House Passes Short-Term Funding Bill to Delay Hemp Ban
The House approved a continuing resolution that funds the government through Dec. 11 by a vote of 370‑48, with 19 Republicans and 29 Democrats opposing the measure. The Senate cleared the bill by a landslide margin, and it now heads to President Trump’s desk.
One‑Month Extension for Hemp‑Derived THC Products
The legislation pauses a federal ban on most hemp‑derived THC items — including gummies and beverages — for an additional month. The prohibition had been scheduled to take effect on Nov. 12.
White House Influence and Industry Response
The delay provision was inserted at the White House’s request, which has made stopping or revising the hemp ban a priority. Industry groups view the extension as a crucial window to negotiate a comprehensive regulatory framework rather than face an outright prohibition. “This extension gives us one additional month, and we intend to make every day count,” the U.S. Hemp Roundtable said in a member alert.
Political Opposition and Ongoing Debate
Hard‑line Republicans objected to the bill, citing Senate‑added measures that include the hemp ban delay, and voted against a rule for unrelated legislation. The battle is far from settled, as some House and Senate Republicans, alongside marijuana industry representatives, pledge to continue fighting the delay. “Our sights are set on December,” said Chris Lindsey, vice president of policy and state advocacy for the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, adding that the loophole “empowers bad actors, threatens public health, and undermines state regulations.”
Industry Concerns and the Road Ahead
Advocates argue that the ban would cripple a multi‑billion‑dollar market. The hemp beverage sector, represented by the Hemp Beverage Alliance, says it looks forward to working with Congress to craft rules that protect public health, prevent youth access, and remove untested, high‑potency copycat products that target children. “The loophole creates a market for unsafe, unregulated items,” noted Christopher Lackner, founder and president of the Hemp Beverage Alliance.
For a fuller account of the legislative moves and reactions, see Here.
