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Three In Four American Voters Want Hemp To Stay Legal, With Enhanced Regulations, Poll Finds

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5 months ago

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American voters across the political spectrum support legalizing consumer hemp products and enacting regulations to ensure public safety and prevent youth access, according to a new poll.

The McLaughlin & Associates survey, commissioned by the Hemp Industry & Farmers of America (HIFA), comes amid heightened debate in Congress and state legislatures across the country on how to navigate consumer hemp product laws, which were made federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill signed into law by President Donald Trump in his first term.

Overall, 72 percent of respondents said they want to see hemp retain its legal status under federal law, with “new safety and licensing regulations.” Notably, Republicans were 77 percent in favor, compared to Democrats (71 percent) and independents (68 percent).

The question to voters did not ask about hemp being legal, so it’s unclear what percentage is falling back or being affected by the addition of new regulations. He asked, “Would you support or oppose a federal law to continue to allow the sale and possession of hemp-based consumer products with new safety and licensing regulations to protect children and adult consumers, including age restrictions for adult-only use, free school zones, and greater transparency such as clear health and warning labels.”

Given their generally popular regulatory policies, it is not surprising that strong majorities in both parties expressed support for a legal framework for the cultivation of cannabis.

When asked individually about specific regulatory proposals, 87 percent said they want child-friendly packaging, 86 percent want to limit sales to adults over 21, 81 percent said there should be marketing restrictions to prevent appeal to youth, and 71 percent said hemp products should not contain “unnatural psychoactive substances.”

The survey “shows strong support for passing federal legislation to continue to allow the sale and possession of hemp-based consumer products with new common-sense safety rules,” a survey release said.

Additionally, polls show that 55 percent of respondents who voted to keep hemp’s legal status would be more likely to support a political candidate with improved regulations. It includes 62% of Republicans, 53% of Democrats and 48% of independents.

“The hemp ban is a harmful government overreach, plain and simple,” HIFA Executive Director Brian Swensen said in a press release. “The desire to ban or regulate farmers and small business owners puts hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk, and Americans across the political spectrum.”

“After nearly a decade of law-abiding farmers and companies investing in this industry, changing the rules now would be a slap in the face,” he said. “Congress should think twice and work with the hemp industry to support common sense regulations instead of passing retroactive bans that penalize responsible operators.”

According to the survey, nearly half (47 percent) of voters have personally purchased hemp products or know someone who has.

Survey first notify On the part of the city council, there were interviews with 1,000 voters between October 1 and 5, with a margin of error of +/-3.1 points.

Last week, a major hemp industry organization sent a letter to Trump praising him for his role in legalizing the crop during his first term and banning hemp products by asking Congress to avoid “delaying” reform containing any amount of THC.

“As hemp growers, farmers, consumers and advocates, we are grateful and remain hopeful that your influence can save the $28.4 billion hemp industry you helped make possible,” the US Hemp Board said. “Your recent video sharing about the extraordinary value of hemp products was important in raising awareness of the positive impact of our products grown and manufactured in the United States.”

That was a reference to the president’s recent sharing of a video from The Commonwealth Project He touted the health benefits of hemp-derived CBD, especially for the elderly.

“Congress is close to passing a hemp ban, reversing the work you led to make hemp boom in 2018,” he said. “The proposed change in the definition of hemp, which says that Americans are protected, would eliminate 95 percent of this American industry that you are so proud of.”

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It’s Marijuana Moment tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelic and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters by pledging at least $25 a month, you’ll get access to our interactive maps, charts, and audio calendars so you never miss a development.

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Lawmakers from both sides of Congress have raised similar concerns in a recent letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) pushing back against attempts to ban THC hemp products. That was argued by the members such a change in policy will “deal a fatal blow” to the industry. and, as currently contained in a spending bill, violates congressional rules. For this purpose, the members say that there is an intention to implement an alternative measure to regulate the market.

