignity.
Jobs and the Economy
Hemp and hemp-derived cannabinoids are not just wellness products; they are part of a broader economic ecosystem:
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The hemp-derived cannabinoid market is valued at over $28 billion in annual consumer demand.
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This sector supports approximately 328,000 American jobs across farming, processing, manufacturing, retail, and distribution.
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In states such as Texas, the hemp economy has been linked to tens of thousands of jobs and billions in local retail revenue.
Shifts in regulatory definitions can ripple through entire supply chains, affecting farmers, small businesses, storefronts, testing laboratories, and more.
Public Opinion
Public support for access to plant-based cannabinoids remains strong. A majority of U.S. adults — about 70% — support legal access to cannabis in some form, reflecting broad acceptance of plant-derived wellness choices.
While hemp and cannabis are regulated differently, these trends show that most Americans view access to plant-based products as a mainstream wellness issue.
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A FEW TALKING POINTS & RESOURCES
