From Legal to Illegal: Hemp Industry Faces Shock Ban in Shutdown Agreement

OG article by AJ Herrington

November 12, 2025

A last-minute spending bill to end the 41-day government shutdown includes a ban on intoxicating hemp products, sparking outrage. The measure redefines legal hemp to include delta-8 THC and other cannabinoids, effectively criminalizing most products with more than trace THC. Advocates say even full-spectrum CBD would become illegal under the 0.4 mg THC-per-package limit. Regulated marijuana operators support the ban, calling it a fix for a 2018 Farm Bill loophole exploited by unregulated sellers. Hemp industry leaders warn it will kill a $30 billion market and 400,000 jobs. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) vows to fight the provision. President Trump supports the ban.