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New Federal Hemp Definition/Legality 'Cheat Sheet' | Cannabis Business Times

New Federal Hemp Definition/Legality 'Cheat Sheet'

On Nov. 12, 2025, “Hemp’s” definition, and the allowability of “Hemp-Derived Intoxicating Products," was significantly altered by the “Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026” H.R.5371, Public Law No: 119-37” (“Act”) enactment.

Previously, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 ("Farm Bill") legalized Hemp and its derivatives and removed plant Cannabis sativa L. containing no more than 0.3% Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol on a dry-weight basis from the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. §§ 801, Et. Seq (1970)’s and Drug Enforcement Administration’s purview.  7 U.S.C. §1639o(1). 

As this Cheat Sheet details, the Act narrows the Farm Bill’s "Hemp’s" definition, effectively banning most commercial hemp products and, providing a 1-year transition period, takes effect 365 days following Act’s enactment.