At the federal level, on the other hand The Senate eventually removed the hemp THC ban language from its version After a procedural protest from Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) over the farm spending measure, there is still concern among stakeholders that it could end up in the final package sent to the president after bicameral negotiations.

Meanwhile, Democratic senators also sent a letter to the administration last month He warned of major upheavals in the hemp market If products containing any amount of THC were to be banned.

Dozens of Kentucky hemp farmers also recently petitioned senior U.S. Senator McConnell. he backtracked on his push to re-criminalize some crop-derived products.

Paul, for his part, recently noted this The cannabis policy movement has ‘pushed hard for prohibition’ amid controversy over intoxicating hemp products. And he worries that, if things go wrong, the hemp market could shrink in “the next couple of weeks.”

Asked about recent conversations with McConnell and Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), Paul said “We have been working diligently” with the workers “trying to reach a compromise”.

“A lot of the conversations have been constructive. They say, at least on the surface, they don’t want to get rid of it, but I think we’re kind of talking past each other,” he said.

Meanwhile, Paul recently introduced a stand-alone bill that would go in the opposite direction of the hemp ban, proposing to triple the concentration of THC that the crop could legally containaddressing several other concerns expressed by industry about federal regulations.

The senator introduced legislation in June called the Hemp Economic Mobilization Plan (HEMP) Act. It reflects versions backed up in recent sessions.

Harris, who supported the ban on THC from hemp in the House version of the agriculture spending bill, told Marijuana Moment he wasn’t worried about potential opposition to the hemp ban in the Senate—and also discussed reports on the scope his legislation would do to the industry.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) released a report in June stating this The legislation would “effectively” ban hemp-derived cannabinoid products. It initially said the ban would also prevent the sale of CBD, but the CRS report was updated to exclude that language for unclear reasons.

The hemp language is largely consistent with the appropriations and agriculture legislation that was introduced in the last Congress, but ultimately not enacted.

Hemp industry stakeholders opposed that proposal, an earlier version of which was also included in the subcommittee’s core bill last year. is Almost identical to a provision in the 2024 Farm Bill attached by a separate committee. last May through an amendment by Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), which also did not become law.

Further evidence of the normalization of the hemp sector, retail giant Target recently soft started sales of THC-infused drinks in select stores in minnesota

Meanwhile, the US Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). recently entered into its first partnership with a hemp THC beverage companyWith a brand licensing deal that will support a variety of veterans services and promote cannabis-based beverages as a potential alternative to alcohol, the beverages will be available at VFW stands across the country.

Read the full hemp survey memo below:

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Cannabis products recalled due to “unreliable” tests

Published

16 hours ago

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March 3, 2026

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New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has recalled several cannabis products after finding that reported results from a testing laboratory were “unreliable.”

OCM says it has found a total of 54 product lots that tested false positive for Aspergillus, the mold that causes disease. According to OCM, another batch of product had incorrect results for the heavy metal cadmium.

“When test results are inaccurate or unclear, product safety and, in turn, the safety of New York State consumers cannot be guaranteed,” said OCM Executive Deputy Director of Licensing, Enforcement and Laboratories Stephen Geskey. “It’s not a risk OCM is willing to take.”

This information comes from an audit of inspections and records conducted by Keystone State Testing New York between December 2025 and January 2026. According to OCM, there have been no reports of the effects of consuming any of the products.

Read more at News 10










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Virginia House And Senate Lawmakers Advance Marijuana Sales Legalization Bills Toward Governor’s Desk

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16 hours ago

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March 3, 2026

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The march to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana in Virginia continues, with the full House of Representatives and a Senate committee advancing a pair of bills to create a regulated adult cannabis market in the commonwealth.

The House on Tuesday approved the second reading of the cannabis sale bill passed by the Senate, giving it the chance to pass it definitively in the chamber. Earlier, a House measure moved through the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee on a 10-5 vote, sending the measure back to the floor for consideration.

