In a bold move that could reshape America’s booming hemp market, South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace has launched the first major push to repeal a new federal ban on intoxicating hemp products. Signed into law by President Donald Trump just last week, the restrictions threaten to crush a $28 billion industry. But Mace’s bill aims to hit the reset button, sparking fierce debate over regulation, jobs and consumer access.
President Trump put his signature on a massive spending bill on November 12, 2025, ending a government shutdown that gripped the nation. Tucked inside was a provision that redefined hemp in ways that outlaw most consumable products with THC, the compound that gives cannabis its high. This new rule, set to kick in on November 13, 2026, bans cannabinoids made outside the plant, like delta-8 THC and HHC, and caps total THC at a tiny 0.4 milligrams per container.
The change came after intense lobbying from groups worried about unregulated sales at gas stations and online shops. Critics say it closes a loophole from the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp with low THC levels. But for businesses, it’s a disaster. Hemp-derived products, from gummies to drinks, have exploded in popularity, especially in states without legal marijuana.
One key player in the fight was Sen. Rand Paul from Kentucky, who tried but failed to strip the ban from the bill. His effort highlighted how the provision slipped through during shutdown chaos, catching many off guard.
Industry leaders estimate the ban could wipe out thousands of jobs and shutter countless small businesses. A report from the Hemp Roundtable, a trade group, warns of a $28 billion economic hit if the rules stand.
Mace Steps Up with a Repeal Plan
Enter Rep. Nancy Mace, a vocal advocate for cannabis reform. On November 17, 2025, she unveiled draft legislation called the American Hemp Protection Act of 2025. The bill’s core goal is simple: repeal Section 781 of the spending act that imposed the hemp restrictions.
Mace argues the ban overreaches and hurts everyday Americans who rely on these products for pain relief, anxiety and sleep issues. She’s no stranger to this fight. As a South Carolina representative, she’s pushed for sensible rules on hemp and marijuana, often crossing party lines.
Her proposal would restore the old definition of hemp, allowing synthesized cannabinoids as long as they come from legal hemp plants. Supporters say this protects innovation while keeping products safe.
But not everyone’s on board. Public health advocates, like those from Smart Approaches to Marijuana, praise the ban for shielding kids from easy access to intoxicating items. They point to rising emergency room visits linked to delta-8, with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing a spike in poison control calls since 2021.
Mace’s team is circulating the draft now, building support before a full House introduction. If passed, it could head off the ban’s effective date and give the industry breathing room.
Impacts on Businesses and Consumers
The hemp ban’s ripple effects are already felt across the U.S. Companies are scrambling to pivot, with some stockpiling inventory ahead of the 2026 deadline. In Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a similar state ban earlier this year, hemp growers fear federal rules will override local wins.
Consumers, especially in non-legal cannabis states, turn to hemp products as affordable alternatives. Veterans and chronic pain sufferers share stories of how delta-8 helps without the stigma of marijuana.
Here’s a quick look at what’s at stake:
- Economic Toll: Up to 100,000 jobs in farming, manufacturing and retail could vanish, per industry estimates from 2025.
- Product Bans: Gummies, vapes and beverages with delta-8 or similar compounds face elimination.
- Black Market Risk: Experts warn a surge in unregulated sales if legal options dry up.
A 2025 study by New Frontier Data pegged the hemp cannabinoid market at $28 billion, growing 30% yearly. Without repeal, that growth halts.
Small business owners are vocal. One Tennessee hemp farmer told reporters the ban feels like a betrayal after years of building under federal guidelines.
Broader Debates in Cannabis Policy
This fight ties into bigger questions about America’s drug laws. With cannabis legal for recreation in 24 states and medical use in 38, hemp fills gaps for millions. But federal inconsistency creates confusion.
Mace’s bill could spark talks on rescheduling marijuana or updating the Farm Bill. Rand Paul and others push for less government interference, calling hemp a vital crop for rural economies.
Opponents highlight safety. The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings about untested hemp products, citing contaminants in some batches tested in 2024.
As the 2026 deadline looms, lobbying intensifies. Hemp groups plan a blitz on Capitol Hill, armed with petitions from over 50,000 supporters gathered in just days.
The clash pits innovation against regulation, jobs against health concerns. It’s a test for the new Trump administration’s stance on cannabis, which remains murky despite his past support for state rights.
| Aspect | Current Status | Potential with Repeal |
|---|---|---|
| THC Limit | 0.4 mg per container | Restored to 0.3% by dry weight (2018 standard) |
| Synthesized Cannabinoids | Banned if made outside plant | Allowed if from hemp |
| Market Value | At risk of $28B loss | Potential for continued growth |
| Effective Date | Nov. 13, 2026 | Ban prevented entirely |
This table shows how Mace’s act could flip the script.
The hemp saga underscores America’s evolving views on cannabis. From farm fields to corner stores, it’s about balancing freedom with safeguards.
As Rep. Nancy Mace rallies to repeal a federal hemp ban that could devastate a thriving industry, the move highlights tensions between innovation, public health and economic growth. With billions on the line and lives touched by these products, her American Hemp Protection Act of 2025 offers hope for reversal, but the battle is just starting. It reminds us that policy changes can upend livelihoods overnight, urging a thoughtful path forward.
Maria Garcia is an award-winning author who excels in creating engaging cannabis-centric articles that captivate audiences. Her versatile writing style allows her to cover a wide range of topics within the cannabis space, from advocacy and social justice to product reviews and lifestyle features. Maria’s dedication to promoting education and awareness about cannabis shines through in her thoughtfully curated content that resonates with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
