Why the federal hemp THC ban is bad news for cannabis genetics

OG article by MJBizDaily Staff

November 21, 2025

The federal hemp THC ban, enacted through a recent spending bill signed by President Donald Trump, prohibits viable seeds from plants producing 0.3% or more total THC (including THCA), classifying them as federally illegal marijuana starting November 2026. This closes a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill and has profound implications for cannabis genetics trade. Previously, based on a 2022 DEA ruling, seeds from high-THC plants were treated as legal hemp. Now, their interstate and international shipment will be prohibited, severely impacting seed banks and breeders in the $32 billion regulated marijuana industry, where seeds are preferred for developing premium flower genetics. Enforcement remains unclear, but the one-year grace period ends November 13, 2026. A potential loophole exists for tissue cultures and clones, which are not mentioned in the ban. Advocacy groups are pushing for regulatory alternatives to mitigate disruption to the industry.