Trump Urges Congress to Reform Hemp and CBD Laws Amid Looming Federal Crackdown

President Donald Trump has formally called on Congress to revise federal laws concerning hemp-derived full-spectrum CBD products, seeking to prevent their potential recriminalization later this year. The administration expressed support for continued restrictions on products that pose health risks, but stressed the importance of maintaining access to safe and legal hemp-derived CBD. According to Marijuana Moment, the White House communicated its feedback to Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), while Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) introduced an amendment to speed up federal enforcement against certain hemp THC products, with a federal ban set to begin in November

The legislative landscape is rapidly evolving as federal agencies and lawmakers grapple with the implications of hemp and cannabis regulation. The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced plans to issue guidance clarifying how cannabis businesses will benefit from the anticipated relief under Section 280E, following the proposed federal rescheduling of marijuana. The Food and Drug Administration is also advancing new initiatives to accelerate access to psychedelics for mental health, spurred by a recent executive order from President Trump

State governments are moving proactively in response to impending federal changes. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe (R) signed legislation banning intoxicating hemp THC products, regardless of federal delays or reversals, while also protecting marijuana consumers' privacy and workers' rights to unionize. In Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro's (D) office welcomed the federal rescheduling of marijuana as an 'important step' that bolsters the state's push for legalization. Meanwhile, Democratic gubernatorial candidates in Wisconsin have made marijuana legalization a central campaign issue

Key lawmakers are voicing bipartisan support for clarifying hemp product regulations. "Washington has let this industry operate in a gray zone for too long. Americans deserve clarity about what they're buying," said Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), who introduced bipartisan legislation to regulate hemp products. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-KY) echoed this sentiment, thanking President Trump for promoting access to hemp-derived CBD and highlighting his own HEMP Act as a possible solution. The House bill to federally legalize marijuana continues to gain momentum, now with 64 co-sponsors

Expert and public opinion remains divided on the pace and scope of federal reform. A recent study found that while most public comments support cannabis rescheduling, many view the proposed Schedule III classification as insufficient and advocate for further or complete descheduling. Advocacy groups, such as the Family Research Council, have raised concerns about the risks of expanded access to psychedelics, citing potential dangers to public health. At the same time, state regulators across the country are seeking clarity on how federal changes will affect their own cannabis industries and consumers

From the OG Lab newsroom perspective, President Trump's call for Congressional action on hemp and CBD laws signals a pivotal moment for the cannabis industry. With the threat of federal recriminalization looming and a patchwork of state responses emerging, the need for clear, comprehensive federal reform has never been more urgent. Stakeholders across the sector will be watching closely as Congress debates these critical changes in the months ahead