What the New Federal Hemp Language Really Means — And Why 2026 Will Be the Year of the Community

The hemp industry just experienced a political earthquake. On November 12, 2025, President Trump signed legislation ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history—but buried within that 141-page agricultural funding bill was language that could reshape the entire hemp market. Headlines screamed “Congress bans hemp-derived THC,” sending shockwaves through a $28.4 billion industry that employs over 300,000 Americans.

But here’s what those sensational headlines aren’t telling you: nothing changes about your access today, nothing is banned right now, and nothing is finalized for 2026.

At Pure Shaka, we believe our community deserves the complete picture—not fearmongering, not corporate spin, but transparent facts about what actually happened and what comes next. Our mission has always been to elevate wellness through quality products and honest communication. Let’s cut through the confusion and talk about what this really means for hemp consumers, businesses, and the fight ahead.

A Lot of Headlines. Even More Confusion. Let’s Break It Down.

What Actually Happened in Congress?

Congress inserted restrictive hemp language into Section 759 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Act as part of a must-pass government funding package. The provision was added to the bill without public debate, catching both the industry and consumers off guard.

The funding package includes language banning the sale of hemp-derived products with more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container and redefining hemp to include total tetrahydrocannabinols concentration (including THCA) of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. This represents a dramatic shift from the 2018 Farm Bill’s original hemp definition.

But here’s the critical detail most news outlets buried: the provision includes a one-year grace period before enforcement begins. The new restrictions won’t take effect until November 13, 2026—giving the industry and advocates 365 days to push for regulation rather than prohibition.

All Pure Shaka Products Remain Legal & Available

Nothing changes today. Your favorite hemp products are fully compliant and ready to ship. Browse our complete collection of lab-tested, premium hemp products.

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The Political Maneuvering Behind the Scenes

Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) fought vigorously against the hemp provision, threatening to delay government reopening unless the language was removed. Paul’s amendment to strip the hemp language from the bill failed by a vote of 76 to 24, with only Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) joining him among Republicans.

The provision’s strongest proponent? Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who originally authored the 2018 Farm Bill legalizing hemp but has since argued that companies exploited loopholes to create intoxicating substances. McConnell stated the new restriction “restores the original intent” of the Farm Bill as one of his final legislative acts before retirement.

This wasn’t a transparent regulatory process—it was backroom politics attached to legislation that had to pass to reopen the federal government.

We Did Not Lose — Not Federally, Not Locally

Let’s be absolutely clear about something: this was not a final vote on hemp’s future.

This was not a public debate where legislators weighed evidence and testimony. This was not a lawful regulatory process with industry input and public comment periods. This was political maneuvering—language hidden in a funding bill that most people will never read.

And the hemp community is fighting back with everything we have.

The Industry Response is Unified and Powerful

The U.S. Hemp Roundtable immediately condemned the language, stating it would wipe out 95% of the industry and cost states $1.5 billion in lost tax revenue. But condemnation is just the beginning.

Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA) is preparing to introduce comprehensive regulatory legislation that would replace the total ban with robust regulation of hemp products, including good manufacturing practices, truth in labeling, bans on synthetic THC, and strong measures to keep products away from children.

Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) plan to reintroduce their regulatory bill for consideration by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee. These aren’t symbolic gestures—these are concrete legislative alternatives that provide the regulation lawmakers claim they want without destroying an entire industry.

What Pure Shaka is Doing Right Now

We’re not sitting on the sidelines waiting for 2026. Pure Shaka is actively engaged at both state and federal levels through:

• Direct advocacy with policymakers who represent our communities
• Collaboration with national organizations like the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, pushing for science-based regulation
• Legal strategy development with attorneys challenging the unconstitutional aspects of the rushed legislation
• Industry coalition building to present a unified front for responsible regulation
• Customer mobilization to ensure lawmakers hear directly from the millions of Americans who depend on hemp

The U.S. Hemp Roundtable released a clear message: “We’re disappointed, but not defeated. Our new mission: 365 days to regulate, NOT ban”. That’s exactly Pure Shaka’s position—and we’re putting resources behind that fight.

