Eagle Forum applauds the efforts of the 32 conservative Senators who fought to remove language from the Continuing Resolution (CR) that would have delayed the implementation of life-saving restrictions on intoxicating hemp-derived delta-8 THC products.
Despite strong efforts from lawmakers, grassroots activists, and conservative organizations, Senator Ted Budd’s (R-NC) amendment was tabled by a vote of 61-32. Our efforts will now focus on the U.S. House of Representatives to reject the measure if they choose to take up the Senate’s version of the CR.
“Eagle Forum worked alongside organizations such as Smart Approaches to Marijuana to encourage Senators to support Senator Ted Budd’s amendment to preserve these critical protections,” said Eagle Forum President Kris Ullman.
The 2025 Farm Bill closed a loophole that had allowed manufacturers to produce intoxicating quantities of delta-8 THC from hemp with little oversight. The hemp-derived THC industry capitalized on that loophole, building a billion-dollar market by infusing intoxicating THC into products such as gummies, candies, beverages, and vape products. These products have often been marketed and packaged in ways that appeal to children and teenagers.
“Children are among the most vulnerable to the dangers of delta-8 THC,” Ullman continued. “These products are readily available in convenience stores, gas stations, and other retail outlets, making them easily accessible to minors. Young people are especially susceptible to accidentally consuming dangerous amounts, which can result in serious, life-threatening medical emergencies.”
“In recent years, emergency departments and poison control centers have reported a surge in cases involving children suffering from severe vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, and psychosis after consuming delta-8 THC products. In Virginia, a four-year-old child tragically died after ingesting delta-8 gummies left on a kitchen counter. Delaying commonsense safeguards that protect children from these dangerous products is both irresponsible and reckless.”
Eagle Forum joined 55 like-minded organizations in signing a coalition letter urging Senators to reject any delay in implementing the delta-8 THC restrictions. Eagle Forum also scored votes in support of Senator Budd’s amendment, and those votes will be reflected in our Congressional Scorecard. Additionally, Eagle Forum is grateful to the 35 state attorneys general who sent a similar letter urging Congress to allow the restrictions to take effect as scheduled.
Eagle Forum was founded by Phyllis Schlafly, a dynamic and charismatic leader who inspired countless women and men to participate in the process of self-government and public policy-making so that America will continue to be a land of individual liberty, with respect for the nuclear family, public and private virtue, and private enterprise. For nearly fifty years, Eagle Forum’s network of state organizations has led the charge to mobilize the grassroots to defend the founding principles of the United States.
