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Federal THC Ban: Alcohol Lobby's Influence

  • Writer: Simply Crafted
    Simply Crafted
  • Nov 19
  • 3 min read

🚨 Wake Up Call: The Truth Behind the Federal THC Ban (And What It Means for Your Favorite Products)


If you've been following the news, you've likely seen the headlines: a new federal ban is coming for most hemp-derived THC products. This isn't just about confusing legal jargon; it's a huge shift that could wipe out a significant portion of the $28 billion hemp industry—and it's hitting a lot closer to home than you think.


At Luxe ,we believe in transparency, and we want to break down what's happening, when it takes effect, and the surprising powerful forces pushing this change.


What Exactly Is the New Ban?


Tucked into a recent government spending bill, this new provision fundamentally redefines what qualifies as "legal hemp" under federal law.


  • The Key Change: The ban sets a new, extremely low limit on the amount of Total THCallowed in a consumable product—just 0.4 milligrams per container.


  • A Near-Total Prohibition: For context, most popular hemp-derived products, like a typical THC gummy or beverage, contain anywhere from 2.5mg to 10mg of Delta-9 THC. This new rule effectively criminalizes almost all consumable Delta-8, Delta-9, and THCA products currently on the market.


  • The Deadline: The new rules are set to take effect approximately one year from November 2025 (around November 2026). This gives the industry a small window to fight back or reformulate.


If this provision goes into effect as written, the hemp products you know and love will be classified as illegal marijuana under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This isn’t a small tweak; it’s an existential threat to our entire business and the hundreds of thousands of jobs the industry supports.


federal THC ban

The Real Proponents: Following the Money Trail 💰


So, who is pushing so hard to eliminate a burgeoning, consumer-popular industry? Look no further than Big Alcohol.

It might sound dramatic, but industry trade groups representing massive alcohol companies—think beer, wine, and spirits—have been the main proponents and lobbyists pushing for this strict ban.


Why?

  • Competitive Threat: Hemp-derived THC beverages, gummies, and vapes offer a popular alternative to alcohol. As the hemp market boomed, it started cutting into the alcohol industry’s profits. Instead of innovating or competing fairly, their strategy is simple: eliminate the competition entirely through regulation.

  • Lobbying Power: These powerful alcohol groups have intensified their lobbying efforts, urging Congress to "immediately remove hemp-derived THC products from the marketplace." They see this as a way to "level the playing field"—by getting the government to shut down their rivals for them.


Mitch McConnell being paid by alcohol lobbyists

A Powerful Senator's Role


If you want to see how this pressure translates into policy, look at one of the ban's most vocal supporters: Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

Senator McConnell has played a critical role in pushing this provision into law. This is notable because, historically, he was actually a key champion of the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp in the first place!


However, it's difficult to ignore the connections between his political funding and the industries that benefit from this ban:

  • Significant Alcohol Industry Contributions: Senator McConnell has a long, documented history of receiving very large contributions from the alcohol business. He’s been honored with the "100 Proof Award" by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association for his work championing the state's signature Bourbon industry.

  • Serving Two Masters: While he was once a hero to hemp farmers in his state, his current stance aligns perfectly with the financial interests of the multi-billion-dollar alcohol lobbies who view hemp THC as a direct market threat.

It’s clear: this ban is less about public health and more about protecting powerful, established industries from innovative competition.


What This Means for You and Luxe


At Luxe Delta, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality, most reliable hemp-derived THC products. Right now, our products remain legal to purchase and enjoy.

However, the clock is ticking.

The threat of this ban reinforces the need to act now to secure your favorite hemp products. We are working tirelessly alongside industry advocates like the U.S. Hemp Roundtable to challenge this legislation and push for sensible, state-level regulations (like those already working in many states) instead of an outright prohibition.


  • Stock Up on Your Favorites: Don't wait until the deadline looms. If you love your Luxe Delta Delta-8 or Delta-9 gummies, now is the time to purchase them while they are still federally legal and available.

  • Stay Informed: Follow our updates, and be ready to make your voice heard with your representatives.

This is a fight for consumer choice, for small business, and for the right to an alternative to Big Alcohol. Thank you for continuing to support Luxe Delta as we navigate this challenge.




 
 
 

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