The hemp industry stands at another crossroads in 2025, with federal legislation continuing to shape the landscape for hemp federal legislation and the products millions of Americans rely on for wellness. If you’ve been following cannabis policy or depend on hemp-derived products like THCA flower or Delta-9 edibles, understanding the current state of 2025 farm bill hemp regulations is crucial for making informed decisions about your wellness routine.
As your trusted source for premium organic cannabis products, Asheville Dispensary is committed to keeping our community informed about the evolving legal landscape that affects access to plant medicine. Let’s break down what’s happening with farm bill hemp industry legislation and what it means for you.
The Current State: Another Year of Extensions
The most immediate news is that Congress has once again extended the 2018 Farm Bill for another year, pushing comprehensive hemp policy changes into 2025. On December 21, 2024, Congress enacted the American Relief Act, 2025, which, among other things, extended the 2018 Farm Bill to cover fiscal year 2025 and the 2025 crop year.
What does this mean for you? The hemp products you currently purchase remain federally legal under the existing framework. The extension makes no changes to how hemp or cannabinoids like delta-8 or delta-9 THC are defined and regulated, leaving the door open for continued access to THCA flower, CBD products, and Delta-9 edibles that comply with current federal standards.
This temporary reprieve gives the hemp industry—and consumers like you—time to prepare for potential changes while maintaining access to the plant medicine that supports your wellness goals. Our premium THCA flower and federally compliant Delta-9 edibles continue to operate within this established legal framework.
The Mary Miller Amendment: Industry Under Fire
While the extension provides temporary stability, the hemp industry faces its most significant threat since the 2018 Farm Bill was passed. The controversial “Mary Miller Amendment,” introduced by Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), has been embedded in multiple pieces of pending legislation and represents a fundamental challenge to the current hemp market.
What Would the Amendment Do?
The amendment in the FY 25 Agriculture/FDA bill proposes to change the definition of hemp to include only components of the Cannabis sativa L plant that are “naturally occurring, naturally derived and non-intoxicating cannabinoids.” This seemingly simple change would have dramatic consequences
THCA Products at Risk: The amendment would close what lawmakers call the “THCA loophole,” through which cannabis seeds and flower—which contain low percentages of THC but higher percentages of THCA—have been sold as legal hemp across state lines. THCA converts to THC when heated, making it functionally identical to traditional marijuana when consumed.
Synthetic Cannabinoids Banned: This would make products containing intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids (e.g., delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC) illegal, shuttering what has become a multibillion-dollar market in the U.S.
CBD Products in Limbo: Perhaps most concerning for wellness-focused consumers, even traditional CBD products could be affected. It would prohibit all products containing any amount of THC, and the concern is that it would mean even CBD items would likely be banned because it’s extremely rare that the extraction of that non-intoxicating cannabinoid would have no THC.
Industry Response and Political Battle
The hemp industry has mobilized against these proposed changes, with organizations like the U.S. Hemp Roundtable calling the legislation “hemp industry-killing.” Hemp Supporters sent more than 7000 emails urging defeat of the amendment in just 12 hours during one campaign, demonstrating the grassroots opposition to restrictive hemp legislation.
However, the political dynamics are complex. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who championed hemp legalization through that 2018 legislation while serving as majority leader, was behind the restrictive cannabis language, vying to recriminalize intoxicating cannabinoid products such as delta-8 THC.
Interestingly, opposition has emerged from both sides of the aisle. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has been particularly vocal, stating that the proposed legislation would “completely destroy the American hemp industry” and questioning “I don’t know how you’d be able to sell CBD oil with that”.
State-Level Restrictions: The Other Front
While federal battles rage, farm bill hemp industry challenges are also emerging at the state level. After a seven-year boom for hemp-derived THC products, lawmakers are pursuing blanket bans or disruptively strict regulations on intoxicating hemp products in about a dozen states.
This patchwork of state regulations creates additional complexity for consumers and businesses alike. Some states have moved to restrict or ban hemp-derived THC products entirely, while others are implementing strict regulatory frameworks similar to traditional marijuana programs.
For Asheville Dispensary customers, we continue to monitor state regulations in North Carolina and Tennessee to ensure our West Asheville, South Slope, and Chattanooga locations remain compliant with all local laws while providing access to premium organic cannabis products.
What This Means for Cannabis Consumers
Short-Term Outlook
The good news is that the 2025 farm bill hemp extension means no immediate changes to product availability. It will be up to the 119th Congress, unified under Republican control, to pass a new 5-year Farm Bill and decide what changes, if any, should be made to the treatment of intoxicating hemp products under federal law.
