Joe Rogan Surprised After GOP Senator Says Marijuana And Alcohol Industries Jointly Backed Push To Ban Hemp THC Products

OG article by Kyle Jaeger

January 14, 2026

On the Joe Rogan Experience, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) revealed that some marijuana businesses allied with alcohol interests to support a federal ban on most hemp THC products, shocking Rogan. Paul criticized Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) for prohibitionist language in a spending bill signed by President Trump in November, set to recriminalize hemp despite the 2018 Farm Bill. Effective next November, it caps total THC at 0.4 mg per container and redefines hemp to exclude THC-like cannabinoids, forcing plant re-hybridization. Paul noted interstate hemp sales compete with state-limited marijuana, prompting lobbying: “The cannabis people hate the hemp people.” Alcohol's role was smaller. He called it hypocritical to ban hemp gummies while allowing pharmaceuticals like Ambien. Rogan cited hemp benefits for arthritis and seizures via entourage effect. A GOP bill seeks a two-year delay; bipartisan protests continue. Trump's executive order reschedules marijuana to Schedule III and pushes hemp redefinition for CBD access. Hemp advocates warn of economic and research damage; polls show 80% of marijuana users oppose the ban.