NewsUnited States
The first phase of the new US hemp law cannabinoid restrictions entered into force on 12 November 2026, narrowing the federal definition of hemp. A second phase, with a THC cap per retail package, is scheduled for 11 December 2026.
Key points
- Phase one took effect on 12 November 2026 and excludes cannabinoids the cannabis plant cannot produce naturally.
- Phase two, due on 11 December 2026, caps finished products at 0.4 mg of total THC per retail package.
- Industry voices are split between alarm over jobs and talk of new business strategies.
The change stems from Section 781 of Public Law 119-37, approved in November 2025. According to Sechat, it rewrote the federal definition of hemp with stricter criteria.
Phase one now in force
Since 12 November 2026, products containing cannabinoids that the cannabis plant cannot produce naturally fall outside the federal hemp definition. Products that no longer meet it could become subject to the Controlled Substances Act, the same report indicates.
The timetable was partly adjusted by Public Law 119-103, which extended the deadline for some restrictions.
Phase two sets tight THC caps
The second phase is planned for 11 December 2026. Finished products containing more than 0.4 milligram of total THC per retail package would then be excluded.
For intermediate products, the combined concentration of total THC and cannabinoids with similar effects must not exceed 0.3% of dry weight.
- Phase one: 12 November 2026, naturally non-occurring cannabinoids excluded
- Phase two: 11 December 2026, 0.4 mg total THC cap per package
- Intermediate products: 0.3% of dry weight, combined
McConnell behind the restriction
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell was one of the main architects of the measure, defending limits on intoxicating hemp-derived products. He also played an important role in passing the 2018 Farm Bill, which set the original federal hemp definition and opened the way for the North American market in cannabis derivatives.
Industry weighs jobs and opportunity
Sandro Nogueira of the Memphis Courier puts the North American hemp market at around 30 billion dollars a year. He estimates 300,000 to 400,000 direct and indirect jobs, as Sechat reports.
He doubts Congress would leave more than 400,000 people jobless and argues for regulation rather than a ban. Ricardo Parra, CEO of Gotta Pharma, sees the changes as a chance to diversify markets and commercial strategies, not only a threat.
What remains uncertain
The exact effect of phase two on capsules, drinks or extracts will depend on analysis of each product’s composition. How Congress responds to the economic concerns, and whether the law is revised again, is also unknown.
Ce que ça change pour toi
This is a US law, so it does not directly change the rules where you live in Europe. Hemp rules differ by country, and you should check your own national framework.
If you follow the market, the rules could influence how international brands design their products. If you simply want to browse legal-market hemp products, you can look at the CBD flower collection or the full product range. Every Spliff product is lab-tested: THC content below 0.3% (0% for vapes and pods).
FAQ
Is cannabis legal in the US under this law?
The law concerns the federal definition of hemp, not cannabis as a whole. Products that fall outside it could become subject to the Controlled Substances Act, according to Sechat.
Are new hemp regulations and THC limits in force already?
Phase one has applied since 12 November 2026. The THC limit of 0.4 mg of total THC per retail package is planned for 11 December 2026.
Does this affect cannabis oil in the US?
The fiche does not detail oils. The effect on extracts and other formats will depend on their specific composition.
Sources
- Sechat — Nova lei dos EUA restringe mercado e importação de cânhamo
- FOX 2 on MSN — Illinois law restricting THC products to dispensaries concerns retailers, consumers
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