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New Farm Bill Released By GOP Committee Chair Aims To Reduce Hemp Industry ‘Regulatory Burdens’

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3 weeks ago

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A top House committee chairman has introduced the latest version of a large-scale agriculture bill with provisions that his office says will reduce “regulatory burdens on industrial hemp producers.”

The proposed 2026 Farm Bill released Friday by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-PA) would maintain the industrial hemp program as the cannabinoid industry waits for the recriminalization of consumable cannabinoid products under legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump last year.

But for farmers who grow hemp for industrial purposes, such as fiber and grain, the latest version of the Farm Bill is being touted as a source of industry relief, with policies that allow the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), as well as states and tribes, to reduce or eliminate “testing requirements and background checks for producers.”

Those provisions are modeled after the Industrial Hemp Standalone Act, bipartisan legislation introduced in the 118th Congress aimed at strengthening the hemp market after the crop and its derivatives were federally legalized in 2018 during Trump’s first term.

Under the new 2026 Farm Bill, the USDA would also be mandated to “establish a process by which hemp testing laboratories can be accredited,” a section-by-section summary says. Currently, only Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-accredited laboratories can test hemp yields for compliance purposes, which has created a bottleneck that has historically limited resources.

“A new farm bill is long overdue, and the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 is an important step forward in providing certainty to our farmers, ranchers and rural communities,” Thompson said of the sweeping legislation in a press release Friday.

“This bill offers modern policies for modern challenges and builds on years of listening to the needs of farmers, ranchers and rural Americans,” he said. he said. “The farm bill affects our entire country, whether you live on a farm or not, and I look forward to my colleagues in Congress working together to push this critical legislation through the finish line.”

His panel will begin examining the bill on February 23.

Although the text of the legislation has only just been released to the public, the Democratic leadership has already argued with the draft proposal.

“A review of the text of the legislation is underway,” said Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), a member of the committee. “As far as I know, the Republican farm bill doesn’t meet the moment before farmers and workers.”

“Farmers need Congress to act quickly to end inflationary tariffs, stabilize trade relations, expand domestic market options like year-round E15, and help lower input costs. The Republican majority instead chose to ignore Democratic priorities and push through a farm bill with poison pills if nothing else complicates their options.” he said. “I strongly urge my Republican colleagues to put aside the political brass and work with House Democrats on a bipartisan bill that addresses the real issues facing farmers right now, before it’s too late.”

Again, regardless of how the proposed revisions to industrial hemp policy play out, there is a more pressing concern for the primary economic driver of the cannabis market—the farmers, manufacturers, and processors of cannabinoids in consumable products like CBD—in this latest Farm Bill.

The spending legislation signed by the president would once again ban cannabinoid products containing trace amounts of THC, which advocates say would upend an already struggling market.

Since 2018, cannabis products have been considered legal hemp if they contain less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC by dry weight.

However, the law, which will take effect in November, specifies that the weight would be applied to total THC — including delta-8 and other isomers. Also, “as tetrahydrocannabinol (or any other marketed cannabinoid) with similar effects in humans or animals (as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services).”

The new definition of legal hemp would also prohibit “any hemp-derived cannabinoid intermediate product marketed or sold as an end product or directly to an end consumer for personal or household use,” as well as products containing cannabinoids that are synthesized or manufactured outside of the cannabis plant or that cannot be produced naturally by the plant.

Legal hemp products would be limited to 0.4 milligrams total THC per container or any other cannabinoids with similar effects.

A bill called the Hemp Enforcement, Modernization and Protection (HEMP) Act is a potential alternative to the outright THC ban included in the spending bill signed by Trump. in the affirmative allowing the sale of consumable hemp products to adults over 21 years of age. This includes edibles, beverages and breathable items.

If the legislation were to be enacted, there would be several regulatory restrictions on the market. For example, packaging should not appeal to young people and should be fake. It should also list all the cannabinoids present and include a QR code that links to a certificate of analysis.

Manufacturers of hemp products would be prohibited from adding substances such as alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, nicotine, melatonin or others “that may interact with cannabinoids or enhance or modify their effects.”

There would also be manufacturing and testing requirements, and hemp companies would have to register their facilities.

Additionally, there are provisions mandating the establishment of a total cap on cannabinoids in hemp products. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would be responsible for proposing the cannabinoid limits within 60 days of their enactment.

In the meantime, the liquor dealers got together recently Encourage Congress to delay passage of the law Trump signed to federally recriminalize THC beverages and other hemp-derived products.

The coalition calls on the members of parliament to approve the legislation they have just presented Hemp Plantation Provision Lawthat would give the hemp industry two more years before a federal ban on THC products takes effect, which stakeholders hope will better position them to negotiate a broader regulatory compromise.

