The U.S. hemp industry is at a critical turning point. Without congressional action within the next year, up to 95% of hemp extract products could be classified as Schedule I substances, putting the entire industry at risk. This potential shift would disrupt production, sales, payments, and distribution across the country.
The impact is already being felt. Farmers and merchants are facing broken contracts, unsold biomass, and deep uncertainty around future planting and inventory decisions. For many businesses, the lack of clear federal direction is making it difficult to plan beyond the next season.
To address this growing risk, the U.S. Hemp Roundtable is actively pushing for a federal moratorium and clearer regulatory guidance. Their efforts focus on extending the current ban deadline, protecting states’ rights to regulate hemp within their borders, and establishing a long-term federal framework built around compliance and safety—not prohibition.
At the same time, momentum is building in Congress. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have reintroduced the Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA). This legislation aims to replace prohibition with a science-based federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived cannabinoids.
The CSRA represents a potential path forward for the industry. It signals renewed interest in regulation rather than re-criminalization and directly addresses the uncertainty created by the current federal spending bill, which is set to take effect on November 13, 2026. If passed, the bill could provide much-needed clarity for farmers, manufacturers, retailers, and payment partners alike.
For businesses operating in the hemp space, staying informed is essential. Federal decisions made over the next year will shape not only product legality, but also banking access, payments, shipping, and long-term market stability.
Learn more from USHRT: Watch the U.S. Hemp Roundtable’s recent webinar breaking down the current landscape and what comes next → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtzVrylHaSA
At WAAVE, we support the work being done by the U.S. Hemp Roundtable and the broader effort to bring clarity, accountability, and consistency to the hemp market. We follow federal, state, and local rules because we believe this is the only path forward for the industry. Long-term growth in wellness depends on compliance, transparency, and responsible operations—not shortcuts. By aligning with clear regulations and enforcing them at the transaction level, WAAVE is committed to helping build a safe, secure, and sustainable wellness ecosystem for businesses and consumers alike.
