White House Urges Congress to Replace Hemp Ban with a Workable Regulatory Framework
The Administration has formally asked lawmakers to address the impending hemp ban, urging Congress to either replace the prohibition with a clear regulatory structure or, at the very least, extend the current moratorium that is set to lapse in November.
What the White House Request Contains
In a supplemental funding package sent to Capitol Hill, the White House explicitly references Amendment #54 to H.R. 8646—a bipartisan provision championed by Representative Andy Barr—that calls for a science‑based approach to hemp oversight. The request asks legislators to:
- Maintain the existing hemp ban moratorium beyond its November expiration date, giving lawmakers additional time to craft durable regulations;
- Consider language that would replace the ban with a federal framework modeled after state‑level pilot programs and the 2018 Farm Bill’s hemp provisions.
You can review the full request here.
Industry Reaction
Jonathan Miller, General Counsel of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, welcomed the move:
“We are excited to see the President take such a strong public stance in favor of replacing the hemp ban with a strong regulatory framework, or at a minimum, securing an extension of the hemp ban moratorium to give Congress more time to develop regulations. This is an important step in honoring Congress’ promise to help farmers and consumers.”
The Roundtable’s press release, dated June 24 2026, provides further detail on the Administration’s stance and can be viewed here.
Why This Matters Now
Hemp cultivation has expanded rapidly since the 2018 Farm Bill removed the plant from the Controlled Substances Act, yet a pending federal ban threatens to disrupt supply chains for farmers, processors, and consumer product companies. Extending the moratorium or establishing a regulatory pathway would:
- Provide legal certainty for growers who have invested in equipment and acreage;
- Allow state and tribal programs to continue operating without fear of abrupt federal enforcement;
- Support ongoing research into hemp’s applications in textiles, construction materials, and nutritional products.
The ball is now in Congress’s court as leaders review the supplemental funding package in the coming days. Advocacy groups, including the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, are preparing to mobilize supporters to contact their representatives and urge inclusion of hemp‑friendly language in the final bill.
How You Can Help
In the days ahead, expect a call to action asking you to send a message to your members of Congress. Your voice will be pivotal in shaping a policy that balances public‑health‑conscious, economically viable approach to hemp regulation.
Thank you for standing with us.
For the original announcement and additional context, see the article Here.
