A bill that would delay the implementation of a new federal law that significantly restricts hemp products has been introduced by Indiana Congressman Jim Baird (R-04).
The Hemp Planting Predictability Act would provide a two-year extension on the hemp provision that restricts the definition of legal hemp. That provision was included in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371, P.L. 119-37) enacted in November 2025.
“Planting and growing crops requires planning well in advance,” said Baird. “Congress created a regulatory environment in the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed for certain investments, and farmers were operating within this environment. The hemp provision included in the Continuing Resolution and Appropriations bills passed in November 2025 disrupted planting decisions that had already been made.
“Congress should not have passed such a sweeping policy change that upends a growing industry,” added Baird. “Instead, Congress should have given farmers more time, creating a more stable environment for farmers to modify their future planting decisions. I am proud to introduce this legislation to ensure farmers have predictability and sufficient time to adjust to new laws that affect their livelihood.”
Baird serves on the House Agriculture Committee.
Congressman Baird was joined by House Oversight and Accountability Chair James Comer (R-KY-01), House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Congressman Tim Moore (R-NC-14), and Congressman Gabe Evans (R-CO-08).
“I am proud to be an original cosponsor of Rep. Baird’s bill to extend the implementation of new hemp restrictions by two years,” said House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman Comer. “This common-sense extension gives farmers and America’s hemp industry the time they need to adapt while Congress works to establish a clear, reasonable regulatory framework. I have championed the hemp industry since my time as Kentucky’s Commissioner of Agriculture and remain committed to bipartisan solutions in Washington that support our local farmers and provide certainty for this growing industry.”
“Recent changes to hemp production and processing regulations pulled the rug out from under Minnesota’s hemp producers, craft brewers, and retailers at a time when too many business owners are already dealing with high prices and uncertainty,” said House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Craig. “I’m proud to be introducing this common-sense legislation with my colleague Rep. Baird to fight these ill-thought-out policies and support the farmers and small business owners who make up Minnesota’s $200 million hemp industry.”
