A major convenience store trade association is urging Congress to establish a regulated market for hemp-derived THC products rather than allowing a looming federal restriction to remove the products from store shelves.
National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), which represents the convenience and fuel retailing industry, says Congress should use the newly extended deadline to develop federal rules allowing hemp-derived THC products to be sold legally to adults with appropriate safety standards and age verification requirements.
The push comes after President Donald Trump signed H.R. 6500, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, into law on September 2. The legislation delays implementation of new federal restrictions on naturally derived hemp products from November 12 to December 11.
The delay does not apply to synthetically produced cannabinoids, which remain subject to the November 12 deadline.
Under legislation enacted last year, finished hemp-derived cannabinoid products intended for human or animal consumption will generally be limited to no more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container. NACS says the threshold would effectively remove all intoxicating hemp products currently sold by convenience stores while also making most CBD products illegal.
Rather than an outright prohibition, the association supports a federal framework under which compliant products could continue to be sold to adults.
“The convenience retail channel, with its well-established age verification procedures, is suited to selling hemp products to adults legally and responsibly,” said Jon Taets, NACS director of government relations. “We look forward to working with Congress on a solution that not only protects children in our communities but also supports small businesses.”
NACS has been actively lobbying Congress on the issue. During Senate consideration of the funding legislation in August, the association coordinated with retailers, state associations and hemp organizations in opposition to an amendment from U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) that would have eliminated the delay. More than 1,200 messages were sent to senators through the association’s campaign, and the Senate voted 61 to 32 to table Budd’s amendment.
The association has also backed congressional efforts to create a permanent regulatory system.
One proposal is H.R. 7212, the bipartisan Hemp Enforcement, Modernization and Protection Act, introduced by U.S. Representatives Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Marc Veasey (D-TX). The measure would establish a Food and Drug Administration regulatory framework for cannabinoid hemp products and direct the agency to develop standards for products intended for human use.
NACS argues that regulated hemp THC products represent a growing category for convenience retailers, particularly in states that already allow and regulate their sale. The group warns that eliminating the legal market entirely could instead push consumers toward unregulated products.
Unless Congress acts again, the new federal restrictions on naturally derived hemp products are scheduled to take effect December 11.
