Ross Washington is the owner of Green Leaf Farms in Mystic, CT. Green Leaf Farms is a shop featuring CBD and hemp products, the future of which could be shaped by proposed federal hemp regulations.
Washington said operating a small business in Mystic presents high costs and challenges.
A Business Built on Hemp
Proposed federal restrictions on certain hemp-derived cannabinoid products could significantly affect businesses like Green Leaf Farms if enacted. The hemp industry expanded significantly following passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which federally legalized hemp containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight, according to reports and analyses cited by lawmakers, regulators, industry groups, and researchers.
According to a recent report from the Congressional Research Service, the nonpartisan research arm of Congress, a market emerged for a variety of hemp-derived cannabinoid products following passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. The report notes that lawmakers, regulators, industry groups, and advocacy organizations continue to debate how such products should be regulated under federal and state law, and that the regulatory landscape remains unsettled.
The proposed restrictions remain under consideration and could change before becoming law. Industry groups, lawmakers, regulators, and other stakeholders continue to debate how hemp-derived cannabinoid products should be regulated under federal law. Congressional Research Service reports have noted that the regulatory landscape surrounding hemp-derived cannabinoid products remains unsettled and continues to evolve.
While the proposed restrictions have generated debate within the hemp industry, many businesses remain uncertain about how future regulations could affect their operations.
Washington expressed concern about the future of his business.
The following interview was conducted with Washington earlier this week. Washington’s comments reflect his views regarding proposed regulatory changes and their potential impact on his business.
Consumers of hemp-derived products could face additional restrictions depending on the outcome of ongoing regulatory and legal developments.
A Visit to Green Leaf Farms
Photos displayed on the store’s Google Business listing depict a variety of hemp-derived products, including pre-rolls, gummies, and vape products.
The photos showed products including CBD and THCA flower.
During the visit, THC-P pre-rolls, edibles, balms, and creams were observed on display. Some products visible in older online photographs were not observed during the visit.
Washington said uncertainty surrounding potential federal restrictions has significantly affected business operations. “I am not sure where I will be come November,” Washington said. “If a full ban goes into effect, it could mean I have to close the business,” Washington said.
Concerns Over Federal Hemp Regulations
“These politicians don’t understand the plant, or the THC number limits per container they are looking to force upon us,” Washington said.
An interview with Ross Washington of Green Leaf Farms
Q: How could the proposed federal hemp restrictions affect your current products, especially gummies, beverages, vapes, and high-THC hemp products?
A: It will definitely affect my business dramatically, as I will not be able to sell any of those products that bring in the majority of the money for my store.
Q: What is your biggest fear about the new regulations taking effect in 2026?
A: My biggest fear would be having to shut down everything I’ve built at my store permanently and restart something new somewhere else.
Q: Have you already started changing your product formulations, sourcing, or labeling to prepare for the law overhaul?
A: Yes. I have spoken with one of my distributors about old and new products for the future.
Q: How much of your current revenue comes from products that may become restricted or banned under the new federal rules?
A: A very big portion of almost all of my products will be in jeopardy—100%.
Q: What kind of guidance or communication have you received from attorneys, trade groups, or regulators about the upcoming changes?
A: Personally, I haven’t heard anything as of yet.
The Impact on Small Hemp Businesses
Q: Do you feel small independent hemp businesses are being treated fairly compared to large cannabis corporations and multi-state operators?
A: Absolutely not. Honestly, I really feel targeted as a hemp business, especially right now, since THCA flower and hemp drinks came out. People are looking toward hemp products for pain relief, and it feels like independent businesses are being singled out.
Q: How are these upcoming regulations impacting your hiring, expansion, or long-term business planning?
A: Long term, I’m thinking about closing because of all the new restrictions, but that’s exactly what they want to happen with all these new tight regulations.
Q: What do your customers think about the possible product restrictions and industry changes coming in 2026?
A: A good majority of people just haven’t heard about it. The new regulations were somehow slipped into the paperwork to reopen the government earlier this year, nice and quiet, so hardly anyone knows about it yet.
Q: What changes would you like lawmakers to make so independent hemp businesses can survive and compete legally?
A: I would like lawmakers to better understand the plant as a whole, including the basic chemical structure and reactions that take place when converting THCA into THC. I’d aslo like them to support small businesses that are simply trying to make a living in this industry.
Q: If these federal changes go through as expected, what does the future of your business look like over the next 2–3 years?
A: Totally nonexistent based on the numbers they’re forecasting.
The Uncertain Future of Hemp in the United States
Proposed regulatory changes continue to create uncertainty within portions of the hemp industry.
Federal regulatory decisions could have significant implications for hemp businesses, consumers, and the broader cannabis industry.
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Editor’s Disclaimer: This article is based primarily on an interview with Ross Washington, owner of Green Leaf Farms in Mystic, Connecticut. Statements regarding future federal hemp regulations, potential industry impacts, and business forecasts reflect the views and opinions of the interview subject unless otherwise indicated. Regulatory proposals, legislation, and legal challenges affecting the hemp industry remain subject to change. Readers are encouraged to consult official government sources and legal professionals for the most current information regarding hemp laws and regulations.
