Oregon’s senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley introduced legislation Dec. 10 that replaces a looming federal ban on consumable hemp products with a regulated marketplace, safeguarding a $28‑billion industry.
Oregon Senators Roll Out Bill to Replace Federal Hemp Ban with Regulation
The Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA) caps consumable hemp products at 5 mg THC per serving and 50 mg per container for edibles, topicals and inhalables, while allowing beverages up to 10 mg per container. It establishes a 21‑year federal age limit, mandates rigorous testing, packaging, labeling, pesticide and heavy‑metal standards, and bans synthetic cannabinoids and adulterated items.
Without a legislative fix, any intoxicating hemp product containing more than 0.4 mg THC per container or non‑natural cannabinoids such as HHC and delta‑8 THC will become illegal on Nov. 13, 2026. Products with total THC above 0.3 % (including THCA) are also prohibited.
Unlike Rep. Nancy Mace’s two‑page repeal bill, Wyden and Merkley’s 84‑page proposal adopts a comprehensive regulatory framework rather than an outright ban.
The law preserves state authority to ban, limit or tax hemp‑derived products beyond federal standards, while setting a federal floor for labeling, packaging and safety requirements.
U.S. Hemp Roundtable General Counsel Jonathan Miller praised the bill, calling it “a first step” toward a robust regulatory structure and urging Congress to extend the ban moratorium for at least another year.
The legislation includes $125 million for underage cannabis‑use prevention grants, $200 million for state impaired‑driving prevention and a nationwide anti‑drugged‑driving campaign, funding for a cannabis impairment and “cannabis breathalyzer” standard, a ban on child‑appealing flavors and packaging, FDA recall authority, and requirements that imported hemp products meet U.S. standards.
Wyden said the ban would “do nothing to protect kids and consumers” and would “be a gut‑punch to thousands of jobs and small businesses,” emphasizing that his bill offers a “thoughtful and measured approach” to consumer protection while fostering industry growth.
Christopher Lackner, president of the Hemp Beverage Alliance, called the regulatory approach “sensible” and pledged the association’s support for the legislation to ensure a thriving hemp beverage market beyond 2026.
