Bill · H.R. 9830· House(119-HR-9830)
Lawful Hemp Protection Act
- Introduced
- 7/22/2026
- Last activity
- 7/22/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Agriculture, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Andy Barr
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 4
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Lawful Hemp Protection Act aims to protect consumers from high-THC synthetic intoxicants while preserving lawful hemp commerce. It establishes new definitions for hemp, industrial hemp, and unfinished hemp-cannabinoid ingredients to exclude certain artificially modified products. The bill implements strict FDA oversight regarding labeling, product content, and age restrictions for hemp-derived cannabinoid products. It also creates a federal tax system for hemp-derived beverages and cannabinoid products, alongside a permit system for manufacturers and wholesalers. Additionally, the Act allows for the coverage of these products under Medicare Advantage and establishes a trust fund for oversight. Finally, it implements zero-tolerance standards for impaired driving related to hemp.
Yes· 3 of 15
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+7
The bill establishes strict FDA oversight, labeling requirements, and bans synthetic intoxicants to protect consumers.
Would children be better off under this?+5
The bill prohibits the sale and possession of hemp-derived products by anyone under age 21.
Does this raise the taxes companies pay?+5
The bill imposes a 5 percent tax on the sales revenue of manufacturers of hemp-derived cannabinoid products.
The opposite
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-3
The bill imposes significant new taxes, permit requirements, and strict three-tiered distribution rules on businesses.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Consumer Protection and Safety: The bill establishes clear rules to prevent consumers from accessing high-THC synthetic intoxicants like HHC, THC-O acetate, and THCP (Section 3(a)(1)(C)). It also requires specific warnings regarding pregnancy and impaired driving on product labels (Section 4(a)(2)(A)).
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Age-Control Measures: The Act prohibits the sale, possession, or consumption of hemp-derived cannabinoid products by anyone younger than 21 years of age (Section 4(b)(kkk)).
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Increased Access for the Chronically Ill: Medicare Advantage plans may include coverage of hemp-derived cannabinoid products as a special supplemental benefit for the chronically ill (Section 5(a)).
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Industry Credibility: By requiring consistent manufacturing, accurate labeling, and domestic sourcing, the bill aims to maintain public trust in the hemp industry (Section 2(2)).
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Standardized Safety Testing: The Secretary is tasked with establishing uniform manufacturing and testing requirements to ensure product safety (Section 4(c)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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New Financial Burdens on Industry: The bill imposes several new taxes, including a tax on hemp-derived beverages based on THC content, a 5 percent tax on all other hemp-derived cannabinoid products, and a 5 percent tax on the sales revenue of manufacturers (Section 6(a)(1), 6(a)(1A), and 6(a)(1B)).
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Strict Regulatory Requirements for Businesses: Manufacturers and wholesalers must obtain federal permits to engage in business, and must maintain accurate inventories and reports (Section 5902 and Section 5903).
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Legal Risks and Penalties: Failure to comply with the new regulations can lead to significant civil and criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment (Section 5907 and Section 5907A).
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Restrictions on Distribution: The bill mandates a strict three-tiered distribution system for hemp-derived beverages, preventing certain entities from holding more than one tier of interest (Section 5904).
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Impaired Driving Penalties: States must implement specific standards for assessing hemp-related impairment to avoid losing federal highway funds, and individuals found operating vehicles while impaired by hemp face the same penalties as those driving under the influence of alcohol (Section 9).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+5Good For Seniors+4Good For Veterans+3Good For Low Income Households+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+7Increases Corporate Taxes+5Improves Economic Growth+1Increases Job Creation+1Increases Wealthy Taxes+1Improves Small Business Support-3
- Healthcare
- Increases Medicare Funding+3Improves Healthcare Access+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2Increase States Rights+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- 8/31/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 8/20/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/30/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/22/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Agriculture, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
James BairdRepublican · Indiana
Angie CraigDemocrat · Minnesota
Gabe EvansRepublican · Colorado
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Betty McCollumDemocrat · Minnesota
Tim MooreRepublican · North Carolina
Marc VeaseyDemocrat · Texas