April Last updated: September 14, 2026
A chronological, sourced record of major federal cannabis and hemp policy actions since the original hemp ban was signed in November 2025. State actions are included only where they directly intersect with the federal timeline. This page will be updated as new developments occur.
2025 Cannabis Rescheduling and Hemp Ban Legislation
November 12, 2025 — President Trump signs the continuing appropriations bill ending the government shutdown. Section 781 of the resulting law (P.L. 119-37) redefines “hemp” under the 2018 Farm Bill standard. This shifted from a delta-9-only THC threshold to a total THC standard (including THCA) capped at 0.3% by dry weight, and imposing a 0.4 milligram total-THC-per-container cap on finished products. The effective date is set for one year later: November 12, 2026.
December 18, 2025 — President Trump signs an executive order directing the Department of Justice and DEA to “expeditiously” complete the rulemaking process to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.
2026 Cannabis Rescheduling and Hemp Ban Legislation
April 2026
April 22–23, 2026 — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signs a final order transferring FDA-approved marijuana drug products and marijuana subject to state-licensed medical marijuana programs from Schedule I to Schedule III, effective April 28, 2026. DEA issues a notice of hearing to consider broader rescheduling of all marijuana (including recreational). The DEA hearings are set to begin June 29, 2026.
April 23, 2026 — Missouri’s governor signs state legislation banning intoxicating hemp products, with an effective date of November 12, 2026 — aligned with the original federal deadline.
April 30, 2026 — The U.S. House passes its version of the 2026 Farm Bill, 224-200, leaving the hemp restrictions intact.
June 2026
June 29, 2026 — DEA’s expedited administrative hearing on full marijuana rescheduling begins.
August 2026
August 5, 2026 — Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) brings an amendment to the Senate floor to preserve the original November 12 ban date (i.e., strip a proposed delay).
August 6, 2026 — The Senate Agriculture Committee fails to advance the Agricultural Act of 2026 (the 2026 Farm Bill package) on a 10-11 vote, over a dispute unrelated to hemp (SNAP cost-sharing). The bill stalls before reaching the floor.
August 8, 2026 — The Senate votes 61-32 to table (kill) Sen. Budd’s amendment, then passes a continuing resolution 90-6 that includes a provision delaying the hemp ban’s effective date to December 11, 2026 for naturally-derived cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., delta-8, HHC) remain on track to lose hemp status November 12 as originally scheduled.
August 10, 2026 — Reps. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) and Greg Landsman (D-OH) introduce the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act. This proposed a three-tier, alcohol-style distribution framework for hemp-derived beverages under TTB/FDA oversight, a 5mg-per-serving THC cap, 21+ age restrictions, and an 8-cent-per-milligram federal excise tax. The bill does not cover other hemp product categories (edibles, tinctures, flower, vapes).
August 21, 2026 — DEA files its final post-hearing brief in the marijuana rescheduling case, arguing that marijuana no longer meets the statutory criteria for Schedule I.
August 26, 2026 — Deadline for the corrected hearing transcript in the rescheduling case to be made public, per the presiding judge’s order.
August 28, 2026 — Reporting details industry legal challenges to Missouri’s state hemp ban, arguing constitutional issues.
September 2026
September 1, 2026 — The House passes the Senate-amended continuing resolution (H.R. 6500), 370-48, adopting the delay of the hemp ban to December 11, 2026.
September 2, 2026 — President Trump signs H.R. 6500 into law. The federal hemp ban’s effective date for naturally-derived cannabinoids is now December 11, 2026. The November 12, 2026 date remains in effect for synthetic cannabinoids.
September 2026 (ongoing) — Missouri’s state-level ban takes effect November 12, 2026 regardless of the federal delay, with a separate grace period for beverages through December 11, 2026. The DEA rescheduling case awaits a recommendation from the administrative law judge. House Speaker Johnson has canceled House votes for the remainder of September. This leaves a narrow window for further federal action before the midterms.
Notes: This timeline focuses on federal action, with select state actions included where they intersect directly with federal deadlines. It is not an exhaustive record of state-level hemp or cannabis legislation. Some linked sources may sit behind a subscriber paywall. Check back for updates as the December 11, 2026 deadline approaches.
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