Virginia Congressman Vows Support for Hemp Farmers Facing Federal THC Ban and Uncertain State Cannabis Market

As federal regulations threaten to ban most hemp-derived THC products and Virginia’s retail cannabis market remains unsettled, local hemp farmers are bracing for a period of intense uncertainty. U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA) recently visited Redfern Hemp Co. in Caroline County to speak directly with business owner Graham Redfern, whose livelihood is at risk due to impending federal restrictions and ongoing state legislative debates. Redfern’s company employs 14 full-time and five part-time staff, producing a range of hemp-based products including body creams, gummies, and dog treats. "It’s scary," Redfern admitted, expressing concern for his staff as they contemplate their future in the industry

Customers like Tamra Herndon, who rely on Redfern’s products for pain and anxiety relief, could also be affected. As an amputee, Herndon described how the blend of THC and CBD in these products has improved her quality of life, saying, “I’ve been able to be more active.” The potential disappearance of these products underscores the broader community impact looming if the federal and state changes proceed without accommodations for small businesses

Redfern is exploring ways to adapt, such as shifting toward industrial hemp fiber applications to address environmental issues like microplastics. He is also considering a transition to cannabis products, but faces barriers under the proposed state retail cannabis market framework. The current state bill demands that all agricultural, production, and commercial operations be within a 20-mile radius—a requirement Redfern says is unworkable given his split operations between rural Caroline County and Richmond. "I can’t sell my farm and I don’t want to build out another kitchen when I already have one," he explained, highlighting the difficulties small businesses face in complying with new regulations

State lawmakers passed a plan to establish a legal cannabis market, but Governor Abigail Spanberger has yet to sign it, sending it back with amendments that legislators ultimately rejected. This leaves the bill’s fate—and the future of many businesses—in limbo as the July 1 budget deadline approaches. Meanwhile, at the federal level, Congress’s latest Farm Bill includes a near-total ban on hemp-derived THC products, with bipartisan efforts to reverse this provision failing to advance. Vindman assured Redfern of his willingness to advocate for the industry, stating, "You’re a constituent. Let’s see what is in the realm of possibility."

As the policy landscape shifts, other Virginia entrepreneurs—such as restaurateur Jay Bayer, who partnered with Pure Shenandoah to produce THC seltzers—are also watching closely, hoping for clarity that will allow them to pivot and remain viable. With the House-passed Farm Bill now heading to the Senate, and state lawmakers facing a tight timeline, the pressure is mounting for both federal and state officials to provide answers. From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, this moment is pivotal for Virginia’s hemp and cannabis sectors: the outcome will shape not only the survival of local businesses but could set precedents for how states and the federal government reconcile cannabis regulation moving forward