2026 Will Be Decided By The Community — Not By Backroom Language

Here’s the simple truth that everyone in Washington needs to understand: hemp isn’t going anywhere because the public doesn’t want it to go anywhere.

Why Consumer Voices Matter More Than Ever

The national intoxicating hemp market is worth approximately $28 billion, with 300,000 jobs created since hemp legalization in 2018. But this isn’t just about economics—it’s about the millions of Americans who have found genuine relief and wellness support through hemp-derived products.

Consumers depend on these products for:

• Sleep support without pharmaceutical dependency – CBD + CBN sleep chews help millions achieve restful nights
• Pain management as an alternative to opioids – topical solutions and cannabinoid products offer relief
• Anxiety relief without prescription medications – full-spectrum CBD tinctures provide natural calm
• Stress management in our high-pressure world – THCa flower strains offer relaxation after long days
• Overall wellness enhancement and quality of life improvement – our complete product line supports holistic health

Hemp business owners report that customers share stories of finding relief after years of struggling with sleep disorders, chronic pain, and anxiety—often after pharmaceutical options failed them or caused unwanted side effects. Whether you prefer relaxing indica strains, energizing sativas, or balanced hybrids, hemp offers natural alternatives that support wellness without harsh chemicals.

The Power of Public Pressure

Regulators and legislators respond to constituent voices—especially when those voices are organized, persistent, and backed by facts. The next 12 months will see a massive collective response from:

• Hemp consumers sharing their personal stories with elected officials
• Small business owners demonstrating the economic impact of prohibition
• Farmers who’ve built livelihoods on legal hemp cultivation
• Healthcare advocates presenting evidence on harm reduction
• State legislators pushing back on federal overreach

Organizations like the American Hemp Advocacy Association are coordinating national advocacy efforts to oppose prohibition language and support smart regulation that protects consumers while preserving legal access and jobs.

Your Voice Matters: How to Take Action

The key to changing this outcome is simple: make your voice heard. Here’s exactly how you can participate in shaping hemp policy:

1. Contact Your Representatives Directly

Members of Congress pay attention to constituent communication—especially when it’s personalized and comes from voters in their districts. Make these calls and send these emails:

• Call your U.S. Representative at the Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121
• Email your Senators through their official websites (find contact info at senate.gov)
• Personalize your message with your own story of how hemp products have helped you

2. Support Advocacy Organizations

Industry groups fighting for regulation over prohibition need grassroots support:

• U.S. Hemp Roundtable (hemproundtable.org) coordinates federal lobbying efforts
• American Hemp Advocacy Association (myhealthyusa.org) mobilizes consumer voices
• State hemp councils advocate at the local levels where you live

Membership dues and donations fund lobbying campaigns, legal challenges, and grassroots mobilization.

3. Share Accurate Information

Combat misinformation by educating your networks:

• Share fact-based articles (like this one!) on social media
• Correct false narratives about hemp safety and regulation
• Amplify industry voices calling for sensible regulation
• Use hashtags like #RegulateNotBan and #SaveHemp2026

4. Attend Public Comment Periods

The FDA has 90 days to publish a list of natural and synthetic cannabinoids and provide a definition for “container”. When federal agencies open public comment periods, participation from consumers is crucial. Sign up for updates from advocacy groups to know when these opportunities arise.

5. Support Businesses Committed to Compliance

Vote with your wallet by supporting companies like Pure Shaka that:

• Maintain rigorous lab testing standards
• Follow all current state and federal regulations
• Advocate transparently for responsible industry practices
• Keep customers informed about regulatory developments

Make Your Voice Heard Today

Your representatives need to hear from constituents NOW. One phone call can make a difference—especially when thousands of us call together.

Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121

Your Message: “I oppose the hemp ban. Support Rep. Griffith’s regulatory framework instead.”

Contact Pure Shaka for Updates →

Pure Shaka’s Commitment: We’re In This Fight For The Long Haul

We built Pure Shaka on a foundation of quality, compliance, and community. Those values don’t change because Washington got it wrong on hemp policy.

