What Every Hemp Consumer Needs to Know: It's Time to Stand Together

Published on Jul 22, 2025 • Reviewed & Updated on Jul 23, 2025

Your CBD routine is under attack. That Delta 8 gummy that helps with evening stress, the hemp tincture that's become part of your wellness ritual, and the products that have genuinely improved your quality of life - they could all become illegal within the next year.

This isn't a scare tactic. Both the House and Senate have already approved legislation that would ban most hemp products currently on the market.

But here's the thing: we're not powerless. We have one year to show lawmakers that millions of Americans depend on these products, and we're going to fight for our right to choose them.

If you've found relief, balance, or simply better sleep through hemp-derived products, it's time to join the movement. Your voice matters, and together, we can protect consumer access to safe, legal hemp products.

Key Takeaways

Congress has approved legislation that could ban 90% of hemp products, but we have one year to fight back.
This affects YOUR products: CBD, Delta 8, and most hemp-derived wellness products you rely on.
We're stronger together because millions of hemp consumers can influence lawmakers during implementation.
Take action now and contact representatives, join AHAA, and share your story about how hemp helps you.
Mellow Fellow stands with consumers - this is about your right to choose wellness products that work.

The Simple Truth About What's Happening

The Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill sounds like typical government paperwork, but buried on page 127 is language that would fundamentally reshape what hemp products can legally exist in America.

The bill would redefine hemp to exclude any products containing "quantifiable amounts" of THC or other cannabinoids that have "similar effects on humans or animals" as THC, as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This represents a dramatic shift from the current 0.3% Delta 9 THC limit established by the 2018 Farm Bill.

Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), who chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, has championed this language, stating it "closes the hemp loophole from the 2018 Farm Bill that has resulted in the proliferation of intoxicating cannabinoid products, including Delta 8 and hemp flower being sold online and in gas stations nationwide".

The bill has already passed significant hurdles. The House Appropriations Committee voted 35-27 along party lines to approve the spending bill on June 23, 2025. Even more concerning for hemp advocates, the Senate Committee on Appropriations approved their version of the bill unanimously, 27-0, with language that also "closes the hemp loophole that has resulted in the proliferation of unregulated intoxicating hemp products being sold across the country".

What makes this particularly challenging is that the hemp language is embedded in a must-pass spending bill that funds agricultural programs.

As Aaron Smith, CEO of the National Cannabis Industry Association, noted, "this budget provision won't change that fact [that hemp-derived THC products are widely available], but it will ensure these products are made and sold without oversight, delivering a big win to the drug cartels at the expense of public health and safety".

What This Means for YOU

If this legislation goes through as written, the hemp products you rely on will disappear. Not just the sketchy gas station stuff, but your trusted CBD oils, your favorite Delta 8 gummies, and all of the other products that actually help you sleep, manage stress, or feel better.

Your products are on the chopping block:

That CBD oil that helps with your anxiety? Gone, unless it's expensive isolated CBD with zero THC traces.
The Delta 8 dummies that help you unwind? Completely illegal.
Your full-spectrum CBD products that actually work? Banned because they contain trace amounts of THC.
The hemp products you’ve come to rely on? Most would disappear from shelves.

But here’s what gives us hope: We have one year to change minds. One year to show lawmakers that these aren't dangerous drugs-they're wellness products that help real people live better lives.

The hemp community is strong, as millions of Americans use hemp products responsibly. When we speak up together, lawmakers listen. We've defeated bad legislation before by showing the human side of this industry.

Consumer voices can still make a difference - Join AHAA today to receive action alerts and advocacy updates during this critical implementation period.

This isn't about politics. It's about your right to choose products that work for your wellness routine. And together, we can protect that right!

The Real Safety Story

The legislation frames itself as protecting consumers from "dangerous" products, but this narrative completely misses the important distinction between responsible brands and problematic sellers.

Hemp-derived CBD dominated the CBD market in 2024, accounting for around 57.2% of total CBD sales, largely because consumers trust regulated, tested products over alternative sources.

The hemp industry isn't monolithic. There's a massive difference between a pharmacist-formulated blend from a company like Mellow Fellow and a questionable product from a gas station.

Quality hemp brands have invested heavily in consumer safety. At Mellow Fellow, every product undergoes rigorous testing through independent laboratories.

Responsible Companies Provide Safe and Tested Products

Responsible companies like Mellow Fellow provide consumers with comprehensive lab testing, clear labeling, pharmacist formulations, and consistent quality, all of which ensure that consumers get safe and pure wellness products intended to better the everyday lives of Americans.

Here’s what you can expect from a responsible company like Mellow Fellow:

Comprehensive Lab Testing: Every batch is tested for potency, pesticides, residual solvents, and heavy metals. Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are readily available to consumers.
Clear Labeling: Products clearly state cannabinoid content, serving sizes, and intended effects. No misleading claims or packaging that appeals to children.
Pharmacist Formulation: Blends created by licensed pharmacists who understand cannabinoid interactions and proper dosing.
Consistent Quality: Standardized manufacturing processes that ensure each product delivers the expected effects every time.
Consumer Education: Comprehensive information about cannabinoids, effects, and proper usage.

