Looming federal hemp ban delayed by 4 weeks

WASHINGTON — A provision to delay a federal ban on hemp-derived products is on its way to President Donald Trump’s desk for a signature.

The provision, authored by Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Rand Paul, will delay the looming hemp ban through Dec. 11.

This is one month later than it was originally slated to begin.

The bill also bans synthetic hemp derivatives.

In a statement, Klobuchar said the bipartisan act is “good news for Minnesota’s farmers, brewers, small businesses and customers.”

Congress closed the “hemp loophole” that was part of the 2018 Farm Bill in November 2025. The 2018 language only included restrictions on the Delta-9 THC variant.

This allowed other THC variants and cannabis-derived products to be sold with few regulations in gas stations, vape shops and other retailers.

“This delay will give Minnesota hemp’s producers, retailers, and customers certainty, and give Congress more time to get to a long-term fix,” Klobuchar stated.

In her statement, Sen. Tina Smith said the measure received robust bipartisan support in the House.

“Adults should have the freedom to purchase a THC beverage if they want to,” Smith said. “Minnesota has created one of the strongest, most carefully regulated systems in the country to allow the sale of hemp products. The initial ban set to take place was ill-advised and would have hurt both hemp farmers and Minnesota breweries alike.”