Trump “Supports” Senate Hemp THC Ban Amid Heated Industry Debate as Lawmakers Negotiate Government Reopening
President Donald Trump has voiced support for a proposed ban on hemp products containing THC, included in a major Senate appropriations package, signaling his backing amid ongoing efforts by cannabis, alcohol, and other stakeholders to influence the final legislative deal.
A White House spokesperson confirmed to NBC News that Trump “supports the current language in the bill on hemp,” one day after the Senate cleared the package for floor consideration. Industry advocates have warned that the provisions could effectively dismantle the existing market for hemp-derived THC products.
While Trump has previously endorsed cannabis reform proposals—including pending legislation to reschedule marijuana—he has also expressed caution regarding non-medical cannabis use. During his first term, he signed the 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized hemp and its derivatives, but he has been less vocal on issues involving intoxicating cannabis products.
Now, as the White House seeks a path to reopen the government amid a historic shutdown, Trump’s support for the controversial hemp THC ban aligns him with a key provision of the larger legislative package.
Senator Rand Paul Challenges Ban While Alcohol Industry Pushes Lawmakers to Uphold Provisions
Despite Trump’s backing, the debate in Congress is far from settled. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has filed an amendment aimed at removing the hemp language from the funding bill entirely, asking Senate leadership to consider it.
At the same time, multiple alcohol industry groups have weighed in, urging Congress to maintain the current language. A coalition including the American Distilled Spirits Alliance (ADSA), Beer Institute (BI), Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS), Wine America, and Wine Institute emphasized that Paul’s proposed changes could “threaten the delicately balanced deal to reopen the federal government.”
“Manufacturers of beverage alcohol, one of the most highly regulated consumer products, urge the Senate to reject Sen. Paul’s attempts to allow hemp-derived THC products to be sold devoid of federal regulation and oversight across the country,” the coalition wrote. “We stand ready to work with Congress and the Administration to enact meaningful regulations that protect consumers and ensure a safe, orderly marketplace for these intoxicating products once this loophole is addressed.”
New Federal Definition of Legal Hemp Would Restrict THC and Synthetic Cannabinoids
The proposed appropriations language would redefine legal hemp, imposing restrictions that go beyond current law. Under existing rules, hemp products are considered legal if they contain less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.
The new legislation would apply the weight limit to total THC—including delta-8 and other isomers—and extend to “any other cannabinoids that have similar effects (or are marketed to have similar effects) on humans or animals as tetrahydrocannabinol,” as determined by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
The bill would also ban “any intermediate hemp-derived cannabinoid products marketed or sold as a final product or directly to an end consumer for personal or household use,” as well as products containing cannabinoids synthesized outside the plant or incapable of natural production.
Legal hemp products would be limited to 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container. Within 90 days of enactment, the FDA and other agencies would be required to publish a list of cannabinoids naturally produced by the cannabis plant, alongside tetrahydrocannabinol-class compounds and other cannabinoids with similar effects.
Bipartisan Divide: Lawmakers and Attorneys General Push for Contrasting Outcomes
The hemp THC ban has highlighted deep divisions among policymakers. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) have advocated for a full prohibition on intoxicating hemp products, citing public health and regulatory concerns. Conversely, Paul has repeatedly warned that a ban could devastate the industry, even threatening to block large-scale spending legislation to protect hemp businesses.
In addition, a bipartisan group of 39 state and territory attorneys general recently urged Congress to clarify the federal hemp definition and regulate intoxicating cannabinoid products. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D) defended the letter despite criticism from industry stakeholders and advocates who questioned why states with regulated hemp markets would support federal recriminalization.
Industry Responses Reveal Fractured Support Among Alcohol and Consumer Groups
While some alcohol distributors and trade groups support the ban, other stakeholders are advocating for a more permissive approach. More than 50 alcohol distributors have joined the debate, emphasizing that declining alcohol demand has made the cannabis market an essential revenue source for their sector.
Interestingly, other consumer trade associations—including members like Coca-Cola, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, and Nestlé—are also lobbying for a ban on hemp-derived THC products. The competing pressures demonstrate the fragmented landscape of industry lobbying, with some actors supporting restrictions and others emphasizing market flexibility.
Legislative Nuances: THC Limits, VA Medical Cannabis Access, and FDA Oversight
The Senate’s proposed legislation differs slightly from earlier measures passed by the Appropriations panels, which would have prohibited any “quantifiable” THC content. The new language allows up to 0.4 milligrams per container and introduces detailed regulatory oversight measures, giving the FDA 90 days to identify naturally occurring cannabinoids.
Separately, the appropriations package excludes prior language that would have allowed VA doctors to recommend medical cannabis to veteran patients in states where it is legal. This omission reflects the broader complexity of federal cannabis policymaking amid competing legislative priorities.
Potential Amendments and the Future of the Hemp Industry
As the Senate advances the appropriations bill, Paul’s amendment to strike the hemp ban could significantly alter outcomes, though its fate remains uncertain. McConnell has defended the ban, arguing that the 2018 Farm Bill intended only to legalize hemp for grain and fiber, not intoxicating cannabinoids.
Paul has also introduced the Hemp Economic Mobilization Plan (HEMP) Act, which proposes to triple the THC concentration allowed in hemp and address other regulatory concerns, demonstrating his long-term strategy to reshape federal hemp policy rather than impose a strict prohibition.
Meanwhile, the White House and the alcohol coalition have emphasized the importance of a regulated marketplace, aiming to balance consumer safety, economic interests, and federal oversight.
Hemp THC Ban Debate Reflects National Tensions Over Cannabis Policy
The debate over the hemp THC ban illustrates the tension between federal oversight, industry growth, and public health. With Trump’s support and lobbying from both alcohol and consumer groups, the final legislative outcome remains highly uncertain. Stakeholders across the hemp and cannabis sectors are watching closely, recognizing that the provisions could reshape the market, affect hundreds of thousands of jobs, and determine the federal government’s role in regulating intoxicating cannabinoids for years to come.
Stay informed on federal hemp and cannabis developments by subscribing to Cannabis Risk Manager updates. For guidance on navigating compliance and industry policy, email info@cannabisriskmanager.com.
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