The blanket ban approach would eliminate these responsible companies while doing nothing to address the root problems.

As industry leaders point out, "Congress should empower federal agencies to regulate these products responsibly, not double down on prohibitionist policies that have already proven to be failures".

States that have implemented thoughtful regulation rather than outright bans have seen better consumer outcomes. These frameworks typically include age restrictions, testing requirements, labeling standards, and licensing for manufacturers and retailers. This approach protects consumers while preserving access to beneficial products.

Here's How We Fight Back Together

We're not just consumers - we're a community. And when we stand together, we can change minds and protect our access to products that genuinely help us.

Your voice really does matter. When lawmakers hear from real people about how hemp products changed their lives, it matters. Your story about better sleep, reduced anxiety, or pain relief carries more weight than any industry lobbyist.

We’ve won before! Consumer advocacy defeated similar legislation in 2023. When thousands of people contacted their representatives, lawmakers listened. We can do it again.

Here’s your action plan to fight to keep the hemp wellness products you’ve come to rely on:

By making your voice heard and sharing your story, joining the movement, and using your power as a citizen, you can join the fight to help you and millions of Americans keep these hemp wellness products on the shelves and available for you to better your lives.

Make Your Voice Heard: Call your representatives. Tell them you're a voter who uses hemp products responsibly, and these products have improved your life. Use congress.gov to find their contact information.
Join the Movement: Connect with AHAA and get plugged into organized advocacy efforts. They'll send you action alerts and make it easy to contact lawmakers when it matters most.
Use Your Power: The U.S. Hemp Roundtable's Action Center makes it simple to contact multiple representatives at once. Use it.
Share Your Story: Post on social media, talk to friends and family, write letters to local newspapers. Help people understand that hemp consumers are regular people who've found something that works.
Stay Connected: This fight will take time. Sign up for updates so you know when your voice is needed most.
Take Action Now: Contact your representatives, join AHAA for ongoing advocacy alerts, and use the Hemp Roundtable's Action Center to make your voice heard during this critical implementation period.

Remember: You're not just defending products-you're defending your right to choose what works for your wellness. And that's worth fighting for.

This Affects Real People, Real Communities

The bottom line is that this is about real people and how this hemp ban affects them - people like you who use hemp products to better your everyday lives. Hemp products help millions of Americans manage stress, get better sleep, and find relief from everyday challenges.

Who this really impacts:

You and Your Family: The products you trust and rely on for wellness
Small Businesses: Local hemp shops and family-owned companies that serve their communities
Farmers: Rural communities where hemp cultivation provides new income opportunities
Veterans: Many find hemp products helpful for sleep and stress management
Working Parents: People looking for natural alternatives to help with daily stress

The Human Cost Matters: When lawmakers see that hemp consumers are regular people, not some fringe group, they're more likely to support reasonable regulations instead of blanket bans.

Your Story Has Power: Every time you tell someone how hemp products have helped you, you're changing minds. Every call to your representative, every social media post, every conversation with a friend makes a difference.

We’re Stronger Together: The hemp community includes millions of people who've found something that works. When we stand together and speak up, lawmakers listen.

This fight is about protecting your right to choose wellness products that genuinely help you live better.

Mellow Fellow's Commitment to Consumer Access

Mellow Fellow stands firmly with consumers' right to choose safe, effective hemp products. Our pharmacist-formulated blends represent exactly the kind of responsible manufacturing that should be protected, not prohibited.

We've invested heavily in quality control, consumer education, and transparent business practices because we believe consumers deserve better than the current regulatory uncertainty.

Our Position Is Clear: We support sensible regulation that protects consumers while preserving access to beneficial products. This includes:
Age Restrictions: Hemp products should only be available to adults (21+) or those with medical recommendations.
Quality Standards: Mandatory testing for potency, contaminants, and accurate labeling.
Responsible Marketing: No claims about medical benefits without proper research, and no packaging that appeals to children.
Industry Accountability: Support for trade associations and advocacy groups that promote best practices.
Consumer Education: Continued investment in helping consumers understand cannabinoids, proper dosing, and potential interactions. Read our blog for scientifically-backed information about how hemp can improve your life.

We will continue to advocate for policies that distinguish between responsible companies and bad actors. Our customers deserve the right to choose mood-specific blends that have been carefully formulated for specific effects, whether that's creativity, focus, or relaxation.

We Can Still Win This Fight

The reality is that this legislation has strong support in Congress. But we have something powerful too - millions of people who depend on hemp products and are willing to fight for them.

