1. United States
2. W.V.
3. Letter

I am writing as your constituent to express my deep concern about the hemp-derived cannabinoid ban included in the recent federal spending bill. While safety and responsible regulation are important, the provision as written punishes responsible adults, removes a vital tool for many people managing legitimate health conditions, and destabilizes small businesses that have operated in good faith under existing federal law. I want to speak from personal experience. I have three college degrees, including a law degree, and I am currently pursuing a PhD. I work full-time in the court system. I contribute to my community, my profession, and the economy every single day. People like me are not the caricatures often implied in discussions about hemp products. We are parents, professionals, taxpayers, and people who rely on these products to manage real medical conditions that once interfered with our ability to function at our best. For me, hemp-derived products allow me to manage PTSD and anxiety in a way that prescription and over-the-counter medications never could. A small amount before bed allows me to rest and wake up clear-headed, without the grogginess or side effects that made traditional medications difficult. These products support my ability to work, study, and contribute at a high level. In my work within the court system, I have also seen how access to safe, legal hemp alternatives helps people who are trying to move away from illegal pain medications and rebuild stability in their lives. These products have given individuals a natural, regulated option that reduces harm rather than worsening it. Removing that option through an overly broad federal ban undermines both public health and rehabilitation efforts. I am fully aware that pharmaceutical interests oppose the growth of non-prescription, plant-based alternatives. But policymaking should prioritize the well-being and autonomy of the American people. Responsible adults who contribute to society deserve access to safe, regulated options that help them function and thrive—not stigma and prohibition packaged into a budget bill. I respectfully urge you to support corrective legislation that restores access for responsible consumers, protects small businesses and farms, and creates a clear, science-based regulatory framework rather than an outright ban. Your leadership on this issue will directly impact the health, stability, and productivity of many of your constituents, myself included. Thank you for your time and service. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further or share more about my experience if it would be helpful.