President Donald Trump is calling on Congress to revise pending federal restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoids, urging lawmakers to preserve access to full-spectrum CBD products while tightening controls on products he says pose potential health risks.
The request comes as a controversial provision approved by Congress late last year threatens to upend the hemp market by imposing strict limits on THC content in finished products. Without a legislative fix, the change could effectively ban a wide range of hemp-derived products currently sold nationwide.
According to a report from Marijuana Moment, Trump is pushing Congress to act before the new policy takes full effect, emphasizing the need for a more tailored approach that distinguishes between non-intoxicating CBD and other hemp-derived compounds.
“I am calling on Congress to update the Law to ensure that Americans can continue to access the full-spectrum CBD products they have come to rely on, and that help them, while preserving Congress’s intent to restrict the sale of products that pose Health risks,” Trump said.
Appropriations Rider Reshapes Hemp Rules
The policy debate stems from language included in a November 2025 appropriations bill that redefines hemp under federal law. While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis, the newer provision shifts the focus to total THC in finished products. Industry participants say that, while technical on its face, the change has sweeping implications.
Because many full-spectrum CBD products contain trace amounts of THC that can accumulate beyond the new threshold, the revised standard could render them illegal. At the same time, lawmakers have pointed to the rapid rise of intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC, which have proliferated in a regulatory gray area, as justification for stricter rules.
Trump Calls for Targeted Fix
Trump acknowledged both sides of the issue in his comments, highlighting consumer demand for CBD while backing efforts to rein in higher-risk products.
“We must get this done RIGHT and FAST, especially for those who saw that CBD helps them,” he said. “Plus, I am told it will also help our GREAT FARMERS, who we love, and will always be there for.”
The president also referenced earlier executive action to expand research into hemp-derived cannabinoids and to promote access for certain patient populations.
“In December, I signed a very important Executive Order calling for Research and Innovation for Hemp-derived CBD,” Trump said. “Our wonderful Dr. Mehmet Oz moved fast to follow the directive in the Executive Order, and launched a model for some Seniors earlier this month. But more must be done!”
“Please get it done, and SOON,” he added. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Industry Faces Uncertain Path Forward
The stakes are high for a hemp industry that has already faced years of regulatory uncertainty and price compression. Farmers, processors, and retailers have increasingly relied on value-added cannabinoid products to sustain margins, particularly as demand for raw hemp biomass has fluctuated.
Advocates warn that an abrupt shift in federal policy could disrupt supply chains and eliminate products that many consumers view as beneficial, even as regulators continue to grapple with questions about safety, labeling, and oversight.
At the same time, public health concerns have drawn bipartisan attention in Washington, particularly around products that can produce intoxicating effects but are often sold outside of state-licensed cannabis systems.
Trump’s call for congressional action reflects an attempt to balance those competing priorities. By urging lawmakers to protect full-spectrum CBD while restricting products deemed risky, the president is effectively asking Congress to refine a policy framework that has struggled to keep pace with the rapidly evolving cannabinoid market.
Whether lawmakers act before the new rules take hold remains uncertain. But with the implementation deadline approaching, the outcome of the debate could determine not only the future of hemp-derived THC products, but also the continued availability of CBD products that fall within a more narrowly defined legal scope.
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
