Section 781 of Public Law 119-37, signed November 12, 2025, rewrote the federal hemp definition. Among its changes are a total-THC standard that includes THCA, exclusions for specified cannabinoids, and an exclusion for covered final products containing more than 0.4 milligrams per container of combined total THC and other specified cannabinoids with similar effects. That is a per-container threshold, not a per-serving allowance. [1]
Public Law 119-103, enacted September 2, 2026, delayed most of those changes until December 11, 2026. It did not delay the exclusions for products containing cannabinoids that cannot naturally be produced by cannabis. Iowa HHS explains that those exclusions begin November 12, while the new total-THC and 0.4-milligram provisions begin December 11. Minnesota's cannabis regulator likewise identifies December 11 as the next major federal change and distinguishes federal compliance from its state rules. Further federal legislation could alter the timetable. [2][3][4]
Our position.
Lawmakers should explain their proposed rules for testing, labels, age limits, consumer access, and business compliance. A delayed deadline does not settle those questions. Ask for the statutory language and implementation plan they support.
Questions and next steps.
Before December 11, what federal hemp rules will your lawmakers support, and how will they protect consumers while making compliance practical?
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