ERIE – Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49), chairman of the Senate Law and Justice Committee, announced his legislation to establish the Pennsylvania Cannabis Control Board has been amended to mirror new federal hemp standards recently signed into law.

On Nov. 12, 2025, Congress passed H.R. 5371. The legislation includes provisions that significantly tighten the federal definition of hemp and effectively ban most intoxicating hemp-derived products which emerged after the 2018 Farm Bill.

The new federal law, effective Nov. 12, closes loopholes which allowed intoxicating cannabinoids such as Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC and THCA to be sold in states across the country with little regulatory oversight.

Laughlin said Senate Bill 49 has been amended to reflect these new federal standards.

“As the federal government updates its definition of hemp, Pennsylvania needs to make sure our laws remain consistent and enforceable,” Laughlin said. “Amending Senate Bill 49 to mirror these federal changes helps close the same loopholes that allowed intoxicating hemp products to flood the marketplace with little oversight.”

Senate Bill 49 would establish the Pennsylvania Cannabis Control Board to oversee cannabis and hemp-derived products under a single regulatory structure. Laughlin said the goal of the legislation is to modernize the state’s approach to cannabis policy while improving consumer protections, regulatory clarity and enforcement.

“The current system is fragmented and has struggled to keep pace with how quickly the hemp market has evolved,” Laughlin said. “A cannabis control board would provide clear oversight, ensure products are properly regulated and give law enforcement the tools they need to get illegal and potentially harmful products off store shelves.”

Laughlin noted aligning Pennsylvania law with the updated federal hemp standards will help eliminate confusion and provide clear authority for regulators and law enforcement.

“Right now, there are too many gray areas in the law,” Laughlin said. “By aligning our statutes with federal standards and establishing a single regulatory body, we can protect consumers, support responsible businesses and help law enforcement crack down on bad actors in the marketplace.”

The bill remains under consideration in the Senate Law and Justice Committee.

 

CONTACT: Chris Carroll | 814-453-2515