Congressman Andy Harris Wants to Criminalize Full Spectrum CBD and Other Popular Hemp Products While Trampling on States’ Rights.

The Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies met today to mark up the FY2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

Chairman of the Subcommittee, Congressman Andy Harris, snuck in language to criminalize all hemp products except CBD isolate and CBG isolate. If enacted, this measure would make criminals out of millions of Americans who have legally relied on full spectrum CBD and other hemp-derived products since 2014. This includes the millions of veterans around the country who use these products to improve their quality of life would suddenly lose access. Furthermore, American farmers who have spent more than a decade of their time and treasure rebuilding a domestic supply of hemp and hemp products would see their investments wiped out overnight by the federal government.

This is more than just bad policy. It’s a direct assault on states’ rights and a classic example of federal overreach. States around the country have stepped up to fill the policy void left by the Food and Drug Administration to address genuine consumer safety concerns while empowering local farmers and small businesses to meet consumer demand on a regulated market. In the end, criminalizing hemp products will do nothing to curb adult demand for the products. It will only serve as a catalyst for criminal enterprises to fill the demand without worrying about the age of the consumer or the safety of the product.

The good news is the bill has very little chance of passing. However, market competitors will not rest. They will likely try to attach the language on legislation that has a better chance of passing like a Continuing Resolution.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about public health or safety—it’s about market control. Since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, the hemp industry has been calling for a balanced federal framework that protects consumers without stifling innovation or personal freedom.

Now is the time to act. The bill passed out of committee on 9-7 vote and heads to the full House Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

Contact members of the House Appropriations Committee today and urge them to reject efforts to ban hemp products and protect American farmers, small businesses, and adults from monopolistic special interests.