Griffith Statement on House Passage of Hemp Ban Delay in Government Funding Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives voted favorably on Senate Amendment to H.R. 6500 - the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act. The legislation averts a September 30 government shutdown, funds the government through December 11 and allows negotiations to continue over fiscal year 2027 spending.

Further, a provision in the government funding bill delays an impending ban on intoxicating hemp products. The ban, originally scheduled to take effect on November 12, now is set to begin on December 11.

This gives lawmakers additional time to consider a federal regulatory framework for intoxicating hemp-derived products, as proposed by U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) with his H.R. 7212, the Hemp Enforcement, Modernization, and Protection (HEMP) Act. This first-of-its-kind policy establishes a regulatory structure for existing cannabidiol (CBD) products intended for human use.

Following passage of the government funding bill with the hemp provision, Congressman Griffith, who voted for the bill, issued the following statement:

"American producers and consumers deserve nothing less than a system that upholds oversight, responsibility and safety. My bill, the HEMP Act, helps do this by getting the ball rolling on the establishment of necessary federal guardrails.

"I believe that should my bill receive collective buy-in from the White House, lawmakers and stakeholders, the HEMP Act can become law."

BACKGROUND

In January 2026, Congressman Griffith introduced the HEMP Act.

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