Regulate it. Don't eliminate it.
A common sense federal framework for hemp derived cannabinoid products: strong consumer protections, clear national standards, and legal access for adults.
Before any deadline existed, AHAA asked Congress for four basic rules that protect kids and consumers and keep responsible businesses open. Washington wrote a ban instead.
Four rules. Not a ban.
21 and over.
ID checked on every sale, in store and online.
READ THE RULECLOSE
Products restricted to adults 21 and older. Retail controls to prevent youth access. Restrictions on sales near schools and childcare facilities.
Every batch.
Independent lab results customers can look up.
READ THE RULECLOSE
Independent laboratory testing. Verification of cannabinoid content. Testing for heavy metals, pesticides, solvents and contaminants. Compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices.
Child-resistant.
Honestly labeled, never a candy look-alike.
READ THE RULECLOSE
Clear ingredient disclosures. Serving size information. Warnings regarding age restrictions and other health considerations. Child resistant packaging requirements.
Adults only.
No kid appeal, no false claims.
READ THE RULECLOSE
No marketing directed at anyone under 21. No cartoon characters or child appealing packaging. No imitation of established candy or snack brands. No unsubstantiated health claims.
Regulation over prohibition.
AHAA supports a federal framework that preserves lawful hemp derived products while ensuring strong consumer protections and clear national standards.
Congress should maintain the industrial hemp and hemp derived cannabinoid product definitions established in Section 781, while modifying the hemp definition to preserve lawful hemp and provide regulatory certainty for the industry. AHAA also supports directing the Food and Drug Administration to establish a comprehensive federal regulatory framework with national standards for age restrictions, product testing, labeling, packaging, manufacturing practices and marketing.
A consistent federal framework would provide regulatory certainty, strengthen consumer protections, end the patchwork of state rules, and let responsible businesses keep investing, operating and creating jobs in the United States.
What AHAA is asking Congress to do
- 01Repeal the hemp definition and product exclusion provisions added by Section 781, while preserving the industrial hemp provisions.
- 02Establish a hemp definition modeled on Amendment 54 to H.R. 8646.
- 03Direct FDA to develop a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for hemp derived cannabinoid products.
In the meantime: Congress should suspend implementation of the hemp definition in Section 781 until these reforms are enacted and FDA has put the framework in place.
Tell CongressIf the restrictions take effect: more than 70 percent of businesses could close or relocate and over 225,000 jobs could be lost. Industry participants consistently name federal regulatory ambiguity as their greatest concern, and support common sense regulation over prohibition.
2018 to today.
Farm Bill Enacted
Hemp is legalized federally and removed from the Controlled Substances Act. The 0.3 percent delta 9 THC standard is set and interstate commerce is authorized.
Rapid Market Expansion
USDA licensed acreage grows from roughly 78,000 to more than 522,000 acres. A national hemp derived cannabinoid industry emerges.
State by State Regulation
FDA does not establish a comprehensive cannabinoid framework. States adopt varying rules, creating a patchwork regulatory environment.
Public Law 119-37 Enacted
Section 781 replaces the delta 9 standard with a total THC standard, adds a 0.4 mg THC per container cap, and sets an effective date one year out.
Executive Order on Cannabinoid Research
The order recognizes that hemp derived cannabinoid products are widely used and may benefit common ailments, and directs federal agencies to expand research on CBD and other cannabinoids.
The President's FY 2027 Budget Request
The budget appendix proposes appropriations language that would repeal Section 781 entirely.
OMB Requests Congressional Action
The OMB Director urges Congress to revise federal hemp regulation consistent with Amendment 54 to H.R. 8646.
Continuing Resolution Extension
Congress approves a short term extension pushing implementation from November 12 to December 11, 2026.
The Deadline
Unless Congress acts, the amended federal hemp definition takes effect. Every day before this date belongs to the people willing to use it.
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