US hemp industry faces federal and state crackdowns threatening THC and CBD products

The hemp sector in the U.S. is facing extensive federal and state regulations that threaten to eradicate a majority of THC and CBD offerings, fundamentally altering the cannabis landscape. In November, new federal legislation reclassified hemp to include total THC, not just delta-9, limiting THC in final products to 0.4 milligrams per container. This regulation, which took effect in November, follows the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp with a maximum of 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. Advocates predict that 95% of existing hemp extract products will become illegal under these new limits. States like Texas, Ohio, Missouri, and Pennsylvania have begun to impose stricter rules, with Texas prohibiting smokable hemp flower and extracts starting March 31. Wisconsin's governor estimated that the federal changes could wipe out $700 million in production and 3,500 jobs in the state. Reports to poison control centers regarding THC-infused hemp products surged over 300% in four years, with many items mimicking popular candies and lacking age restrictions. Advocates for the hemp industry are pushing for regulated markets that include age limits and testing standards instead of outright bans, garnering bipartisan support in Congress for reducing restrictions.