WASHINGTON, D.C. — December 2, 2025

THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS included new federal hemp regulations in the government-funding legislation that ended the 2025 shutdown, establishing nationwide restrictions on many intoxicating hemp-derived THC products. According to the legislation, the federal definition of “hemp” has been revised so that any finished product containing more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container, or containing chemically altered or synthetic cannabinoids, will fall outside the legal definition of hemp once enforcement begins.

The updated law affects products commonly sold as hemp-derived intoxicants, including delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and similar converted cannabinoids used in drinks, edibles, vapes, and infused consumables. THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE stated in earlier guidance that the measure amends standards set under the 2018 Farm Bill, addressing the gap that allowed intoxicating hemp products to be sold in states where marijuana remains illegal.

Industrial hemp remains legal for fiber, grain, seed, manufacturing, and non-intoxicating CBD, provided products meet the updated THC limits and do not contain chemically converted cannabinoids. THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION has not issued additional guidance on consumer CBD products following passage of the bill, and current oversight remains unchanged.

Federal implementation summaries indicate that manufacturers and retailers have until late 2026 to meet compliance requirements. Agencies are expected to release further details as the transition period continues. While some Members of Congress have introduced legislation seeking to revisit or modify the hemp provisions, these proposals have not changed current federal law.

WDTV, a regional news outlet, reported that the shutdown legislation “bans THC derived from hemp.” Appalachian Post reviewed the legislation, and what we can confirm is that the law restricts a wide range of intoxicating hemp-derived THC products but does not ban hemp or non-intoxicating hemp derivatives that comply with updated federal limits.

This report includes only first-hand confirmed statements from federal agencies and the enacted legislation, with secondary media claims clearly attributed and not presented as established fact. No projections, speculation, or opinion are included.

Sources

UNITED STATES CONGRESS. (2025). Government funding legislation revising federal hemp and THC definitions.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. (2025). Public guidance regarding national hemp regulatory standards.
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. (2025). Statements regarding cannabinoid oversight under existing federal authority.

Secondary Attribution-Based Sources
WDTV. (2025, December 2). Reporting regarding hemp-derived THC provisions in the shutdown legislation.
Publicly available legislative and regulatory summaries issued following passage of the appropriations bill.