20 Apr The Push to Restrict Hemp: State Legislation, Political Advocates, and Corporate Cannabis Influence

Since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production, the U.S. has witnessed a surge in hemp-derived THC products, particularly delta-8 and delta-10 THC. These compounds, often synthesized from CBD, have become widely available, leading to concerns over their safety, regulation, and impact on youth. In response, several states are enacting or considering legislation to restrict or ban these products. This paper examines the current legislative efforts, identifies key political figures behind these movements, explores potential corporate cannabis influences, and provides a guide to tracing corporate funding in political campaigns.

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Florida’s Legislative Actions on Hemp-Derived THC Products

Florida has been at the forefront of implementing stringent regulations on hemp-derived THC products. In 2025, the Florida Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 438 (SB 438), which introduces several restrictions:

Ban on Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC Products:

The bill prohibits the sale of products containing synthetic cannabinoids, including delta-8 and delta-10 THC.​

THC Content Limits:

Hemp-derived products are restricted to a maximum of 5 milligrams of delta-9 THC per serving and 50 milligrams per container.

Regulation of Hemp-Infused Beverages:

THC-infused drinks are limited to 5 milligrams of THC per container and can only be sold through retailers holding a liquor license.

Advertising Restrictions:

Businesses are prohibited from advertising hemp products in a manner visible from public spaces, such as streets and parks.

Packaging and Marketing Controls:

The bill expands definitions to prevent marketing that appeals to children, including packaging resembling branded food products.

Product Placement Requirements:

Hemp products must be placed out of customers’ reach, either in controlled areas accessible only to employees or in locked display cases, excluding hemp-infused beverages.

Mandatory Testing:

Each batch of hemp extract must be tested in a certified marijuana testing laboratory, with results verified and signed by two laboratory employees.

These measures aim to address concerns over unregulated sales and potential health risks associated with hemp-derived THC products.

Key Political Figures Advocating for Hemp Restrictions

Florida:

Senator Colleen Burton (R) has been instrumental in sponsoring SB 438, emphasizing the need to regulate intoxicating hemp products that have emerged since the state legalized hemp in 2019. ​

Texas:

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sen. Charles Perry are leading efforts to ban consumable hemp products, arguing that the original intent of hemp legalization was not to permit recreational THC use.​

Illinois:

House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch received significant campaign contributions from hemp advocates opposing restrictive legislation, indicating his influential role in the state’s hemp policy.​

Tennessee:

Rep. William Lamberth has pursued legislation to ban all forms of cannabis containing more than 0.3% THC, despite public support for cannabis legalization.​

Federal Level:

Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) proposed an amendment to the U.S. Farm Bill aiming to close the loophole that allows the sale of hemp-derived THC products like delta-8.​

Corporate Cannabis Influence and Political Funding

The intersection of corporate cannabis interests and political campaigns is evident in several instances:

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Florida:

Gov. Ron DeSantis’s campaign opposing marijuana legalization received a $100,000 donation from a cannabis executive. Simultaneously, hemp businesses pledged $5 million to the state GOP to support efforts against recreational marijuana initiatives.

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Illinois:

The Illinois Cannabis Association of Nonprofit Networks (ICANN), funded by major cannabis companies like Cresco and PharmaCann, contributed $57,000 to Speaker Welch’s campaign, influencing hemp-related legislation.

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Tennessee:

Rep. William Lamberth received over $50,000 in campaign donations from alcohol suppliers, detention facility operators, and pharmaceutical companies, raising questions about the motivations behind his anti-cannabis stance.

Guide to Tracing Corporate Cannabis Contributions to Political Campaigns

To investigate corporate cannabis funding in political campaigns, follow this outline:

1. Identify Target Politicians and Legislation: Determine which lawmakers are sponsoring or supporting hemp-related legislation in your state.​
2. Access Campaign Finance Records:
   1. Use state election commission websites to review campaign finance disclosures.​
   2. Consult national databases like OpenSecrets and FollowTheMoney for comprehensive data.​
3. Analyze Donor Information:
   1. Look for contributions from cannabis companies, industry associations, or executives.​
   2. Note the timing of donations relative to legislative actions.​
4. Cross-Reference with Corporate Disclosures:
   1. Review annual reports and press releases from cannabis companies for political engagement statements.​
   2. Check for memberships in industry groups that engage in lobbying.​
5. Monitor Lobbying Activities:
   1. Access lobbying disclosure databases to identify registered lobbyists representing cannabis interests.​
   2. Examine lobbying expenditures related to hemp and cannabis legislation.​
6. Utilize Investigative Journalism:
   1. Read investigative reports from reputable news outlets that track the influence of corporate money in politics.

The movement to restrict hemp-derived THC products is gaining momentum across various states, driven by concerns over public health, youth access, and regulatory gaps. Key political figures are at the forefront of this push, with some receiving substantial funding from corporate cannabis entities, suggesting potential conflicts of interest. By systematically analyzing campaign finance records, lobbying activities, and corporate disclosures, stakeholders can better understand the forces shaping hemp legislation and advocate for transparent

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