A Republican bill with 4 Democratic cosponsors · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Agriculture, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Lawful Hemp Protection Act aims to protect consumers from high-THC synthetic intoxicants while preserving lawful hemp commerce. It establishes new definitions for hemp, industrial hemp, and unfinished hemp-cannabinoid ingredients to exclude certain artificially modified products. The bill implements strict FDA oversight regarding labeling, product content, and age restrictions for hemp-derived cannabinoid products. It also creates a federal tax system for hemp-derived beverages and cannabinoid products, alongside a permit system for manufacturers and wholesalers. Additionally, the Act allows for the coverage of these products under Medicare Advantage and establishes a trust fund for oversight. Finally, it implements zero-tolerance standards for impaired driving related to hemp.
Yes· 3 of 15
- Scored +7
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill establishes strict FDA oversight, labeling requirements, and bans synthetic intoxicants to protect consumers.
- Scored +5
Would children be better off under this?
The bill prohibits the sale and possession of hemp-derived products by anyone under age 21.
- Scored +5
Does this raise the taxes companies pay?
The bill imposes a 5 percent tax on the sales revenue of manufacturers of hemp-derived cannabinoid products.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill imposes significant new taxes, permit requirements, and strict three-tiered distribution rules on businesses.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Consumer Protection and Safety: The bill establishes clear rules to prevent consumers from accessing high-THC synthetic intoxicants like HHC, THC-O acetate, and THCP (Section 3(a)(1)(C)). It also requires specific warnings regarding pregnancy and impaired driving on product labels (Section 4(a)(2)(A)).
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Age-Control Measures: The Act prohibits the sale, possession, or consumption of hemp-derived cannabinoid products by anyone younger than 21 years of age (Section 4(b)(kkk)).
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Increased Access for the Chronically Ill: Medicare Advantage plans may include coverage of hemp-derived cannabinoid products as a special supplemental benefit for the chronically ill (Section 5(a)).
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Industry Credibility: By requiring consistent manufacturing, accurate labeling, and domestic sourcing, the bill aims to maintain public trust in the hemp industry (Section 2(2)).
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Standardized Safety Testing: The Secretary is tasked with establishing uniform manufacturing and testing requirements to ensure product safety (Section 4(c)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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New Financial Burdens on Industry: The bill imposes several new taxes, including a tax on hemp-derived beverages based on THC content, a 5 percent tax on all other hemp-derived cannabinoid products, and a 5 percent tax on the sales revenue of manufacturers (Section 6(a)(1), 6(a)(1A), and 6(a)(1B)).
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Strict Regulatory Requirements for Businesses: Manufacturers and wholesalers must obtain federal permits to engage in business, and must maintain accurate inventories and reports (Section 5902 and Section 5903).
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Legal Risks and Penalties: Failure to comply with the new regulations can lead to significant civil and criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment (Section 5907 and Section 5907A).
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Restrictions on Distribution: The bill mandates a strict three-tiered distribution system for hemp-derived beverages, preventing certain entities from holding more than one tier of interest (Section 5904).
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Impaired Driving Penalties: States must implement specific standards for assessing hemp-related impairment to avoid losing federal highway funds, and individuals found operating vehicles while impaired by hemp face the same penalties as those driving under the influence of alcohol (Section 9).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — The bill prohibits the sale and possession of hemp-derived products by anyone under age 21. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill allows Medicare Advantage plans to cover hemp-derived products for the chronically ill. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill provides potential access to hemp-derived products through Medicare Advantage which many veterans utilize. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill enables potential coverage of wellness products through Medicare Advantage.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill establishes strict FDA oversight, labeling requirements, and bans synthetic intoxicants to protect consumers. Does this raise the taxes companies pay? — The bill imposes a 5 percent tax on the sales revenue of manufacturers of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill creates a formal market structure and regulatory certainty for the hemp industry. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill establishes a formal regulatory framework and Medicare coverage which may support industry growth. Does this raise taxes on the highest earners? — The bill implements new excise taxes on hemp-derived beverages and cannabinoid products. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill imposes significant new taxes, permit requirements, and strict three-tiered distribution rules on businesses.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into Medicare, the health coverage for people over 65? — The bill allows Medicare Advantage plans to include hemp-derived cannabinoid products as a special supplemental benefit. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill enables coverage of hemp-derived products through Medicare Advantage for the chronically ill.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the Secretary to publish lists of manufacturers and wholesalers for public access. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — The bill includes provisions protecting the rights of states to enact more stringent regulations than the federal standard.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill supports the domestic hemp industry which is often centered in rural areas.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill provides potential supplemental benefits for low-income seniors via Medicare Advantage.
- 8/31/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 8/20/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/30/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/22/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Agriculture, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
James BairdRepublican · Indiana
Angie CraigDemocrat · Minnesota
Gabe EvansRepublican · Colorado
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Betty McCollumDemocrat · Minnesota
Tim MooreRepublican · North Carolina
Marc VeaseyDemocrat · Texas