🌿 Hemp Under Fire: Congress Pushes “Zero THC” Standard That Could Reshape the Market
- OMNI Medical
- Sep 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 6
Congress is moving fast — and the future of hemp could hang in the balance. Lawmakers are debating a new “zero THC” standard that would redefine hemp and potentially ban many of the CBD oils, gummies, and low-dose THC products patients and consumers rely on every day.
📜 Background: The 2018 Farm Bill and Hemp
In 2018, Congress passed the Agriculture Improvement Act (2018 Farm Bill), which legalized hemp by defining it as cannabis with no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.
This opened the door for hemp-derived CBD, as well as products containing other cannabinoids (like delta-8 and THCA).
Source: U.S. Congress, Congressional Research Service, Defining Hemp: The 2018 Farm Bill 👉 https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48637
🏛️ The New Proposal
"In July 2025, draft language in the FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations bill was introduced that would redefine hemp to prohibit products with any “quantifiable amount” of THC — not just delta-9." David Koyle, CEO OMNI Medical Services
That means:
All THC isomers (delta-8, delta-10, THCA, etc.) could be counted.
Synthetic or chemically derived cannabinoids would be excluded from hemp altogether.
The term “quantifiable” is not yet defined — agencies like USDA or HHS would determine detection thresholds.
Source: Congressional Research Service Insight, Hemp Restrictions in FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations (CRS IN12565)
🚨 What Lawmakers In Congress Are Saying
Some lawmakers warn this could “kill the industry completely.” Their concern: instead of sensible age or potency rules, the new definition could effectively ban most hemp-derived products.
Meanwhile, supporters argue the changes are needed to close loopholes that allow intoxicating products to be sold outside state-regulated cannabis markets.
🌿 What This Means for Medical & Adult-Use Consumers
If passed, this would have serious consequences for patients and consumers:
Area | Possible Change | Consumer Impact |
Product legality | Many hemp-derived products (CBD with THC traces, delta-8, THCA flower) could be federally prohibited. | Items that are legal today could disappear from shelves. |
Patient dosing | Microdose blends (CBD + small THC amounts) may no longer be compliant. | Patients lose access to precise dosing options. |
Market supply | Smaller hemp companies may shut down. | Fewer choices, higher prices. |
Federal vs. state conflict | States with legal cannabis may allow products that federal law reclassifies. | Risk of confusion and enforcement conflict. |
Uncertainty | “Quantifiable THC” is undefined. | Consumers won’t know where the line is until rules are written. |
Sources:
CRS Insight, Hemp Restrictions in FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations
U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, FY2026 Agriculture Bill Report (summary)
🔍 Congressional Hemp THC Takeaways
This is not law yet. The language is proposed, not enacted. It must pass the House, Senate, and be signed by the President.
Medical patients are at risk of losing low-THC options. If products with trace THC are banned, patients could be forced into higher-THC products or lose access entirely.
Adult-use consumers face fewer choices. Many popular hemp-derived recreational products could disappear.
The definition of “quantifiable” matters most. Until agencies define it, the scope of the restriction is uncertain.
✅ Call to Action
At OMNI Medical Services, we’re committed to keeping patients informed about cannabis laws and access. Speak with our team today.
👉 Book an appointment online today for trusted, stigma-free medical cannabis care.
#HempUnderFire #ZeroTHC #CannabisPolicy #MedicalCannabis #MMJPatients #AdultUseCannabis #CBDCommunity #HempIndustry #CannabisNews #KnowTheLaw
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Cannabis remains federally illegal. State laws vary widely. Always consult a qualified attorney for legal questions about hemp or cannabis products.
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