Program Details
2026-11-16 12:00:00
Over 1,000+ webinars
Course Overview
2026-11-16 12:00:00
1h CLE Credits
Intermediate
1
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm ESTThis session walks through how Section 781 of Public Law 119-37 (Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026) narrows the federal definition of hemp and reclassifies most hemp-derived cannabinoid products as Schedule I controlled substances.
Attorneys will learn how to assess whether certain products will still be considered “hemp” under the new regime, or if such products will be considered Schedule I marijuana instead. In large part, this discussion will highlight the key forthcoming changes to the definition of “hemp,” including the new total (not just Delta-9) THC concentration standard, the 0.4 mg per-container cap, and the blanket exclusion of synthetic cannabinoids. Attorneys will also learn how to advise clients on reformulation, inventory disposition, and contractual obligations changes as the new definition takes effect. Attendees leave with a working framework for sorting products into three groups: those that survive as “hemp,” those that can be reformulated to meet the new definition, and those with no compliant path forward. The session closes with a look at whether Congress might still act to delay or re-work the changes to the “hemp” definition, and what else could be on the horizon for federal hemp and cannabis policy.
Agustin E. RodriguezChristopher W. BaxterAgustin E. Rodriguez advises cannabis, tobacco, gambling, and other highly regulated businesses on the federal and state rules that govern their products. A partner in the Richmond and Washington, D.C. offices of Troutman Pepper Locke, he counsels manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and suppliers on licensing, taxation, marketing, advertising, and product sales, including manufacturers and suppliers of smokeable hemp and cannabis products. He co-authored the firm’s analysis “Congress Narrows Federal Definition of ‘Hemp,’ Effectively Banning Most Intoxicating Hemp Products.” He is fluent in Spanish and proficient in Portuguese.
Christopher W. Baxter develops legislative initiatives and political strategy and leads advocacy before Congress and federal agencies as Senior Manager, Federal Affairs at Troutman Strategies, the government affairs arm of Troutman Pepper Locke, in Washington, D.C. His policy work spans food safety, appropriations, tax, trade, health care, and health information technology, and his clients include agricultural groups, trade associations, Fortune 500 companies, health care entities, educational institutions, multinational corporations, and nonprofits.
Agustin E. Rodriguez advises cannabis, tobacco, gambling, and other highly regulated businesses on the federal and state rules that govern their products. A partner in the Richmond and Washington, D.C. offices of Troutman Pepper Locke, he counsels manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and suppliers on licensing, taxation, marketing, advertising, and product sales, including manufacturers and suppliers of smokeable hemp and cannabis products. He co-authored the firm’s analysis “Congress Narrows Federal Definition of ‘Hemp,’ Effectively Banning Most Intoxicating Hemp Products.” He is fluent in Spanish and proficient in Portuguese.
Christopher W. Baxter develops legislative initiatives and political strategy and leads advocacy before Congress and federal agencies as Senior Manager, Federal Affairs at Troutman Strategies, the government affairs arm of Troutman Pepper Locke, in Washington, D.C. His policy work spans food safety, appropriations, tax, trade, health care, and health information technology, and his clients include agricultural groups, trade associations, Fortune 500 companies, health care entities, educational institutions, multinational corporations, and nonprofits.
Requirements
The Alabama State Bar MCLE Commission requires attorneys to complete 12 credits, including 1 ethics, by December 31 of each year. All credits must be reported by February 15 of the following year. A maximum of 12 credits, including 1 ethics credit, may be carried over for 1 year only.
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