Our Promises to You

✔ Keeping products legal and compliant: Every Pure Shaka product meets current federal and state regulations. We work closely with legal counsel to ensure ongoing compliance as regulations evolve.

✔ Transparent education: We won’t sugarcoat developments or hide behind corporate messaging. You deserve clear, honest information about what’s happening and what it means for your access to hemp products.

✔ Fighting for fair regulations: Pure Shaka supports appropriate oversight—age restrictions, labeling requirements, potency testing, and quality standards. We oppose prohibition disguised as regulation.

✔ National coalition alignment: We’re contributing resources and leadership to industry groups taking this fight directly to Congress, not sitting on the sidelines hoping someone else solves it.

✔ Amplifying community voices: We’ll provide clear pathways for customers to make their voices heard—whether that’s pre-written letter templates, contact information for representatives, or updates on advocacy opportunities.

What This Means for Your Access Today

Let’s address the immediate concern: Can you still buy Pure Shaka products?

Absolutely yes. Nothing changes today—hemp products remain fully legal and available under current federal law. All Pure Shaka products continue to comply with the 2018 Farm Bill definition of hemp (less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight) and meet all applicable state regulations.

The November 2026 enforcement date means:

• Current products remain available throughout 2025 and into 2026 – shop our THCa flower collection, premium pre-rolls, and edibles
• New products will continue launching as we’ve planned – check our full catalog regularly
• Your access is uninterrupted while the legislative fight continues
• No stockpiling panic necessary—we’re fighting to preserve long-term access, not encouraging fear-based buying

The Bigger Picture: Industry Transformation

The hemp industry is preparing a comprehensive lobbying push aimed at replacing the ban with federal testing, labeling, and age-restriction rules—exactly what responsible businesses have been requesting for years.

Some industry leaders view this moment as an opportunity to secure proper federal regulation that distinguishes legitimate businesses from bad actors. While the current language is unacceptable, the attention it’s brought to hemp regulation could ultimately result in a framework that provides certainty for businesses and safety assurances for consumers.

Pure Shaka welcomes appropriate regulation that:

• Establishes clear testing standards for potency and contaminants – view our published lab reports
• Requires truthful labeling of cannabinoid content on all products from vapes to tinctures
• Implements meaningful age verification for adult products
• Creates accountability for manufacturers and retailers
• Distinguishes between natural plant compounds and synthetic analogues

What we won’t accept is prohibition masquerading as regulation—and neither should you.

Understanding the Opposition: Who Benefits From a Hemp Ban?

To effectively fight this legislation, we need to understand who pushed for it and why. A varied array of groups supported the legislation, including alcohol distributors, regulated cannabis companies, and marijuana prohibition advocacy organizations.

The Unlikely Coalition

Alcohol Industry: More than 50 alcohol distributors initially opposed hemp beverage bans, but ultimately many supported restrictions after investing in hemp beverage brands themselves. Hemp-infused beverages have emerged as alternatives to alcohol—and that competition threatened traditional beverage companies.

Regulated Cannabis Companies: Licensed dispensaries operating under strict state regulations have long complained that hemp businesses exploit loopholes to sell essentially identical products without the same regulatory burden, licensing fees, or taxation.

Prohibition Advocates: Organizations that have historically opposed cannabis legalization saw an opportunity to limit consumer access to cannabinoids through any pathway—state cannabis programs or federal hemp law.

Law Enforcement: State law enforcement officials have lobbied for hemp restrictions, arguing that the lack of federal regulation creates complications in cannabis enforcement.

What They Got Wrong

The coalition pushing for hemp restrictions relied heavily on three flawed arguments:

“Protecting children”: Hemp retailers maintain strict age-21 policies and note the hypocrisy of claiming hemp products target youth while alcohol—which causes 95,000 deaths annually—faces no similar restrictions despite colorful branding.

“Unregulated products”: Many states including Texas have implemented comprehensive hemp regulations with testing requirements, labeling standards, and age restrictions—demonstrating that state-level regulation works when the FDA fails to act.

