A provision in a congressional bill to reopen the federal government would ban hemp-derived intoxicating products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC after 365 days, impacting Minnesota's booming industry. Competing industries, including legal marijuana and alcohol, lobbied for the ban, citing a lack of regulation for hemp products. Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith voted against the provision, arguing it would hurt small businesses and disregard state regulations already in place. The hemp industry is lobbying against the ban, which one CEO fears will force his business to pivot to the marijuana industry.

Minnesota Hemp Leaders and Senators Warn Federal THC Ban Would Damage Economy

Nov 12, 2025

Source:

Marijuana Moment

Minnesota's thriving hemp scene is facing a major buzzkill. A new federal bill aims to effectively ban hemp-derived THC products by capping them at a tiny 0.4mg per serving. This move, backed by big tobacco and alcohol lobbyists, could dismantle the massive market for THC-infused drinks and gummies that Minnesotans have come to love. While local senators like Amy Klobuchar fought to protect small businesses and the state’s established rules, the ban passed the Senate and is heading to the House.

For the everyday toker, this is a frustrating step backward. Minnesota worked hard to create a safe, regulated space for these products, and seeing federal overreach threaten that accessibility is a real blow. If this stick-in-the-mud legislation sticks, many of your favorite local hemp brands might be forced to shut down or pivot to the more restricted marijuana market. It’s a clear sign that the community needs to keep making its voice heard to protect the diverse ways we enjoy our herb.