Why we can still win:

We Have Time: One year to organize, speak up, and change minds
We Have Numbers: Millions of hemp consumers across the country
We Have Stories: Real people with real experiences that matter to lawmakers
We Have History: Consumer advocacy has defeated bad hemp legislation before

We're not asking Congress to ignore all regulation. We want reasonable rules that protect consumers while preserving access to products that work. We want lawmakers to distinguish between responsible companies and bad actors.

The path forward is clear:

Organize: Join advocacy groups and stay connected to the movement
Speak Up: Contact representatives and share your story
Stay Strong: This fight will take time, but together we can win
Support Each Other: Share resources, amplify voices, and keep the community united

The hemp community has faced challenges before and come out stronger. We built an industry from nothing after the 2018 Farm Bill. We can protect it now.

This fight is about your right to choose wellness solutions that work for your life. And that's worth fighting for.

What You Can Do Right Now - Join the Fight

This is our moment to stand together.

The hemp community is made up of millions, including parents, veterans, students, professionals, and retirees, who’ve all discovered the benefits of hemp products.

We’re not looking for special treatment. We simply want the freedom to choose wellness products that improve our lives. We’re calling for common-sense regulation, not sweeping bans that ignore the people who rely on these products every day.

Now is the time to take action. Contact your representatives and let them know that you’re a responsible hemp consumer and a voter who expects fair treatment. Make it personal - tell them how hemp has helped you and why it matters. You can also amplify your impact by joining organized advocacy efforts.

Groups like the American Healthy Alternatives Association (AHAA) are leading the charge to protect consumer access and keep the pressure on lawmakers. Their updates and alerts make it easy to stay informed and get involved.

There are powerful tools at your fingertips. The U.S. Hemp Roundtable’s Action Center allows you to reach out to multiple lawmakers at once with just a few clicks. And don’t underestimate the power of your voice - share your story on social media, talk with friends, or write to your local paper. Every conversation helps change perceptions and build support.

This isn’t a one-day fight. We have a critical one-year window to show lawmakers that our community is strong, vocal, and not backing down. Stay engaged, sign up for updates, and be ready to speak up when it counts. Together, we can protect access to the hemp products that help us live better, healthier lives. Let’s make our voices heard - starting now.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Would This Bill Affect Hemp-Derived Topicals and Non-Intoxicating Products?

While the legislation targets products with intoxicating effects, its vague language could extend to topicals, balms, and salves made from full-spectrum hemp extracts.

Even non-psychoactive products might be banned if they contain trace cannabinoids like THC. This creates legal uncertainty for consumers who rely on hemp-infused skincare or muscle relief products.

Without clarification, the bill could eliminate therapeutic topicals despite their lack of systemic effects, undermining wellness options that have nothing to do with getting high.

Will Hemp-Derived Products With Zero THC Still Be Legal?

CBD isolate products with zero detectable THC may remain legal under the proposed legislation. However, many consumers prefer full-spectrum options for their broader cannabinoid and terpene profiles, which tend to produce more noticeable results.

If the bill passes, hemp companies may be forced to reformulate or abandon effective blends in favor of isolated compounds. This could reduce both effectiveness and product variety, leaving consumers with fewer choices and less access to the wellness tools that actually work for them.

How Would This Impact Farmers and Local Hemp Businesses?

If most hemp-derived cannabinoids are banned, it would decimate local farms and small businesses that depend on CBD and Delta 8 sales. Rural farmers who invested in legal hemp cultivation would lose their markets overnight.

Small family-owned shops could be forced to shut down, unable to recover from the sudden drop in product demand. The ripple effect could be devastating to entire communities, especially those that turned to hemp for economic revitalization after the 2018 Farm Bill legalized production.

Could This Ban Fuel the Growth of a Black Market?

Restricting regulated hemp products often leads to increased black market activity. If consumers can no longer access safe, tested products legally, they may turn to unregulated sellers with no quality control.

These products often lack proper labeling, may contain contaminants, and could pose real health risks.

A ban doesn’t eliminate demand - it just drives it underground. Responsible regulation protects consumers. Prohibition, on the other hand, puts them in danger by pushing them toward unsafe and unverified alternatives.

What Legal Challenges Could the Hemp Ban Face?

A federal hemp ban like this could face significant legal opposition. Lawsuits may argue that the proposed changes conflict with the 2018 Farm Bill, which explicitly legalized hemp and its derivatives under 0.3% Delta 9 THC.

Courts may also question the vagueness of terms like "quantifiable amounts" and "similar effects." Industry groups are already preparing litigation strategies to challenge the constitutionality and enforceability of the ban, especially if it threatens established businesses operating in good faith under current law.

What Are the Best Ways to Support the Hemp Advocacy Movement?

Beyond calling your representatives, you can get involved by donating to hemp advocacy organizations, signing petitions, and encouraging friends and family to speak out.

Attending local town halls, submitting public comments during rulemaking periods, and writing op-eds or social media posts all help shift public opinion. Supporting small hemp businesses and promoting consumer education can also drive momentum.

Every action you take helps build a louder, more unified voice that lawmakers can’t ignore during the critical implementation period.

Sources

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