“Safety crisis”: No credible public health emergency has emerged from state-regulated hemp markets. The real issue is FDA failure to establish federal standards, not inherent product dangers.

The Economic Impact: What’s Really At Stake

The consequences of this legislation extend far beyond abstract policy debates. Real businesses, real jobs, and real tax revenue hang in the balance.

Jobs and Small Businesses

Approximately 300,000 jobs have emerged in the hemp sector since legalization in 2018. These aren’t just corporate positions—they’re:

• Family farms in Kentucky, Texas, North Carolina, and across rural America
• Small retail shops providing local jobs and economic activity 
• Manufacturing facilities processing hemp into consumer products
• Testing laboratories ensuring product safety and compliance

North Carolina hemp business owners report that the ban would effectively eliminate their ability to operate, with one retailer stating “we can’t really pivot” given how few products would remain legal.

Tax Revenue and Public Programs

Several states use hemp taxes to fund addiction services, county budgets, and public health programs—revenue that would disappear under federal prohibition. The loss of $1.5 billion in state tax revenue means:

• Reduced funding for substance abuse treatment programs
• Lost support for public health initiatives
• Decreased county-level services funded by hemp taxes
• Elimination of economic development in hemp-producing regions

The Black Market Risk

Industry executives warn that prohibition will drive the $28 billion market underground, where products face no testing, no age restrictions, and no tax compliance. When demand exists but legal supply disappears, illicit markets fill the void—creating the exact dangers prohibition claims to prevent.

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What Happens Next: The 365-Day Timeline

The clock is ticking, but 365 days is enough time to change this outcome. Here’s what the next year will look like:

Immediate (November 2025 – January 2026)

• Legislative alternatives introduced: Representative Morgan Griffith’s regulatory framework and the Wyden-Merkley Senate bill will be formally introduced for committee consideration
• Industry mobilization: Trade groups coordinate nationwide advocacy campaigns
• Public comment periods: FDA begins rulemaking process for cannabinoid definitions
• State-level responses: State legislators consider how to respond to federal overreach

Short-Term (January – June 2026)

• Committee hearings: Congressional committees examine hemp regulation alternatives
• Stakeholder testimony: Farmers, business owners, consumers, and experts present evidence
• Grassroots pressure: Coordinated constituent contact with representatives intensifies
• Legal challenges: Constitutional and administrative law challenges to rushed legislation
• State resistance: States with successful hemp programs push back on federal prohibition

Critical Period (June – November 2026)

• Legislative deadlines: Final opportunities to pass alternative regulatory frameworks
• 2026 Farm Bill negotiations: Comprehensive agricultural legislation could address hemp properly
• Business preparations: Companies develop contingency plans if prohibition stands
• Consumer education: Ongoing information campaigns about status and alternatives
• Final political push: All-out advocacy blitz in weeks before enforcement date

Why We’re Optimistic: This Fight is Winnable

Despite the shocking way this legislation passed, we have legitimate reasons for optimism about reversing it:

Public Opinion Supports Hemp Access

More than 60% of Americans support cannabis legalization and responsible regulation—and hemp-derived products are even less controversial than traditional marijuana. When constituents contact their representatives en masse, legislators listen.

Legislative Alternatives Exist

Unlike previous hemp crackdown attempts, this time we have actual bills with actual sponsors ready to replace prohibition with regulation. That’s not hypothetical—it’s concrete legislative progress.

Economic Arguments Are Compelling

Lawmakers face a choice: support a $28 billion legal industry paying taxes and following rules, or force it underground where it pays nothing and operates with zero oversight. The economic case for regulation over prohibition is overwhelming.

Bipartisan Opposition Exists

Representative James Comer (R-KY) led a bipartisan group of 28 lawmakers opposing anti-hemp language, with the letter signed by nearly the entire Kentucky delegation across party lines. When an issue unites conservative Republicans and progressive Democrats, change is possible.