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY), who is sponsoring the proposal, appeared at a news conference last month. farmers concerned about the impact of the federal hemp ban in their businesses.

what’s the point Four out of five marijuana users say they oppose the recriminalization of THC hemp products According to the spending bill Trump signed in November. However, it should be noted that this survey was conducted a few weeks before the cannabis rescheduling order and measures to protect access to full-spectrum CBD.

Meanwhile, it would make way for a recently introduced bill in the Republican-led Congress stop implementing the hemp ban under established credit legislation.

—
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 per month, you’ll get access to our interactive maps, charts and audio calendars so you never miss a development.

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Hemp companies and industry groups have warned about the potential ramifications of the ban, but despite states in support of cannabis rights and a social media post extolling the benefits of CBD, Trump signed the underlying spending measure into law without endorsing the hemp provisions.

GOP political operative Roger Stone recently said it was Trump effectively “forced” Republican lawmakers to sign the spending bill with language to ban hemp THC.

However, a White House spokesman said before signing the bill Trump was particularly supportive of the ban’s language.

The Democratic governor of Kentucky said that the hemp industry is an “important” part of the economy that deserves to be regulated at the state level—instead of being banned federally, as Congress has done—.

Additionally, a leading veterans organization is alerting Congressional leaders to the recently passed blanket ban on consumable hemp products. could inadvertently “close the door” on critical inquiry.

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New generation of sensors introduced

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11 hours ago

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March 6, 2026

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© Strong

At HortiContact 2026 in the Netherlands, Sendot unveiled its latest generation of sensors, Gen 2. The launch marks another step in the company’s development of smart monitoring technology for greenhouse horticulture.

At the stand, Sendot displayed solutions designed to help growers optimize greenhouse climate and crop yield. By providing real-time data on oxygen levels, temperature, photosynthetic activity and PAR, the sensors aim to provide insights that can be directly applied to the day-to-day management of the greenhouse.

What 2nd generation sensors offer

The new generation introduces several improvements and new capabilities. According to the company, the sensors provide direct information on photosynthesis activity based on actual plant data, enable direct measurement of the light response curve and measure intermediate steps in the photosynthesis process.

Sensor data is transmitted directly to the cloud for maximum flexibility. The design is more energy efficient, has a long battery life, and has simplified installation and operation. Gen 2 sensors also support lighting and climate optimization, and can be integrated with multiple platforms and networks, including outdoor applications.

“With the new generation of sensors, we are making plant processes even more transparent for growers,” says Sendot’s Bert van Tol. “Our technology shows that smart sensor technology is not something of the future – it’s already delivering concrete value in the greenhouse today.”

With these developments, Sendot wants to help farmers make better informed crop management decisions and further optimize production processes.

Bert van Tol (Sendot) in conversation behind the scenes with colleague Frits van Horss. Sendot is introducing a new generation of sensors, more information to follow.© Thijmen Tiersma | MMJDaily.comBert van Tol representing Sendot at HortiContact 2026, explaining a demo setup with his colleague Frits van Horss in the background.

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Colorado Lawmakers Approve Bill To Allow Medical Marijuana Use In Hospitals By Terminally Ill Patients

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11 hours ago

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March 6, 2026

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Colorado House lawmakers have passed a Senate-passed bill allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in healthcare facilities such as hospitals— though advocates have warned that the measure’s latest change undermines its original intent.

Weeks after advancing in the Senate, with amendments, Sen. Kyle Mullica’s (D) legislation cleared the House Health and Human Services Committee on a 10-2 vote Thursday. It has now been referred to the Full House Committee, potentially ahead of schedule.

Reps. Sheila Lieder (D) and Lisa Feret (D) are co-sponsoring the House bill, and they pushed for the reform before the committee took public testimony on the final version.

“He brought this bill to us from the patient’s perspective,” Lieder said Thursday. “We want to ensure continuity of care when patients are treated in a hospital or health center.”

“There have been many participants in this Senate bill. Several amendments were passed in the Senate committee without opposition,” he said. “That really puts us in a good place with hospitals, especially given that participation is not mandated and permissive.”

According to Feret, the legislation is “an excellent opportunity for people to have autonomy in deciding how they want to spend their time on this earth and how they want to treat their pain and give them that autonomy.”

“Some of the amendments that came in softened it a little bit, and some people are not happy that it was softened,” he said. “But that’s the beauty of making political commitments in this building is that we try to get to a good place.”

Several advocates testified about these changes, arguing that making hospitals allow the use of medical cannabis in their facilities would essentially be the reform’s intent.

