North Carolina Hemp Farmers Face Uncertain Future Amid Proposed THC Limits
When Jeremiah Leggett launched his hemp farm in 2019, he envisioned a steady source of income that would support his family and contribute to the growing CBD market. Six years later, the prospect of losing that livelihood looms large as federal lawmakers consider tightening the allowable THC concentration in hemp‑derived products.
Why the Change Matters to Growers
Under the existing 2018 Farm Bill, hemp may contain up to 0.3 % THC on a dry‑weight basis. A provision tucked into the recent government‑shutdown‑ending bill would replace that percentage‑based threshold with an absolute cap of 0.4 mg of total THC per product container. For many edibles, tinctures, and topicals, that limit translates to a fraction of the potency currently on store shelves.
Leggett summed up the impact:
“It essentially gets rid of all the products. That doesn’t allow us to create anymore product. So, 99 % of what you see on the hemp shelves will be taken away.”
He worries that the rule would force him to question whether planting another crop is even worthwhile, noting the fear that “as a hemp grower, you got to take a chance. Do I even grow this year?”
State‑Level Conflict and Enforcement Questions
While the federal adjustment awaits implementation—potentially as early as November—North Carolina state law still permits many THC‑infused hemp items. This creates a potential clash between state and federal regimes, leaving regulators and businesses unsure which standard will prevail.
Phil Dixon, associate professor of public law and government at UNC‑Chapel Hill, explained the uncertainty:
“Nationwide, at least, it’s a multi‑billion‑dollar industry, and I think North Carolina is a big chunk of that because we’ve been producing a lot of hemp.”
He added that federal officials might tolerate state‑compliant operations, but “there’s no guarantee of that either.”
The situation could lead to selective enforcement, with federal authorities targeting hemp while allowing marijuana‑legal states to continue largely unimpeded—a scenario Dixon calls “not out of the realm of possibilities.”
Industry Calls for Targeted Regulation, Not an outright Ban
Lawmakers in Raleigh and on Capitol Hill are hearing from stakeholders who favor clearer rules rather than a sweeping prohibition. Leggett expressed support for measured oversight that would preserve legitimate businesses while curbing abusive actors.
“I’ve seen so many people’s lives changed and so many businesses open that support families and communities. I don’t want to see that go away.”
In October, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined 38 other attorneys general in urging Congress to clarify the existing hemp statute, citing bad actors who have exploited perceived loopholes.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Growing Season
As farmers prepare for the upcoming planting cycle, many operate under a cloud of uncertainty. The outcome of federal deliberations will determine whether North Carolina’s hemp sector can continue to thrive—or whether a significant portion of the market will vanish overnight.
For now, growers like Jeremiah Leggett remain vigilant, hoping that policy will evolve to protect both public safety and the economic vitality of the state’s hemp community.
Source: Here
