Could a Government Shutdown Be Held Up Over Hemp?
There’s a storm brewing in Washington, and believe it or not — hemp might be right at the center of it.
Congress is scrambling to keep the government funded before another shutdown, but tucked inside that debate are efforts to ban hemp-derived products nationwide — the same kind of products you can legally buy right here in Texas.
The Backstory: A Ban That Keeps Coming Back
Last year, Representative Mary Miller tried to sneak a hemp ban into the Farm Bill. The proposal would’ve outlawed almost every hemp product on the market, even those that meet the federal 0.3% Δ9-THC limit. Thankfully, that effort stalled — but now, a new attempt is underway through the backdoor of a government spending bill.
According to the industry leading associations like the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and the Hemp Industry and Farmers of America, some powerful members of Congress are trying to add last-minute language to criminalize hemp products containing any detectable THC. If that sounds extreme, it’s because it is — and it could pull the rug out from under small businesses, farmers, and responsible adult consumers across the country.
A Call to Action from Senator Rand Paul
On October 28, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky hosted a webinar that drew thousands from across the hemp industry. His message was clear: now’s the time to speak up.
Paul has been pushing back against these bans, calling instead for reasonable regulation — including an 18-month federal study on hemp and competing proposals from Senator Wyden and Congressman Griffith that could finally create consistent national standards. They’re not perfect, but they’re a lot better than outlawing a thriving American industry overnight.
Texas Has Seen This Movie Before
Sound familiar? It should. Here in Texas, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick tried to ban hemp-derived products in 2023. But Governor Abbott stepped in, vetoed the ban, and instead pushed for smart regulation that protects consumers while keeping Texas businesses open.
You can read more about that saga in our earlier post: The Texas Hemp Saga.
Why It Matters
If Congress slips a ban into a giant “minibus” spending bill, it could spark more than an economic crisis — it could cost thousands of jobs, shutter small brands, and rob farmers of a crop that’s finally paying off. The government shutdown negotiations shouldn’t become a backdoor fight over hemp.
What You Can Do
This is your chance to make a difference.
👉 Visit hempsupporter.com/federal-action to contact your members of Congress and tell them: support responsible regulation, not prohibition.
