A new economic report estimates that forthcoming restrictions on hemp-derived THC products could force more than two-thirds of U.S. hemp businesses to close and displace as many as 225,861 workers.
The 2026 U.S. Hemp Cannabinoid Report from Whitney Economics found that 68.1% of hemp businesses surveyed expect to shut down entirely if the new federal restrictions take effect as currently written. Another 15.5% said they would lay off employees, 6.9% expect to remain open with reduced revenue and 3.2% said they would relocate. Whitney Economics lists the report as released September 1.
Researchers surveyed 496 hemp businesses across 35 states and used the responses to estimate the broader economic impact nationwide.
