Hemp Hypocrisy and Cannabis Silence

This week’s PerryPhernalia feature rolls everything together: the hypocrisy of a “clean” CR that wasn’t, President Trump’s silence on cannabis, the hemp ban amendment text, and the money trail behind it. To balance the policy heaviness, we close with traditional Amazon Gear Picks — all hemp products.

📜 The Hemp Ban Amendment

“Hemp shall be defined to include all parts, derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers of the plant Cannabis sativa L. with a total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration not exceeding 0.4 milligrams per container. Any hemp‑derived product exceeding this threshold shall be prohibited from manufacture, distribution, or sale.”

This language effectively bans Delta‑8, Delta‑10, THCA, and most hemp‑derived edibles and drinks. Industry leaders warn it will wipe out 95% of the $28B hemp retail market and cost 300,000 jobs.

⚖️ The “Clean” CR Hypocrisy

Republican leaders repeatedly promised a “clean” continuing resolution — no riders, no controversial amendments. Yet the hemp ban was slipped in at the last minute. Critics call it hypocrisy: demanding a clean bill while inserting one of the most consequential cannabis restrictions in years.

🌿 Trump’s Cannabis Silence

Earlier in 2025, President Trump said he would “take a look” at rescheduling marijuana. Since then, nothing. No announcement, no policy, no clarity. Meanwhile, his administration labeled marijuana a “public safety hazard” and pledged aggressive prosecutions on federal lands. The contradiction is stark: silent on marijuana, active on hemp.

💰 Following the Money

Alcohol industry groups — Bacardi North America, Moët Hennessy USA, Anheuser‑Busch, Molson Coors, and trade associations like the Distilled Spirits Council and Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America — lobbied heavily for the hemp ban. Their motive: eliminate competition from hemp THC beverages that threaten beer and spirits sales. Lobbying disclosures confirm Q3–Q4 2025 activity targeting “intoxicating hemp” regulation, and reports tie the amendment’s insertion directly to last‑minute alcohol industry pressure.

🛒 Amazon Gear Picks: Hemp Edition

🌿 Hemp Rolling Papers

Organic hemp rolling papers burn clean and smooth. Available in flavored and unbleached varieties.

🪴 Hemp Wick

Hemp wick spools offer a natural flame alternative to butane lighters. Great for smoother sessions.

👜 Hemp Bags & Accessories

Hemp backpacks and pouches combine durability with eco‑friendly style. Perfect for carrying gear.

🧵 Hemp Clothing

Hemp t‑shirts and hoodies are breathable, sustainable, and stylish. Many are blended with organic cotton.

🧠 PerryPhernalia Take

The hemp ban amendment exposes Washington’s contradictions: promises of a “clean” CR, silence on marijuana, and sudden action on hemp. Following the money points to entrenched alcohol interests. For readers, the lesson is clear: policy shapes markets, but paraphernalia keeps culture alive. Whether it’s rolling papers, hemp wick, or eco‑friendly gear, Sunday is the perfect day to celebrate hemp.

Sources

• Marijuana Moment – Alcohol industry groups push Congress to ban intoxicating hemp products
• ReadSludge – Alcohol industry groups push to ban THC drinks in funding bill
• USA Today – Hemp crackdown included in shutdown deal
• CounterPunch – McConnell helped usher in hemp, now working to kill it
• PBS NewsHour – Will Trump change federal marijuana policy?

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