New federal rule could wipe out CBD products, making them illegal

DENMARK, Wis. (WBAY) - A federal proposal tied to a government spending bill could soon reshape the hemp industry, making many CBD products illegal. Critics warn it could eliminate products patients rely on every day.

A few drops before bed, a gummy to take the edge off, a cream for aching joints - for some, hemp-derived products like CBD have become part of daily life.

“It’s really been life changing career for me,” said Mark Rozmarynoski.

Mark Rozmarynoski started his business after the hemp industry took off, following the 2018 farm bill; that law made hemp legal, limiting Delta-9 THC to less than 0.3%.

“As somebody who had never use cannabis prior to growing it, I would have thought that it was a gateway drug, and all these other things and medical benefits are unreal,” said Rozmarynoski.

But now, a new federal proposal could shift the rules entirely. Instead of measuring THC by percentage in the plant, the provision would ban any product with more than point-four milligrams of THC total, per container.

Eliminating most products currently on the market.

“We’re not talking about a product that has psychoactive effects. Our patients aren’t trying to get high, that scares them,” said Dr. Kristen Lindgren.

Dr. Lindgren says more than half of her patients use CBD, often in place of pain medications, for sleep, chronic pain, and cancer-related symptoms. She says what’s missing now is understanding.

“I think we need to look at this from a wellness standpoint, a small business standpoint, and making sure that people making those decisions understand what all this impacts is important,” said Dr. Kristen Lindgren.

“When you see people’s lives change, it just it changes you as well, and you realize you’re doing something for the greater good of your brothers and sisters and humanity,” said Rozmarynoski.

As it stands, the federal ban would take effect in November 2026.