Missouri, Illinois attorneys general oppose changes to federal hemp THC ban

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

WASHINGTON (KBSI) — The attorneys general of Missouri and Illinois joined legal officials from 33 other jurisdictions in urging Congress to reject efforts to delay or weaken a federal ban on intoxicating hemp-derived THC products.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul signed an Aug. 4 letter sent to congressional leaders. The letter calls on lawmakers to preserve the November 2025 redefinition of hemp and reject attempts to delay, repeal, suspend or weaken it.

The officials warned that changing the definition could lead to inconsistent enforcement, regulatory uncertainty, renewed litigation and increased youth access to intoxicating products.

Smart Approaches to Marijuana, an organization that supports stricter marijuana policies, welcomed the letter and said it helped gather the signatures.

The organization said lawmakers are considering changes to the ban as part of federal spending negotiations. It argued that a delay would allow intoxicating products, including some delta-8 THC products, to remain available longer.

The letter was signed by attorneys general or chief legal officers representing 34 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.