Federal Hemp Ban Could Wipe Out Most of Oregon’s CBD Industry by the End of the Year

The proposed federal government ban on hemp products containing more than 0.4mg of THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids could wipe out most of Oregon’s CBD industry by the end of 2026.

Senators opposed to the ban say the proposal could devastate farmers and small businesses in states like Oregon, where safety rules for hemp products have already been adopted.

Tidings Data Snapshot

Oregon Hemp Industry Is Far Smaller Than Its 2019 Peak
Measure 2019 2026* Change
Licensed growers 1,961 117 94% lower
Licensed handlers 598 147 75% lower
Total hemp acres 64,142 acres 1,694 acres 97% lower

*2026 figures as of August 3.

Source: Oregon Department of AgricultureDailyTidings.com

Some observers suggest that the decision by Congress to extend the effective date of the ban for an additional month to December 11 is an election ploy.

The ban affects full-spectrum CBD products, like edibles, tinctures, and beverages, and other popular hemp products.

Tidings Data Snapshot

Floral Hemp Dominates U.S. Outdoor Hemp Value
  • Floral hemp$574 million
  • Seed hemp$49.7 million
  • Fiber hemp$13.5 million
  • Grain hemp$8.09 million

Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2025 crop yearDailyTidings.com

On December 11, Congress will decide whether to regulate intoxicating hemp products under a new federal system, or to impose the ban nationwide.

Synthetic cannabinoids that are not naturally produced by the cannabis plant will continue to be prohibited.

Oregon Businesses Warn of Closures and Lost Markets

Meanwhile, the impending ban is shutting down or having an impact on small businesses in Oregon, such as the Oregon CBD Company, the Oregon Cannabis Company, and Oregon CBD Seeds, all based in Willamette Valley.

The Law Ends the Hemp Industry, Says Oregon Hemp Seed Business Owner

The law ends the hemp industry, says Oregon CBD Seeds co-owner, Seth Crawford. His business supplies 75% of hemp seed grown in the U.S. Crawford believes demand for seeds will shrink as many hemp product processors will not be able to meet the new guidelines. He now plans to focus on selling hemp seeds to home growers.

The Crawford brothers, who started the business in 2014, established a 50-acre farm and cannabis research laboratory off Oregon Highway 99W. They have invested millions of dollars in greenhouses, grow tents, solar panels, and research equipment.

According to Stateline, the new law will close a legal loophole that presently allows manufacturers to convert legal hemp plants into synthetic marijuana.

Daily Tidings is independent and free to read, thanks to readers like you. Help keep it going.

Support us

Morning Brief

Sign up today for our daily newsletter, a quick overview of top local stories and Oregon breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

What do you think?

Your email address will not be published.

Be the first to comment.

Latest News

All news
  1. Oregon Orders Data Centers to Pay Their Own Power Costs Under New Pacific Power RulesBusiness & Economy
  2. Stalled Portland Low-Income Housing Project Now Costs Nearly $1 Million Per ApartmentBusiness & Economy
  3. Stranded at Portland Airport by Nationwide FAA Ground Stop, Family Paid $800 to Drive HomeBusiness & Economy
  4. Eastern Oregon Groundwater Pollution Case Brings $25 Million Settlement From Food ProducerEnvironment
  5. Grants Pass Shelter Gives Longtime Residents Until Monday to Leave, With No Promise of ReturnPolitics & Government
  6. Oregon Landlords Don’t Have to Say When They Mailed No-Cause Eviction Notices, Court RulesCrime & Courts

Read More