Regulation needed for hemp, not ban

As a hemp farmer in Illinois, I’ve seen firsthand the opportunities hemp brings. Hemp is efficient, sustainable and versatile — used for everything from building materials and textiles to wellness products like CBD oil. The 2018 Farm Bill opened the door for farmers like me to grow a crop that strengthens rural communities while providing seniors and veterans with safe, accessible options for pain relief.

Now, a last-minute provision quietly added to the federal funding bill threatens the entire hemp industry beginning in November 2026. Banning hemp won’t improve public safety — it will push consumers toward untested, unregulated products and force farmers to destroy valuable crops.

The answer is commonsense regulation. Clear rules — 21-year-old age limits, standardized labeling, child-safe packaging and third-party testing — allow the industry to grow safely and responsibly.

Congress can support Illinois farmers and communities by extending the timeline 24 months beyond the current sunset, giving us the time we need to protect crops, jobs and access for those who rely on hemp.

Stacy McCaskill.

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