In a stunning poll, four out of five marijuana users slammed the recriminalization of hemp THC products signed into law by President Donald Trump. This move, tucked into a November 2025 spending bill, could crush the hemp industry just as Trump pushes cannabis reforms. But why the uproar, and what’s next for users and businesses?
A fresh poll shows 82 percent of marijuana consumers oppose the hemp THC ban, highlighting deep frustration over the policy shift. The survey, done by a leading cannabis advocacy group in late 2025, asked over 1,000 regular users about the change. Many fear it will limit access to popular products like edibles and tinctures.
This opposition cuts across party lines. Democrats and Republicans in the poll both voiced concerns, with independents showing the highest disapproval at 85 percent. Users worry the ban ignores health benefits and boosts underground markets.
One respondent said the rule feels like a step back after years of progress.
The poll comes amid broader cannabis talks. It points to a gap between policy makers and everyday people who rely on these items for pain relief or relaxation.
How the Ban Threatens the Hemp Industry
The spending bill redefines hemp to ban products with more than tiny THC amounts, set to kick in by November 2026. Industry leaders argue this could wipe out billions in sales. Hemp, legalized in 2018 under Trump’s first term, grew into a $28 billion market by 2025, per U.S. Department of Agriculture data.
Small farms and shops face the biggest hits. In states like Colorado and California, hemp products make up 40 percent of cannabis sales, according to a 2025 industry report. Owners say the ban favors big pharma over natural options.
- Hemp jobs: Over 100,000 positions at risk nationwide.
- Economic loss: Projected $10 billion drop in revenue by 2027.
- Consumer impact: Higher prices and fewer choices for legal THC items.
One hemp farmer in Kentucky shared how the ban could force family businesses to close. This isn’t just about money; it’s about livelihoods built on a crop once hailed as a farming savior.
Experts note the ban was slipped into the bill during shutdown talks, catching many off guard.
Trump’s Mixed Signals on Cannabis Policy
Trump signed the bill in November 2025, weeks before his executive order to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to III. That order aimed to ease banking and research barriers, even directing Medicare to cover some CBD products starting in 2026.
Yet the hemp ban seems at odds with this. Trump’s team called the ban a way to protect kids from strong products, but critics say it overlooks safe, regulated options. His order also pushed Congress to tweak the ban, hinting at possible changes.
In a December 2025 statement, the White House stressed the rescheduling doesn’t legalize marijuana fully. It focuses on medical access, like CBD for pain, while cracking down on unchecked hemp items.
This flip-flop has fueled debates. Some see it as a win for reform, others as a half-measure that hurts everyday users.
A bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill in December 2025 to regulate hemp instead of banning it. The proposal would set safety rules and let states decide, potentially saving the industry.
What This Means for Consumers and the Future
Users now face uncertainty. With the ban looming, many stock up on hemp THC goods, driving short-term sales spikes reported by retailers in early 2026.
Advocacy groups push for reversals, citing public health. A 2025 study from Johns Hopkins University found low-THC hemp helps with anxiety without addiction risks, unlike harder drugs.
If unchanged, the policy could shift more people to black market sources, raising safety worries.
Looking ahead, legal battles might delay the ban. Courts in states like Texas already challenge similar rules, setting precedents.
| Aspect | Current Status | Potential Change |
|---|---|---|
| Hemp THC Legality | Legal until Nov 2026 | Banned nationwide |
| Consumer Access | Wide availability | Limited to low-THC only |
| Industry Revenue | $28 billion in 2025 | Drop to $18 billion by 2027 |
| Government Stance | Ban signed by Trump | Possible tweaks via new bills |
This table shows the stark before-and-after picture, based on industry forecasts from late 2025.
The clash between reform and restriction keeps the cannabis world on edge.
This hemp THC saga underscores the bumpy road to cannabis reform in America, where one policy advance often comes with setbacks that hit users hard. As polls show massive opposition, it raises questions about who really benefits from these rules.
