AACPN Statement on White House Support for Revising Federal Hemp Regulations

MEDIA CONTACT

John Gordon

Director of Healthcare Policy and External Affairs

American Alternative Care Policy Network

JRGordon@aacpn.org

www.aacpn.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AACPN Statement on White House Support for Revising Federal Hemp Regulations

WASHINGTON, June 29, 2026 — The American Alternative Care Policy Network (AACPN) today welcomed the White House's June 24 request that Congress revise federal hemp regulations consistent with Representative Andy Barr's Amendment #54 to H.R. 8646 or, at minimum, delay implementation of the hemp restrictions scheduled to take effect on November 12, 2026.

As a healthcare policy organization focused on evidence-based alternative care, AACPN believes the White House's recommendation provides Congress with an opportunity to replace prohibition with a comprehensive regulatory framework grounded in consumer protection and public health.

The White House's recommendation represents an important shift in the national conversation surrounding hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Rather than framing the issue as a choice between unrestricted access and prohibition, the Administration has identified a legislative framework that emphasizes responsible regulation, consumer protection, product safety, and lawful access.

Had Amendment #54 been adopted, it would have replaced the forthcoming federal restrictions with a comprehensive regulatory framework that included nationwide standards for testing, labeling, age verification, manufacturing, child-resistant packaging, and prohibitions on synthetic cannabinoids. Under that approach, compliant hemp-derived products could have remained legally available through traditional retail channels while being subject to significantly stronger nationwide consumer protections.

"The hemp industry has consistently maintained that responsible regulation—not prohibition—is the best path forward," said Amanda J. Parker, Director of Alternative Care & Community Advocacy for AACPN. "Responsible businesses have been asking for clear, enforceable national standards that protect consumers while allowing responsible companies to continue serving adults through the existing retail marketplace. Amendment #54 demonstrated that those objectives are compatible. Strong testing requirements, age restrictions, labeling standards, and manufacturing oversight can strengthen consumer confidence while preserving a safe, legal, and well-regulated marketplace."

"Congress now has an opportunity to move beyond a debate centered on prohibition and instead focus on building a regulatory framework that protects consumers while preserving lawful access to hemp-derived cannabinoid products," said John R. Gordon, Director of Healthcare Policy & External Affairs for AACPN. "Amendment #54 demonstrates that Congress is not limited to choosing between today's marketplace and a broad federal ban. A carefully constructed regulatory framework can improve product safety, strengthen consumer confidence, and preserve access for millions of responsible adults who rely on these products."

"For the first time, the White House has publicly identified Amendment #54 as a legislative model worthy of congressional consideration," said Adrian Bruneau, Director of Political & Public Affairs for AACPN. "That changes the conversation. A proposal that previously ended as a procedural casualty is now being recognized by the Administration as a serious framework for reform. That significantly strengthens the prospects for bipartisan negotiations toward a comprehensive legislative solution.”

AACPN also emphasized that any future federal framework should continue to prioritize evidence-based policymaking and public health.

"Patients and consumers deserve products that are safe, accurately labeled, responsibly manufactured, and supported by appropriate safeguards," said Jonathan 'Gio' Stelly, Director of Healthcare Innovation & Patient Outcomes for AACPN. "Responsible regulation strengthens public health. It provides consumers with greater confidence in the products they purchase while preserving access to products that many responsible adults have incorporated into their overall wellness routines."

H.R. 8646 has passed the House of Representatives and now awaits consideration by the Senate. Congress may still modify the hemp provisions before final enactment, including through negotiations if the House and Senate ultimately pass different versions of the legislation.

AACPN will continue working with policymakers, healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders, and patient advocates to advance legislation that protects consumers, promotes scientific research, and preserves access to safe, legal, and responsibly regulated hemp-derived cannabinoid products

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.