States Have Proven Regulation Works

States like Texas, North Carolina, and others have successfully implemented hemp regulations demonstrating that appropriate oversight protects consumers without eliminating the industry. These state models provide blueprints for federal regulation.

Join the Movement: 365 Days to Regulate, NOT Ban

The hemp community is 300,000+ strong. When we speak together, Congress listens. Get involved with advocacy organizations fighting for sensible regulation.

• U.S. Hemp Roundtable – Federal lobbying coordination
• American Hemp Advocacy Association – Grassroots mobilization
• State Hemp Councils – Local advocacy efforts

Get Email Updates Read FAQs

The Future of Hemp: Responsible Regulation vs. Prohibition

Pure Shaka has always supported appropriate hemp regulation. What we oppose is prohibition disguised as regulation—and that’s exactly what the current language represents.

What Good Regulation Looks Like

Testing Standards: Mandatory third-party testing for potency, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants

Labeling Requirements: Clear, accurate information about cannabinoid content, dosage, and appropriate use

Age Restrictions: Consistent enforcement of 21+ requirements for intoxicating products

Manufacturing Standards: Good manufacturing practice (GMP) requirements and facility inspections

Product Differentiation: Clear distinction between non-intoxicating CBD wellness products and intoxicating THC products

Supply Chain Accountability: Traceability from farm to consumer ensuring compliance at every step

What Bad Policy Looks Like

The current legislation fails every test of good regulation:

• 0.4mg per container limit: More than 90% of non-intoxicating hemp-derived products contain THC levels greater than this impossibly low threshold
• No input process: Industry, consumers, and experts excluded from drafting language
• Hidden implementation: Attached to must-pass legislation without standalone debate
• Eliminates legitimate businesses: Destroys compliant companies while driving demand to black market
• Ignores state success: Overrides functional state regulatory frameworks
• Lacks scientific basis: Arbitrary limits not tied to safety evidence or public health data

What You Can Expect From Pure Shaka

As we navigate the next 365 days, here’s our commitment to transparency and communication:

Regular Updates

We’ll keep you informed as developments unfold:

• Monthly blog updates on legislative progress and advocacy opportunities
• Email communications when time-sensitive actions are needed
• Social media updates sharing industry news and mobilization calls
• In-store signage with current information and ways to participate

Participation Opportunities

We’ll make it easy for you to engage:

• Pre-written letter templates you can customize and send to representatives
• Contact information resources for your specific senators and representatives
• Petition drives coordinated with national advocacy groups
• Event notifications for rallies, town halls, and advocacy days
• Story collection to share consumer voices with policymakers

Continued Product Access

Pure Shaka will maintain:

• Full product availability throughout the advocacy period – browse all products
• New product launches as planned without panic-driven changes
• Quality standards that meet or exceed all current regulations – see our complete lab testing
• Transparent lab testing published for every product batch
• Customer service to answer questions about products and policy – contact our team or visit our physical locations

This Is Just The Beginning: The Hemp Community Stands United

The passage of this legislation wasn’t the end of hemp—it was a galvanizing moment that unified an entire industry and millions of consumers around a clear mission: 365 days to regulate, not ban.

Hemp industry leaders remain confident in finding a path forward, with one executive stating: “This is not one year to a ban. This is one year to regulate. And the industry will do exactly that—united, determined, and unwilling to let Washington destroy what farmers built and consumers want”.

We Will Not Let Rushed Legislation Erase an Industry Without a Real Fight

Pure Shaka was built by people, for people. Our products exist because millions of Americans needed alternatives to pharmaceuticals that weren’t working, sleep aids causing dependency, and pain management creating more problems than it solved. Understanding the difference between cannabis and hemp is crucial—these are legal, Farm Bill-compliant products that deserve proper regulation, not prohibition.

Every gummy, every tincture, every flower product we offer represents someone’s wellness journey—and we will not abandon that responsibility because politicians made a backroom deal to reopen the government. Learn more about how THC gummies work and why proper dosing and education matter more than prohibition.

The hemp community is strong. We’re organized. We’re motivated. And we’re just getting started.

