Senator Rand Paul has introduced the Hemp Safety Enforcement Act, a bill designed to protect access to hemp-derived products while giving states more control over how they are regulated in lieu of the federal ban set to take effect in November.
At its core, the legislation shifts authority away from a one-size-fits-all federal approach and allows states and Tribal governments to opt out of federal hemp rules entirely. By doing so, they can implement their own regulatory frameworks tailored to their markets and priorities.
What the Hemp Safety Enforcement Act does:
- Gives states and Tribes an opt-out: Any state or Tribal government can simply notify the federal government and take full control of hemp regulation.
- Builds in real safety protections: States choosing self-regulation must enforce a minimum age for buying hemp-derived cannabinoid products and keep the ban on synthetic cannabinoids that do not naturally occur in the hemp plant. While protecting minors from intoxicating synthetics is important, a blanket federal prohibition threatens legitimate farmers, small businesses, veterans, seniors, and millions of everyday Americans who rely on safe, non-intoxicating hemp-derived products for health and wellness.
- Protects interstate commerce: No state can block legal hemp or hemp-derived products from moving to or from other states that have also opted out.
- Aligns with pro-research policy: Consistent with President Trump’s Executive Order on expanding medical marijuana and CBD research, the bill preserves access to beneficial products while cracking down on real dangers.
Overall, the Hemp Safety Enforcement Act takes a state-led, pro-industry approach—focusing on targeted safety measures rather than broad federal restrictions that could harm the hemp economy.
What you can do: Call (202) 224-3121
Ask to be connected to your senator (e.g., “Senator Ted Cruz” or “Senator John Cornyn”)
Tell them to support this bill.
