Don’t outlaw CBD and hemp farmers—fix FY2026 hemp language

I’m writing as your constituent to respectfully urge you to oppose the hemp-related language in the FY2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. While I support sensible regulation to protect consumers—especially youth—the bill’s current language would effectively ban most hemp-derived cannabinoid products that were legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill. My concerns: - Overbroad hemp redefinition: - Replaces the 0.3% delta-9 limit with a total THC cap (including isomers and THCA), instantly making many compliant products illegal. - Bans cannabinoids made outside the plant, effectively outlawing hemp-derived delta-8/delta-10 even when safely produced. - “Quantifiable amounts” ambiguity: - Declares products with “quantifiable” THC (or similar cannabinoids) illegal without defining “quantifiable,” risking non-intoxicating CBD with trace THC. - Economic harm: - A near-total prohibition would devastate compliant farmers, processors, retailers, and state-regulated businesses. - Public health risks: - Pushing the market underground will reduce testing, labeling, and age controls. Targeted rules—potency limits, manufacturing standards, accurate labeling, age-gating, and enforcement against bad actors—are safer. - Process: - Redefining hemp should occur through regular order (e.g., Farm Bill or targeted legislation) with stakeholder input, not an appropriations rider. Please oppose the current language and support: - Clear, science-based definitions with reasonable total THC thresholds that don’t criminalize trace amounts in CBD. - National manufacturing/testing standards (cGMP, contaminant limits, accurate labeling, QR-code COAs). - Age restrictions and responsible retail controls for intoxicating products. - Enforcement focused on unsafe, adulterated, and youth-targeted products—not blanket bans. Thank you for your leadership and for protecting both consumer safety and the livelihoods of lawful hemp businesses and farmers. I appreciate your consideration.