Stand With Us

Thank you for being part of the Pure Shaka community. Thank you for trusting us with your wellness journey. And thank you for being willing to fight alongside us to preserve legal access to hemp.

The next year will test our resolve, but it will also demonstrate what’s possible when consumers, businesses, farmers, and advocates unite behind a common cause.

We are here. We are compliant. We are fighting. And we are not going anywhere.

Take Action Now: Your Next Steps

Don’t wait for someone else to fight this battle. Here’s what you can do today:

1. Contact Your Elected Officials

• Call the Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121 and ask for your representative
• Find your representatives: usa.gov/elected-officials
• Share your story: Explain how hemp products have improved your quality of life

2. Support Industry Advocacy

• U.S. Hemp Roundtable: Visit hemproundtable.org to join advocacy efforts
• American Hemp Advocacy Association: myhealthyusa.org for action center
• State hemp councils: Search “[your state] hemp council” to find local organizations

3. Stay Informed

• Follow Pure Shaka on social media for real-time updates and action alerts
• Subscribe to industry newsletters from advocacy organizations
• Join hemp consumer groups on social media to coordinate efforts

4. Share This Information

• Post this article to your social networks with #RegulateNotBan
• Text friends and family who use hemp products
• Leave reviews on Pure Shaka products sharing your positive experiences
• Engage in comments sections to counter misinformation with facts

5. Shop Consciously

Support businesses that:

• Maintain rigorous compliance and testing standards
• Advocate transparently for responsible regulation
• Educate customers about policy developments – check our frequently asked questions
• Contribute resources to industry advocacy efforts

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I still buy Pure Shaka products right now?

A: Yes, absolutely. All Pure Shaka products remain fully legal and compliant under current federal and state law. The new restrictions don’t take effect until November 13, 2026—and we’re fighting to prevent them from ever taking effect.

Q: Should I stockpile products before 2026?

A: No. Panic buying isn’t necessary and actually undermines the advocacy message. We’re confident in the fight ahead and expect legislative alternatives to pass before enforcement begins. Continue purchasing as you normally would.

Q: What specific products would be affected?

A: Under current language, virtually all hemp-derived products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container would be prohibited. This includes most THCa flower, gummies, pre-rolls, disposable vapes, and even many full-spectrum CBD tinctures.

Q: Is this law already final?

A: The legislation has been signed, but enforcement doesn’t begin until November 2026. More importantly, multiple lawmakers are introducing regulatory alternatives that would replace prohibition with appropriate oversight. The fight is far from over.

Q: How is this different from state-level bans?

A: Some states like Arkansas, Idaho, Minnesota, Oregon, and Rhode Island have already banned THCa products at the state level. This federal legislation would create a nationwide prohibition overriding even states with successful regulatory frameworks.

Q: What can one person realistically accomplish?

A: Never underestimate constituent power. A single personalized email or phone call to your representative carries more weight than you think—especially when multiplied by thousands of constituents doing the same. Legislators track constituent communication carefully and use it to guide voting decisions.

Q: Will Pure Shaka continue operating if prohibition takes effect?

A: We’re planning for every scenario, including pivoting to compliant products if necessary. However, our primary focus is fighting to ensure that scenario never happens. We believe regulation will prevail over prohibition.

Q: How does this affect CBD products?

A: While legislators claim to protect “non-intoxicating CBD,” the 0.4mg per container limit would actually eliminate most full-spectrum CBD products because they naturally contain trace amounts of THC above that threshold. This isn’t regulation—it’s prohibition with misleading marketing.

Join the Fight for Hemp

2026 will be decided by community action—not backroom deals.

Shop Pure Shaka →

Stay Informed & Take Action

Pure Shaka is committed to transparency throughout this fight. We’ll keep you updated on legislative developments and provide clear pathways to make your voice heard.

• Monthly Policy Updates: Subscribe to our newsletter for advocacy opportunities
• Action Alerts: Receive notifications when your voice is needed most
• Educational Resources: Access fact sheets to share with representatives
• Community Events: Join rallies, town halls, and advocacy days

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