Hemp Products Would Be Federally Regulated Instead Of Banned Under New Senate Bill

OG article by Kyle Jaeger

December 11, 2025

Democratic senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act, aiming to create a federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD, rather than imposing bans. This bill responds to recent upheaval caused by a spending bill signed by President Trump that recriminalizes consumable cannabinoids, effective next November. Key provisions include THC limits of up to 5 mg per serving and 50 mg per container (10 mg for beverages), empowering the FDA to enforce safety standards, prevent child-targeted marketing, and require business registration, compliance, and accurate labeling. Sales are prohibited to those under 21, and states must adhere to federal packaging while retaining rights for stricter rules or bans. Wyden emphasized protecting kids and consumers from unsafe products without blanket bans, preserving jobs and innovation. Merkley highlighted how bans stifle research and industry growth, advocating for commonsense FDA guidelines. The bill establishes a $125 million grant program for cannabis prevention, bans synthetically derived cannabinoids, and defines total THC content (including delta-8 and delta-9) at 0.3% by dry weight for hemp. It mandates FDA rules on sales, manufacturing, and recalls within timelines, prohibits flavored vapes exceeding 6% terpenes, and bans combinations with alcohol, tobacco, or nicotine. Agencies will collaborate on THC beverage regulations, allocating $200 million annually for CDC data, $40 million for impaired driving grants, and $30 million for detection research. Largely mirroring a prior version with added THC limits as compromise, the legislation seeks to replace the impending ban with balanced regulation, earning praise from stakeholders like the U.S. Hemp Roundtable for building consensus.