What’s Happening With the New Hemp Bill in 2025?
A new proposal in Congress has sparked serious concerns in the hemp and cannabis industries.
On June 5, 2025, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, led by Chairman Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), approved a version of the FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations Bill that includes language which could drastically alter the federal definition of hemp.
This provision builds on earlier efforts by Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), who previously introduced similar measures targeting hemp-derived cannabinoids under the claim of closing the so-called “intoxicating hemp loophole.”
If enacted, this new definition would effectively ban many popular hemp-derived cannabinoids — including THCA, Delta-8 THC, and other compounds — even though they remain legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.
At Asheville Dispensary, our mission is to keep you informed about how evolving legislation could impact your access to safe, compliant hemp products.
This proposed bill represents one of the most serious challenges to federal hemp protections since the 2018 Farm Bill, and it’s important to understand what’s at stake.
What Changes Are Lawmakers Trying to Make to Hemp Laws?
The controversial language added to the 2025 hemp bill would:
- Redefine “hemp” to include a “total THC” limit, which means THCA would be counted as THC even before it becomes psychoactive.
- Ban cannabinoids that have any intoxicating effect, including Delta-8, Delta-10, and HHC.
- Prohibit a wide range of federally legal hemp products, including THCA flower, concentrates, and vapes; Delta-8 and Delta-10 edibles; hemp-derived Delta-9 THC gummies; and many full-spectrum tinctures — even if they currently comply with the 0.3% Delta-9 THC threshold under the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill.
This proposal contradicts the widely accepted interpretation of the 2018 Farm Bill, which permits hemp-derived cannabinoids as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.
The current law has enabled a wide range of compliant hemp products to flourish without federal interference, as reported by Marijuana Moment.
Is THCA Still Legal in 2025?
Yes. Under current law, THCA products such as THCA flower, concentrates, and vapes are still federally legal as long as it contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.
Nothing has changed yet.
However, if the proposed language in this bill becomes law, THCA and similar hemp products would be federally banned. This is why it’s critical to stay informed and take action now.
What’s the Timeline for This Bill?
Here’s a simplified visual breakdown of the process:
- June 11, 2025 – The full House Appropriations Committee votes on the bill.
- If approved, it goes to the House floor for debate and potential amendments.
- If passed, the bill moves to the Senate, which may draft its own version.
- House and Senate versions must be reconciled in a conference committee.
- The final bill would be sent to the President, typically before the new fiscal year on October 1, 2025.
What Are the Chances the THCA Ban Becomes Law?
Let’s assess the likelihood at each step:
- House Appropriations Committee: HIGH probability of passing.
- Full House vote: MODERATE – Some lawmakers oppose the anti-THCA language.
- Senate approval: LOW – The Senate has not supported similar restrictions in the past.
- Final bill signed into law: UNLIKELY if public opposition continues to grow.
Why This Matters for You
If passed, this bill would:
- Make it illegal to buy or sell THCA flower, even if it’s compliant today.
- Ban hemp-derived edibles, vapes, concentrates, and other popular products.
- Threaten thousands of small hemp businesses.
- Limit access for veterans, patients, and responsible adults who rely on legal hemp.
At Asheville Dispensary, we will continue to offer legal, federally compliant products as long as the law allows — and we’re fighting to keep it that way.
What You Can Do to Help
Protecting your right to access legal hemp products starts with awareness and action. If you’re concerned about the proposed ban on THCA and other hemp-derived cannabinoids, here are a few impactful ways to get involved:
Start by contacting your representatives in Congress. A short, respectful message expressing your opposition to the anti-THCA language can go a long way. Here’s an example you can use:
“I’m a constituent and a supporter of legal hemp. Please oppose any effort to ban THCA or redefine hemp in the Agriculture Appropriations Bill.”
You can find and reach your lawmakers here:
Next, take a moment to sign petitions through trusted organizations like the U.S. Hemp Roundtable. These collective efforts are shared with legislators to demonstrate how many voters care about this issue.
Want to make an even bigger impact? Share this blog with your network. Spreading accurate, actionable information is one of the most effective tools we have.
And finally, consider supporting organizations that are working every day to defend your rights.
Groups like the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, Vote Hemp, and Americans for Safe Access are actively lobbying to protect access to safe, compliant hemp products.
Together, we can make a difference.
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay Empowered
THCA is still legal. But that could change soon if we don’t act.
This isn’t just about one cannabinoid. It’s about your right to access safe, effective, legal hemp products — and the survival of small businesses like ours.
We encourage you to read the full bill text, make your voice heard, and keep following us for updates.
We’ll continue to update this page as the bill moves forward.
Questions? Reach out to our team at Asheville Dispensary. We’re always here to support our community.
Browse our current selection of federally legal hemp products:
