Eight Democratic U.S. senators signed off on a framework that would ban synthetic substances such as delta-8 THC while leaving CBD eligible for use in supplements, foods, and cosmetics under strict rules.
In a Sept. 16 letter from primary authors Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley to Senate leaders of both parties, the signatories urged an approach based on regulation instead of out-and-out prohibition of hemp-derived cannabinoids. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was signed by Sens. Angela Alsobrooks, Maryland; Cory Booker, New Jersey; Martin Heinrich, New Mexico; Chris Van Hollen, Maryland; and John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, both of Colorado.
“We write to express strong opposition to the inclusion of any language in S.2256 … or in any continuing resolution or conferenced spending bill that would decimate the American agricultural hemp industry and imperil states’ ability to prevent unsafe hemp-derived cannabinoid products from getting into the hands of children,” the senators wrote.
Passed in early August, S.2256, the fiscal year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act — sometimes confused with the Farm Bill — was the vehicle for a Republican attempt to recriminalize hemp intoxicants. Although that language was stripped before passage of S.2256, the broader Farm Bill, delayed since 2023, is still being debated; the matter of hemp intoxicants remains unresolved and is certain to return.
Hyperbole
“If this language were to become law, it would deal a fatal blow to the American farmers, who are the foundation of the regulated hemp industry, and jeopardize tens of billions of dollars in economic activity around the country,” the senators wrote.
The senators claim that “the hemp industry flourished and now supports 320,000 American jobs, generates $28.4 billion in regulated market activity.” The figures are dubious; nobody knows or could confirm such numbers – that’s another story.
Still, the intent of the letter is clear. In addition to the ban on synthetic intoxicants, the senators propose restricting CBD and other hemp-derived cannabinoids in supplements, foods, beverages, and cosmetics by:
- Limiting sales to adults 21 and older
- Standardizing packaging and labeling to stop candy lookalikes aimed at kids;
- Requiring independent third-party testing for consumable hemp products.
Read more at Hemp Today