Your access to THCA flower, Delta-9 edibles, CBD products, and other hemp-derived wellness solutions remains protected under current federal law. Our comprehensive product selection continues to operate within established legal frameworks, backed by third-party lab testing and DEA-certified facilities.
Long-Term Considerations
However, the ongoing political battles highlight the importance of staying informed and engaged. Members, especially on the Republican side, say things like, ‘We felt duped by what the hemp industry told us. We didn’t believe we were legalizing anything intoxicating’, according to industry insider Jake Bullock, co-founder and CEO of Cann.
This sentiment suggests that future hemp federal legislation may include more restrictive language, making it crucial for consumers to understand their options and advocate for reasonable regulations that protect both public health and access to plant medicine.
Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance
At Asheville Dispensary, we’ve always prioritized compliance and quality, which positions us well regardless of how regulations evolve. Our commitment to:
- DEA-certified lab testing for all products
- Organic cultivation practices that meet the highest standards
- Third-party verification of potency and safety
- Transparent sourcing and manufacturing processes
These practices ensure that whatever regulatory framework emerges, our customers can trust in the quality and compliance of our products.
The Path Forward: Advocacy and Education
The future of farm bill hemp industry regulation will likely be determined by the intersection of public opinion, industry advocacy, and political pragmatism. President Trump has foreshadowed future common-sense legislation concerning medical and adult-use marijuana, neither he nor his transition team have directly addressed potential federal regulation of the intoxicating hemp market in the US, which has expanded exponentially in recent years and is estimated by Fortune Business Insights to be worth $9.47B. The market is projected to grow from USD 11.42 billion in 2025 to USD 47.82 billion by 2032.
What You Can Do
As someone who benefits from hemp-derived products, your voice matters in this process:
- Stay Informed: Follow reliable sources for updates on federal and state hemp legislation
- Contact Representatives: Let your congressional representatives know how hemp products impact your wellness routine
- Support Quality Businesses: Choose retailers like Asheville Dispensary that prioritize compliance, education, and community engagement
- Educate Others: Share accurate information about hemp’s benefits and legal status with your community
Our Commitment to You
Regardless of how 2025 farm bill hemp legislation evolves, Asheville Dispensary remains committed to providing access to premium organic cannabis products that support your health and wellness. Since our founding in 2018, we’ve navigated regulatory changes while maintaining our core mission: sharing the wealth of the hemp plant with our community.
We’ll continue to monitor federal and state developments, update our product offerings as needed, and keep you informed about changes that might affect your access to plant medicine. Our educational blog remains your trusted source for cannabis education, legal updates, and wellness guidance.
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Adaptation
While uncertainty can feel uncomfortable, the cannabis industry has consistently shown remarkable resilience and innovation in the face of regulatory challenges. The current debate over hemp federal legislation reflects the growing mainstream acceptance of cannabis as medicine and the need for thoughtful regulation that protects consumers while preserving access.
At Asheville Dispensary, we’re preparing for various scenarios by:
- Diversifying Product Lines: Maintaining a broad selection of compliant products across different cannabinoid profiles
- Investing in Research: Staying current with the latest developments in cannabis science and policy
- Building Community: Strengthening relationships with customers, suppliers, and advocacy organizations
- Maintaining Standards: Upholding our commitment to organic, lab-tested, premium products regardless of regulatory changes
The Bottom Line
The 2025 farm bill hemp landscape remains in flux, but the fundamental demand for safe, effective plant medicine isn’t going anywhere. While political battles continue in Washington and statehouses across the country, millions of Americans continue to find relief, wellness, and improved quality of life through hemp-derived products.
The current extension of the 2018 Farm Bill provides temporary stability, but the industry—and consumers—must remain vigilant and engaged in the political process. The stakes are high: access to products that have transformed the lives of veterans dealing with PTSD, cancer patients seeking relief from treatment side effects, and everyday people looking for natural alternatives to pharmaceutical interventions.
As we navigate these uncertain times, remember that knowledge is power. Stay informed, stay engaged, and remember that quality providers like Asheville Dispensary are here to support your journey with plant medicine, whatever the regulatory landscape brings.
Whether you’re exploring THCA flower for the first time, incorporating CBD products into your wellness routine, or enjoying Delta-9 edibles for relaxation and sleep, we’re committed to providing the education, quality, and community support you need to make informed decisions about your health and wellness.
The future of hemp may be uncertain, but our commitment to your wellbeing and access to premium plant medicine remains constant. Together, we’ll navigate whatever changes come while continuing to celebrate and share the miraculous benefits of the cannabis plant.
Stay updated on the latest hemp legislation and cannabis policy developments by following our blog and connecting with us on social media. Have questions about current product availability or compliance? Visit one of our locations in West Asheville, South Slope, or Chattanooga to speak with our knowledgeable staff.
