The Truth About the Nationwide Hemp Ban in 2026
What it means, why it happened, and how we fight back
By Sara S. | November 2025 | Cannabis & Wellness Contributor
There is no easy way to say this, so let’s get right to it. A nationwide ban on hemp derived products is scheduled to take effect in 12 months, November 2026. This is real, it is serious, and it affects millions of Americans who rely on hemp for better sleep, relief, stress support, focus, mood balance, and overall wellness.
The language behind this ban was quietly slipped into the November 10, 2025 government spending bill that ended the historic shutdown. It was not debated openly. It was not voted on transparently. It was added behind closed doors, and it caught both the public and the industry by surprise.
The shock is understandable. The consequences are enormous. And the reason this happened is just as frustrating.
How did this even happen?
Instead of giving the hemp industry the clear and sensible regulation it has been requesting for years, Congress allowed extreme prohibition language to pass unnoticed. This language limits THC to 0.4 milligrams per finished product. That means the vast majority of hemp products people rely on, including full spectrum CBD, gummies, oils, tinctures, capsules, and even most broad spectrum formulas, would become illegal.
This is not responsible regulation. It is a blanket ban that punishes honest companies while doing nothing to stop the real bad actors lawmakers claim to be targeting.
Who loses under this ban?
If the language is not corrected, here is what it does:
- Eliminates nearly every hemp derived wellness product on the market
- Cuts off access for people who depend on hemp for sleep, calm, and relief
- Destroys roughly 95 percent of the hemp industry
- Wipes out more than 440,000+ American jobs supported by hemp derived cannabinoids
- Hits farmers, small businesses, manufacturers, and retailers across the country
- Rewards the three industries that pushed hardest for this outcome: alcohol, big pharma, and the regulated marijuana industry
This is why the next 12 months matter so much.
What the timeline looks like
As written today, the ban becomes enforceable in November 2026. That means the industry has one year to work with lawmakers to correct this mistake.
This is absolutely possible. Millions of consumers support hemp. Thousands of businesses depend on it. And the public has already shown how powerful their voices can be.
A huge thank you to everyone who has spoken up
Your support has already made an impact. The outpouring of more than 100,000 emails and countless phone calls to Congress helped move the needle. Twenty four Senators resisted pressure from their leadership and stood with the hemp community. That happened because you made noise.
Hold your head high. You are being heard.
Who we are fighting for
To the businesses that support this industry: thank you for your patience. There is no need to panic. We have time to fix this, and your voice makes a difference.
To the consumers who rely on these products: moms, dads, seniors, college students, veterans, busy professionals, and everyday people simply trying to sleep better or feel better — we will do everything we can to protect your access to these essential lifelines.
We see you. We stand with you. And we are fighting for you.
What happens now?
Nothing changes today. Your favorite Simple Leaf products are still available and will remain available while this fight continues. The next few months will be packed with advocacy efforts, updates, and simple ways you can take action.
We will guide you through all of it.
The bottom line
This battle is not over. Not even close. The hemp community is strong, unified, and motivated. With smart legislation, public pressure, and continued advocacy, this ban can be reversed before it ever takes effect.
Thank you for standing with us.
Thank you for supporting a future where hemp remains accessible, safe, and trusted.
Simple Leaf is not going anywhere, and neither is this fight.
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis.