US Hemp Roundtable Sounds Alarm Over Senate Hemp Legislation Threat

The US Hemp Roundtable has issued a stark warning regarding new Senate legislation that threatens to redefine hemp limits in a way that could devastate the industry. On November 10, 2025, the organization highlighted the potential consequences of the proposed changes, which could impact 95% of hemp businesses and result in the loss of 300,000 jobs across the United States. This legislation was included in a minibus bill passed by the Senate on November 9, as part of efforts to reopen the government

The legislation in question proposes a new THC limit of 0.4 mg per container for hemp-derived CBD products, a significant reduction from current standards. According to data from the Whitney Economics 2023 National Cannabinoid Report, this change could result in $1.5 billion in lost tax revenue due to the potential collapse of the hemp industry. The US Hemp Roundtable argues that many consumers rely on CBD products that would be affected by these new limits, posing a risk to their wellbeing and to the economic stability of hemp-dependent communities

In response to the proposed legislation, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul has filed an emergency amendment to remove the hemp regulation language. The amendment seeks to maintain the current definition of hemp under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, which was expanded by the 2018 Farm Bill. Jonathan Miller, General Counsel for the US Hemp Roundtable, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the hemp industry is being unfairly targeted in the broader political struggle to reopen the government. He reiterated the coalition's support for Senator Paul's efforts to protect the industry

The US Hemp Roundtable has also outlined its strategy should the legislation pass, which includes working during a proposed one-year moratorium to reverse the ban and promote consumer-friendly regulations. The coalition warns that the current legislative proposal could inadvertently foster an illegal market for hemp products, undermining efforts to create a regulated and safe industry. The organization remains committed to advocating for standards that protect both consumers and manufacturers

Industry experts like Kimberly Anzarut, CEO of Allay Consulting, have advised hemp businesses to prepare for potential federal oversight. Anzarut suggests that compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and obtaining necessary certifications are crucial steps for businesses to survive in a changing regulatory landscape. She notes that while the immediate threat of a ban has been averted, the issue remains unresolved, and businesses must treat compliance as an essential component of their operations