Both chambers’ marijuana-sale proposals aim to give adults a legal way to buy cannabis, legalizing both state possession and home cultivation in 2021, though there are key differences between them.

Bicameral measures—HB 642 and SB 542—Recently changed to allow micro business licensees to cultivate, process or conduct retail sales at two locations instead of one, as long as they are within 10 miles of each other and operate under common ownership and control.

Lawmakers also revised the legislation to clarify that current medical cannabis businesses would only be able to grow cannabis indoors, including in secure greenhouses with a total hood of 70,000 square feet. The amendments also would not allow additional marijuana licenses with “dual-use privileges” beyond medical licenses.

Finally, the measure’s conversion fee structure was revised to pay current medical marijuana companies the privilege of dividing the adult-use market into three parts.

There are some key differences between the House bills that still need to be ironed out — related to the start date of legal sales and cannabis tax rates — before a final product can be delivered to the governor’s desk.

Here are the key details of Virginia’s marijuana sales legalization legislation, SB 542 and HB 642:

  • Adults would be able to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in a single transaction, or up to an equivalent amount of other cannabis products, as determined by regulators.
  • The House bill sets a statewide sales date of Nov. 1, 2026, while the Senate measure would allow it to begin on Jan. 1, 2027.
  • The Senate bill would impose a 12.875 percent excise tax on cannabis products, in addition to a 1.125 percent state sales tax and a mandatory 3 percent local tax. The House measure would apply a 6 percent excise tax, as well as a 5.3 percent retail sales and use tax, allowing municipalities to impose a 3.5 percent local tax.
  • Under the House bill, the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority would oversee licensing and regulation of the new industry, while the Senate legislation calls for a new combined Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority.
  • The House bill calls for the proceeds to be allocated to a new Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund (60 percent), early childhood education (10 percent), the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Health Services (25 percent) and public health initiatives (5 percent). The Senate proposal, on the other hand, would put 30 percent into the capital reinvestment fund, 40 percent for early childhood education, 25 percent for the department of behavioral and developmental health services and 5 percent for public health initiatives.
  • Local governments could not allow marijuana companies to operate in their area.
  • Delivery services would be allowed.
  • Serving sizes would be limited to 10 milligrams of THC, with no more than 100 mg of THC per package.
  • Existing medical cannabis operators could enter the adult-use market if they pay a license conversion fee set at $15 million in the Senate bill and $10 million in the House measure.
  • Cannabis businesses should implement peaceful labor agreements with their employees.
  • A legislative committee would direct the addition of local consumer licenses and micro-enterprise cannabis event permits that would allow licensees to hold sales at farmers markets or pop-up locations. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority would also investigate the possibility of involvement in marijuana regulation and enforcement.

Both the Virginia House and Senate Last month, he took action on multiple marijuana bills during a major deadline—accept proposals to legalize the sale of cannabis, provide a way to punish previous marijuana convictions and allow access to medical cannabis for seriously ill patients in hospitals.

As for the Senate marijuana sales bill, members recently clashed in committee over amendments to the body version that would add new penalties for illegal cannabis activity.

The amendments in the Judiciary Committee’s case included penalties for consumers who purchase from unlicensed sources, recriminalizing possession and sale of cannabis by those under 21, making it a Class 1 felony for a first offense and a felony punishable by a mandatory prison sentence for a second offense. As revised, the bill would also increase the penalty for unlicensed cultivation to a felony with up to five years in prison and make it a felony to transport cannabis with the intent to distribute it across state lines.

But the Finance and Appropriations Committee backed down the amendments last month, sending a letter to senators under pressure from a coalition of advocacy groups. saying that they undermined the “intent” of the legislation and “the will of the people” by adding criminal penalties to certain cannabis-related activities.

In general, both chambers’ commercial sales bills have largely aligned with recommendations released by the legislature in December. Joint Committee to Oversee the Transition to the Commonwealth Retail Cannabis Market.

