Press Release: AACPN Celebrates Key Victory as House Delays Federal Hemp Restrictions

Temporary reprieve delays federal hemp restrictions through December 11 while Congress continues work toward a comprehensive regulatory framework

WASHINGTON, September 2, 2026 — The American Alternative Care Policy Network (AACPN) today welcomed House passage of legislation delaying most federal restrictions on consumable hemp products from November 12 through December 11. The extension provides Congress additional time to develop and enact a comprehensive regulatory framework that protects consumers while preserving lawful access to responsibly regulated products.

As a healthcare policy organization focused on evidence-based alternative care, AACPN believes this delay is particularly important to veterans, first responders, frontline workers and trauma survivors within the AACPN community who have integrated consumable hemp-derived cannabinoid products into their wellness regimens, oftentimes in consultation with their clinicians. Preserving access allows those individuals to continue making informed decisions about products they have chosen to incorporate into their lives.

AACPN has worked with lawmakers throughout the past year to delay the November restrictions and replace them with a reasonable, responsible and comprehensive federal regulatory framework. Throughout that time, the organization has consistently urged Congress to protect patients without unnecessarily disrupting access to consumable hemp products currently governed through state regulatory frameworks.

“Approving the current resolution to December represents a meaningful policy victory for veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors who have incorporated consumable hemp products into their wellness regimes,” said AACPN co-founder Adrian Bruneau, a five-time Marine Corps combat veteran.

“The December 11 extension is an important start,” said AACPN co-founder John R. Gordon, a volunteer firefighter. “But if Congress is unable to develop and enact a comprehensive federal regulatory framework by that date, an additional, longer delay will be necessary to ensure continued patient access to the products many rely upon until a legislative solution is in place.”

AACPN has previously endorsed two bipartisan proposals that provide strong foundations for that work: Rep. Andy Barr’s (R-KY) Lawful Hemp Protection Act (H.R. 9830), cosponsored by Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Tim Moore (R-NC), Marc Veasey (D-TX), Gabe Evans (R-CO) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ); and the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act (H.R. 10079), introduced by Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) and cosponsored by Reps. Greg Landsman (D-OH), Susie Lee (D-NV) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ). Although the bills take different approaches, both recognize that Congress can protect patients and preserve lawful access without displacing responsible state-level regulation.

AACPN will remain engaged with lawmakers, veterans, first responders, frontline workers, trauma survivors, healthcare professionals, patient advocates and other stakeholders to ensure that the progress represented by this delay leads to a lasting, comprehensive federal framework for consumable hemp products.

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About AACPN

The American Alternative Care Policy Network is a nonprofit healthcare policy organization dedicated to advancing the safe, legal and scientifically validated integration of alternative, integrative and emerging healthcare treatments into the American healthcare system. AACPN focuses particularly on improving treatment options and healthcare access for veterans, first responders, trauma survivors and others living with chronic pain, behavioral health challenges and the long-term effects of physical or psychological trauma. The organization advocates for evidence-based policies that expand patient choice, improve healthcare access and support continued innovation in healthcare delivery.