As Congress worked to keep the federal government open last week, one small section of the new spending bill caught the hemp industry’s attention. Tucked deep inside the 1,000+ page package was a provision that would significantly restrict hemp-derived THC products nationwide — language that many in the industry say could reshape the market for hemp-derived THC products.
But here in Virginia, things may look different. With Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger’s victory and a renewed push toward an adult-use cannabis retail market, local hemp businesses like Pure Shenandoah are already positioned to thrive in a more transparent, regulated environment.
According to Marijuana Moment, the new federal spending bill includes a provision that would limit legal hemp products to no more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container, including “any other cannabinoids with similar effects.”
Other outlets, including The Guardian and the Cato Institute, note that the language appears to have been added quietly to the continuing resolution — giving little notice to operators or lawmakers who support hemp agriculture.
Further reporting from MJBizDaily notes that the bill would also prohibit synthetic conversions of CBD into intoxicating cannabinoids and includes a one-year implementation period before enforcement begins, allowing regulators time to clarify definitions and compliance standards.
If passed as-is, this update to federal hemp law could drastically reduce the availability of hemp-derived intoxicants nationwide — including THC seltzers, vape products, and gummies.
For consumers, the biggest question will be clarity: what remains federally legal, and how will states respond? For hemp companies, it means doubling down on transparency, testing, and consumer education — all areas that Pure Shenandoah has championed from the start.
Our Buzzin’ Berry THC Seltzer and Buzzin’ Breeze THC Seltzer are already manufactured in compliance with Virginia’s hemp regulations, featuring QR-linked lab reports and verified potency results through our COA portal. We design every product to meet both state and federal safety standards, ensuring our customers can trust what’s inside each can.
While many states may face uncertainty from these new hemp limits, Virginia may actually benefit.
Recent coverage from Marijuana Moment, Vicente LLP, and WDBJ7 indicates that Spanberger’s administration plans to revisit and implement the adult-use cannabis retail framework originally passed in 2021. That framework, once active, will allow regulated sales of THC products under clear licensing and testing rules.
For companies like Pure Shenandoah, based in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, this potential shift represents opportunity — not loss. We’ve built our operation around Virginia-grown hemp, seed-to-sale transparency, and responsible retail partnerships. As Virginia transitions toward adult-use cannabis, our focus on quality, compliance, and community means we’ll be ready to participate in the state’s next chapter.
Although the headlines may sound alarming, nothing changes immediately. The spending bill’s hemp provision will likely take months to finalize — and even longer to implement.
During that time, consumers can make smart, confident choices by:
As the state moves closer to a regulated retail framework, companies with existing transparency and testing infrastructure — like Pure Shenandoah — will be well-positioned to align with whatever new licensing requirements arise. Our roots in Virginia agriculture and our investment in compliant production practices give us a foundation that can adapt as the market evolves.
At Pure Shenandoah, compliance isn’t a reaction — it’s part of our identity. Our About Us page outlines our seed-to-sale approach, sustainable farming partnerships, and rigorous testing standards that exceed both USDA and VDACS expectations.
We follow FDA-aligned structure and function language, describing how our products support relaxation, balance, and recovery without making medical claims. We also publish every product’s certificate of analysis, maintain local sourcing across Virginia farms, and collaborate with researchers and policy advocates who support hemp’s responsible future.
No matter how the spending bill unfolds, Pure Shenandoah remains committed to the same mission: Educate consumers, elevate standards, and strengthen Virginia’s role as a national hemp leader.
The next year will be pivotal for the hemp and cannabis industries nationwide. While federal hemp laws tighten, Virginia’s potential adult-use market could open a new door — transforming uncertainty into growth.
If Virginia’s lawmakers establish an adult-use licensing system in the coming years, Pure Shenandoah is ready to grow alongside it — maintaining the same integrity and community focus that define our hemp operations today.
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