Meanwhile, some members of the GOP have aligned ideologically with their Democratic colleagues throughout this legislative process, breaking with the majority of their caucus. in favor of creating a regulated market for adults to buy cannabis.

Since legalizing cannabis ownership and home cultivation in 2021, Virginia lawmakers have been working to establish a commercial marijuana market– Only for those efforts to stall under former Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who twice vetoed measures sent to his desk by the Legislature.

Governor Abigail Spanberger (D), for her part, supports legalizing the sale of marijuana to adults..

Meanwhile, members of the Virginia House and Senate advanced a pair of bills Monday, with amendments that provide a pathway to resentencing for people with prior marijuana convictions.

Members of the Senate and House Judiciary Committees approved alternate versions of the opposite chamber’s reform bill on Monday, setting the stage for bicameral negotiations as the measures move through the legislative process.

Legislation introduced in both chambers would create a process to consider changing the sentences under which people incarcerated or on community custody for certain felonies involving the possession, manufacture, sale or distribution of marijuana could receive an automatic trial.

Separately last month, the Virginia House patients passed a bill to allow the use of medical marijuana in hospitals. It would require health care facilities to implement policies “to address the situation in which an eligible patient is authorized to use medical cannabis.”

The Senate passed various pieces of legislation use of medical cannabis in healthcare facilities last month

—
It’s Marijuana Time tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelic and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters by pledging at least $25/month, you’ll get access to our interactive maps, charts, and audio calendars so you never miss a development.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracking and become a Patreon supporter to gain access
—

Meanwhile, the Virginia House passed the bill earlier this month Protecting the rights of parents who use marijuana by complying with state laws.

Del. According to the proposal by Nadarius Clark (D), a parent or guardian’s own use of cannabis “shall not serve as a basis for a finding of abuse or neglect of a child unless other facts establish that its possession or consumption causes or produces physical or mental injury to the child.”

“A person’s legal possession or consumption of substances permitted (under state marijuana law) shall not serve as a basis for limiting custody or visitation unless other facts establish that such possession or consumption is not in the best interest of the child,” reads the text of HB 942.

Separately, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry has published a new defining workplace protections for cannabis users.

Photo by Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.

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Swiss company launches nationwide price comparison tool for cannabis

Published

2 days ago

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March 2, 2026

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Evidena Care AG is one of the leading Swiss telemedicine platforms and specialized medical practices for medical cannabis. The company currently supports more than 2,000 patients across the country. Under the direction of Dr. Nicolai Berardi and two other specialist doctors, Evidena Care has focused on evidence-based, responsible and patient-centered treatment for the past two years.

Now, Evidena Care is launching a nationwide online comparison portal for medical cannabis products. The platform is designed for patients who already have a valid medical prescription and want a clear and reliable view of the market. For the first time in Switzerland, patients can directly compare products and prices from the country’s largest pharmacies in one place.

Medical cannabis plays an essential role in the treatment plans of many patients. At the same time, prices can vary significantly between pharmacies, even when the products contain the same levels of active ingredients. As these costs are often not covered by health insurance, or only partially covered, many patients have a heavy financial burden. The new portal addresses this issue by bringing transparency to a market that until now has been difficult to navigate.

The platform provides an overview of available products and dosages, clearly lists the active ingredient content, such as THC and CBD levels, and displays the current prices of leading Swiss pharmacies. Patients can directly compare options and make informed decisions that help optimize their therapy costs, without compromising medical guidance.

“Patients should not be victims of non-transparent pricing structures,” says Dr. Nicolai Berardi, CEO of Evidena Care AG. “We are creating transparency with our comparison portal, strengthening the self-responsibility of those affected and promoting fair competition in the interests of patients.”

The portal is only for people with a valid prescription. It serves as a true information tool and supports cost optimization in an existing therapy supervised by a physician.

For more information:
Evidena Care AG
Email: (email protected)
https://evidena.care/










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