Attorneys General Urge Congress to Uphold Federal Hemp Regulations Amidst Concerns Over Intoxicating Products

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a bipartisan group of 34 other state attorneys general in an appeal to congressional leaders. The coalition is urging lawmakers to maintain recent federal reforms that redefined hemp and to resist any attempts to weaken or reverse these changes, which were enacted to address the growing issue of intoxicating hemp-derived products.

The attorneys general have communicated their position in a letter sent to congressional leadership and the chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. This correspondence expresses gratitude to Congress for addressing a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that had facilitated the widespread availability of unregulated, intoxicating hemp products. The coalition is advocating for the newly established definition to be implemented as passed, ensuring a more structured regulatory environment.

Since Congress updated the framework for hemp regulation in November 2025, various stakeholders, including state governments, federal agencies, businesses, and consumers, have reportedly begun adapting to the revised standards. Many states are said to be in the process of aligning their own laws and enforcement strategies with this new federal benchmark, indicating a move towards a more unified national approach.

The coalition of attorneys general has cautioned that any action to re-open or dilute the revised definition of hemp could lead to significant negative consequences. These potential issues include the introduction of regulatory uncertainty, an increase in legal challenges, and disruption for businesses that have already made adjustments to comply with the new framework. Furthermore, they warn that weakening these regulations could allow unregulated, intoxicating hemp products to re-enter the market.

The letter specifically calls on Congress to preserve the November 2025 redefinition of hemp and to reject any efforts that would reinstate the loophole that Congress had previously acted to close. The attorneys general contend that maintaining the current regulatory structure will foster greater certainty for businesses and consumers alike, enhance public safety by ensuring products meet certain standards, and support a consistent national strategy for overseeing the hemp industry. The coalition includes attorneys general from Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Delaware, Hawaiʻi, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

This collective effort by state attorneys general highlights a shared concern over the responsible regulation of hemp products and the potential impact of legislative changes on public health and safety. By advocating for the preservation of current reforms, the coalition aims to prevent a return to a less regulated market that could pose risks to consumers and create an uneven playing field for businesses.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Maryland Attorney General’s Office.

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