The Inclusion Reflects a Successful Hemp Industry Influence Campaign

The White House is lobbying Congress to delay a ban on potent intoxicating hemp products, a move that would benefit the son-in-law of Susie Wiles, President Trump's chief of staff. At the administration's request, senators tucked the delay into a stopgap spending bill they aim to pass this week to avert a government shutdown at the end of September. The proposal has sparked an internal fight in Congress, with some senators opposing the rollback of restrictions meant to address public health risks, and could derail the spending agreement.

The inclusion reflects a successful hemp industry influence campaign. Trump's administration has adopted permissive stances toward other intoxicants and wellness trends, including peptides, kratom, and flavored vapes, aligning with the Make America Healthy Again movement, though public health experts have raised concerns.