The Future of Hemp Is on the Line: Here’s What You Need to Know

The hemp industry is facing the most significant federal threat since the 2018 Farm Bill. In late 2025, Congress passed — and the President signed — a federal funding bill (H.R. 5371) that rewrites the definition of hemp nationwide.

Unless  lawmakers change the language, nearly every hemp-derived product people rely on today could disappear within the next year.

This isn’t alarmism—it’s reality. And it’s exactly why your voice matters more than ever.

First, Watch: CBS News WCCO Interview with Stigma CEO Josh Maslowski

In this recent WCCO segment, Josh breaks down what this legislation means for Minnesota’s model, for consumers, and for the entire national hemp market.

What’s Actually Happening in Washington?
Congress quietly slipped new hemp language into a must-pass federal funding bill. That language:

  • Closes the door on the 2018 Farm Bill interpretation of hemp
    Updates the definition of “hemp” to treat all THC compounds as part of the
    total THC content
    Caps finished products at 0.4 mg total THC per container
    Prohibits cannabinoids produced through common and safe processing methods
    Establishes federal requirements that state programs would have to operate within, reducing states’ flexibility to regulate their own hemp industries

Why This Matters — To Everyone

This isn’t just a regulatory shift. It’s an economic and public-health earthquake.

  • A $28B industry is in jeopardy
  • More than 300,000 American jobs hang in the balance
  • Even states with responsible, well-run hemp programs would face major disruptions as the new federal limits take precedence
  • Consumers will lose access to tested, regulated, clearly labeled products

    This bill doesn’t protect the public. It eliminates safe, legal hemp options and drives demand into unregulated markets — the exact opposite of what consumers deserve.

But The Fight Is Far From Over

Here’s the good news: nothing is final.

There is already pushback in Congress. There is already momentum behind amendments and repeal. And lawmakers are paying close attention to the public response.

This next chapter will be shaped by pressure — your pressure.

Stay Informed. Stay Engaged. Stay Loud.This is a pivotal moment.

The next year will determine whether people continue to have access to safe, regulated hemp products or whether federal policy erases the entire category overnight.

We’re not letting that happen without a fight.

And we’re grateful to have you on our side.

Use the link below to contact your federal representatives and demand they:

Protect safe, legal hemp productsProtect Minnesota’s successful regulatory modelProtect small businesses that followed every rule

Act Now