Hemp-Derived THC Products in C-Stores

A de facto ban on hemp-derived products that was scheduled to start November 12 has been delayed until December 11, 2026—but there’s much work to do to keep these products on shelves.

Issue Background and Next Steps

In late 2025, members of Congress who opposed the sale of legal hemp products included language in an appropriations bill that would have essentially banned nearly all hemp-derived products sold in conve­nience stores on November 12, 2026. 

Since that time, the NACS government relations team and representatives of hemp product manufacturers worked to delay that deadline. In late July, the U.S. Senate passed a continuing resolution that funds the federal government through December 11, 2026, that also moves the hemp deadline until that date. 

Even with the deadline now extended to December 11, time is running short for Congress to pass a federal regulatory framework. Several members of Congress have introduced legislation that would create such a framework. NACS is working with these legislators to ensure the convenience industry’s continued ability to sell hemp-derived products. 

The members of Congress who oppose hemp-derived products cite youth access and say that some products use intentionally deceptive packag­ing and marketing, often made to look very similar to popular candy or soda products. NACS is working to ensure that whatever regulatory pathway legislation Congress passes limits hemp-derived products to adults and prohibits deceptive practices. 

NACS is working on behalf of the convenience industry to ensure that retailers will continue to have the ability to sell these products, subject to responsible regula­tions.