Republican disquiet over hemp ban threatens passage of bill to end shutdown

OG article by Hannah Harris Green

November 12, 2025

Kentucky Republicans threaten to derail the spending bill over a surprise hemp ban that would outlaw nearly all THC-containing products, including non-intoxicating CBD. Sen. Rand Paul voted against the bill; Reps. Massie, Comer, and Barr oppose the provision. The ban, pushed by Sen. McConnell and Rep. Harris, sets a 0.4 mg THC limit per container. Hemp advocates call it devastating to a $30 billion industry. The bill needs House passage Wednesday to end the shutdown.