Jim Bartell, the father of a young patient in California who passed it and who inspired the policy known as Ryan’s Law in his home state and several other states, urged committee members to return the bill to its original language and use the original language of “must” and “must” to avoid creating a network of health care facilities that allow or prohibit the use of medical cannabis.

“For families like mine, this legislation isn’t theoretical. It’s part of ethical, compassionate care,” she said.

Ken Sobel, an attorney for the Cannabis Nurses Network, said “the order is very important because it is time wasted looking for a facility that allows the use of cannabis that literally jeopardizes your ability to be with your close and loving family member.”

“Changing ‘must’ or ‘shall’ removes that fundamental protection of Ryan’s law,” he said.

Lieder, one of the bill sponsors, said testimony that he had just learned of the amendments which the defenders oppose. So while he was led to agree to the legislation, he said he will “be happy to continue” working with his colleagues to tackle the issue.

Underneath SB 26-007healthcare facilities would be allowed to develop guidelines for the use, storage and administration of medical marijuana.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) would prohibit requiring compliance with the policy as a condition of obtaining or renewing a license or certificate under the bill. Healthcare facilities would be allowed to suspend the policy change if they risked enforcement action by a federal agency.

“In FY 2026-27, the workload of CDPHE’s Division of Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services will increase minimally to provide outreach and education to licensed health facilities about the use of medical marijuana,” a fiscal impact analysis states. “The department may also request legal services, provided by the Department of Law, related to rulemaking and implementation. This workload may be done within existing appropriations.”

Other Senate-passed amendments add additional enforcement language that would not require health care facilities to store or dispense medical cannabis and limit legal liability for health care facilities that permit the use of medical marijuana.

—
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, in Colorado, the state saw more than $1 billion in marijuana sales — a milestone the governor announced in December —.

Gov. Jared Polis (D) also said last month his state did not have to join a lawsuit supporting a federal ban on the possession of guns by people who use marijuana that recently went before the US Supreme Court, and he personally opposes the state attorney general’s “legal position on this.”

Max Jackson’s photo.

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Texas Original opens five new locations

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1 day ago

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March 5, 2026

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Texas-based medical cannabis operator Texas Original has announced new satellite locations in Plano and San Antonio, and pickup facilities in Lubbock, Nacogdoches and Tyler, Texas. The five sites will serve a viable market of more than 14,000 patients and allow patients to access their prescribed medications closer to home, reducing travel and improving convenience.

“Strengthening access to safe and reliable medical marijuana remains our guiding mission,” said Nico Richardson, Texas Original CEO. “These new locations allow more Texans to get their medications locally, reflecting our commitment to serving patients in every corner of the state.”

© Texas Original

Satellite locations, authorized under House Bill 46, allow licensed medical marijuana providers to operate in locations approved by the Department of Public Safety to securely store medications on-site. Unlike traditional pickup sites, which require same-day transportation from a central facility, satellite locations can store inventory overnight, allowing for same-day pickup and more flexible patient access.

Texas Original has now approved four satellite locations with others in Houston Heights and South Austin, and 14 collection sites statewide, strengthening the largest distribution network in Texas and advancing responsible and targeted access to patient-centered and life-changing medicines through the Texas Compassionate Use Program. Additional openings are planned for 2026 as the Texas Original continues to expand across the state.

© Texas Original

Several new satellite locations are open to better serve customers throughout Texas. In Plano, you can visit the new location at 601 West 15th St, Suite 102, Plano, Texas 75075. The Plano satellite location is open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with Sunday hours from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 1464. Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 18:00

In addition to these satellite locations, several new pickup locations are also available. The Lubbock pickup location is located at 421 Frankford Ave, Lubbock, Texas 79416, and is open Wednesdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm in Nacogdoches, pickups are available at 1320 N University Dr, Suite C, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961, Saturdays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, Tyler customers from 1:00pm They can be visited until 15:00. 11980 Hwy 64 E, Suite C, Tyler, Texas 75707, Open Tuesdays 9:00am – 1:00pm These additions make it easier for customers throughout the region to access services and get what they need closer to home.

© Texas Original

These new locations follow the opening of Texas Original’s 75,000-square-foot Bastrop production facility, which significantly increases cultivation and manufacturing capacity. The added scale allows Texas Original to reach more communities and support the state’s growing patient population through a combination of delivery routes, satellite locations and pickup options.

© Texas Original

The company also recently introduced the first medical cannabis concentrate products in Texas, including an oral RSO syringe and an oral distillate syringe, expanding access to treatment options to meet critical patient needs.

For more information:
Originally from Texas
texasoriginal.com/

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