On January 14, 2026, Gov. Phil Murphy signed S-4509, rolling back the prior hemp rules. The new law aligns New Jersey’s definitions of hemp with federal standards. Products exceeding the federal THC limits will now be classified as marijuana or cannabis starting April 13, 2026.

On January 12, 2026, House Member Jim Baird and a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill to aid the hemp industry, HR 7010, also known as the “Baird Bill”. If enacted, it will extend the time for the new anti-hemp provisions to go into place by an additional two years.

This article provides important hemp law updates for Minnesota, Connecticut, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas.

As I write this, President Trump is signing an Executive Order (EO) directing the Attorney General to reschedule marijuana to schedule III from its current (and longstanding) place on schedule I. Notably, in addition to rescheduling, the EO addresses hemp and full spectrum CBD. 

Big changes are coming for Alabama’s hemp retailers. According to ABC representatives, if you’re currently selling CHPs and don’t have an ABC license by January 1, 2026, you’ll have to stop all sales until you’re licensed.

California’s AB 8 was signed into law in September 2025 and becomes partially effective on January 1, 2026. We highlight those changes and how they could impact your business.

The Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission (OLCC) Hemp Product Registry launches on January 1, 2026. The OLCC told Kight Law Office that representatives will continue to monitor the situation as the change in federal law approaches. For now, OLCC is moving forward with implementing Oregon’s Hemp Registry as directed by 2024 House Bill 4121.