In a turn of events that complements the tumultuous news cycle, the conclusion of the government shutdown is set to negatively affect Americans’ options for purchasing THC-infused edibles, drinks, and additional products.
A clause in the legislation aimed at ending the government shutdown—now 43 days long, the longest ever—was approved by Congress on Wednesday afternoon and will render it illegal to buy items with over .4 milligrams of THC. This action would effectively close the so-called loophole established by the 2018 Farm Bill, which permits the sale of hemp provided it contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC (the naturally occurring THC in hemp and cannabis plants, which many trusted brands utilize in their products).
Currently, this legislation threatens to cripple the $38.5 billion industry, but before you hoard your preferred infused gummies and beverages, here’s what you should comprehend about the prohibition.
1. The legislation prohibits more than 95% of products in the cannabis market
In its present form, the legislation would render over 95% of THC-infused items available in the United States unlawful for sale.
Nathan Cozzolino, CEO of Rose Los Angeles, which produces infused chocolates and gummies, describes it as “an obvious effort to obliterate the cannabis sector,” but notes that the regulation affects more than just THC products derived from hemp. “Even every item in our CBD-infused range possesses over .4 milligrams of THC,” he states, “This legislation would essentially make every SKU we sell unlawful.”
2. The prohibition won’t take effect until the following year
Jake Bullock, co-founder of the sparkling THC- and CBD-infused beverage brand CANN, believes the one-year delay implemented in the law is intended to provide the cannabis sector with time to establish clear guidelines that keep products like his legal.
“I would actually argue that ‘ban’ is a mischaracterization of what this legislation represents—it’s fundamentally a one-year countdown to finally get the regulations we’ve always desired,” he asserts. “From the outset, our goal has been to sell CANN alongside alcoholic beverages wherever it’s available, and today signifies the beginning of turning that goal into a reality.”
Justin Tidwell, CEO of Nowadays, the non-alcoholic THC spirit, concurs that the timing of the legislation is crucial.
“[The delay] enables businesses to continue functioning under the existing regulations while lawmakers, industry representatives, and stakeholders collaborate to develop meaningful long-term guidelines. It fosters short-term stability and facilitates genuine discourse in the long run.”
