1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to introduce or support legislation that repeals the federal ban on hemp-derived THC products included in the FY 2026 Agriculture appropriations bill. This provision, which takes effect November 13, 2026, will functionally ban all hemp-derived THC products nationwide and threatens significant economic harm to our state and the nation. The hemp industry currently generates $28 billion in economic activity and supports over 300,000 jobs across the country. This blanket ban, as Senator Rand Paul described it, will eliminate these jobs and destroy businesses that have operated legally under the 2018 Farm Bill framework. Many of these are small businesses and farms that invested in good faith based on existing federal law. Beyond the economic impact, this ban disregards the millions of consumers who rely on hemp products for wellness purposes. It also overrides state regulations that many states have carefully crafted to balance consumer access with public safety. States should retain the ability to regulate these products according to their constituents' needs rather than face a one-size-fits-all federal prohibition. Instead of an outright ban, Congress should establish clear and reasonable federal regulations for hemp-derived products. Sensible standards could include age restrictions to prevent youth access, mandatory product safety testing to ensure consumer protection, and labeling requirements for transparency. These measures would address legitimate safety concerns while preserving a legal industry and consumer choice. The 2018 Farm Bill created a legal framework for hemp production, and closing what some call a loophole through an appropriations bill circumvents proper legislative process. This issue deserves standalone legislation with full debate and consideration of economic and public health impacts. I respectfully request that you work to repeal this ban before the November 13, 2026 deadline and replace it with comprehensive regulations that protect consumers while preserving this important industry and the jobs it supports.