AHPA welcomes introduction of legislation to establish federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived products

• By: AHPA
• On: 01/23/2026 17:24:27
• In: Regulation / Legislation

January 23, 2026

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) welcomes the introduction of the bipartisan Hemp Enforcement, Modernization, and Protection (HEMP) Act of 2026 by U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Health, and Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX). This legislation aims to resolve years of regulatory uncertainty by establishing a first-of-its-kind federal framework for hemp-derived products within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Since the 2018 Farm Bill established the foundation for the modern hemp industry, stakeholders have navigated a patchwork of conflicting state regulations in the absence of clear federal guidance. The HEMP Act is intended to establish a federal pathway for hemp-derived products, ensuring consumer safety and market stability for legitimate producers.

“We applaud Congressman Griffith and Congressman Veasey for their leadership in presenting an initial path forward for the federal regulation of hemp-derived cannabinoid products,” said AHPA President & CEO Graham Rigby. “Establishing a regulatory framework is essential to protecting consumer access to safe, high-quality hemp-derived products while ensuring that responsible manufacturers can operate within a predictable and stable marketplace, and we are committed to providing significant feedback to Congressman Griffith to strengthen this legislation to benefit all responsible members of industry, including farmers, and maximize the likelihood of its enactment.”

The introduction of the HEMP Act follows a period of significant disruption for the industry. In November 2025, a government funding package included provisions that threatened the viability of many hemp products, set to take effect on November 12, 2026. Congressman Griffith's new measure, alongside the recently introduced Hemp Planting Predictability Act, represents legislative interest in protecting responsible industry from abrupt market closures and supporting this crucial industry.

AHPA will remain closely engaged with industry partners and policymakers as hemp legislative efforts progress, keeping stakeholders informed while continuing to lead advocacy for a robust framework that prioritizes transparency, botanical integrity, and consumer safety.